Specifications and pricing have been announced for the 2019 Mazda CX-3 range, the popular small SUV gets styling changes, additional equipment, a redesigned centre console and a new 1.8-litre diesel engine option.
 
The exterior has been tweaked, there’s a new grille at the front while higher grades get fresh looking rear combination lamps.
 
Inside has seen the most notable changes. The centre console has been redesigned and now includes a padded armrest. Also, every grade now features a rear-view camera, a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen (still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto) and an electric park brake.
 
Passenger comfort is said to be improved by the use of Urethane foam in the front seat cushions, while higher trim levels now get seats trimmed in real leather.
 
The range-topping Akari variant adds a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control with stop & go functionality and a new anti-glare interior rear-vision mirror – a feature shared with the sTouring.
 
Mazda has managed to extract an extra kilowatt and three extra Newton metres out of its 2.0L petrol engine, it now develops 110kW and 195Nm.
 
There’s a new 1.8-litre turbo-diesel engine in place of the 1.5-litre unit found in the outgoing model. The new engine boosts power to 85kW from 77kW at 4000rpm, while the torque figure remains at 270Nm, delivered between 1600 and 2600rpm.
 
As with the updated Mazda 3, the CX-3 gets a revised naming structure with the Neo and Maxx variants upgraded to Neo Sport and Maxx Sport.
 
Mazda continues to offer the CX-3 in both front- and all-wheel-drive guises with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
 
All grades get a strong safety package that includes forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking.
 
Opening the range is the Neo Sport which gets 16-inch steel wheels, rear parking sensors, push-button start and black cloth trim.
 
Moving to the Maxx Sport, which Mazda expects to account for the majority of sales, adds 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, automatic wipers, climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
 
The sTouring features larger 18-inch alloys, daytime running lamps, front fog-lamps, keyless entry, faux leather and black cloth seat trim, front parking sensors, traffic sign recognition and a driver attention alert.
 
At the business end of the range, Akari buyers get a powered sunroof, adaptive LED headlights, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with memory, heated front seats and lane departure warning.
 
2019 Mazda CX-3 pricing (drive-away):
 
Neo Sport (2.0, 6MT, FWD) - $23,990
Neo Sport (2.0, 6AT, FWD) - $25,990
Maxx Sport (2.0 6MT, FWD) - $25,490
Maxx Sport (2.0, 6AT, FWD) - $27,490
Maxx Sport (2.0, 6AT, AWD) - $29,490
Maxx Sport (1.8d, 6AT, FWD) - $29,990
sTouring (2.0, 6MT, FWD) - $28,740
sTouring (2.0, 6AT, FWD) - $30,740
sTouring (2.0, 6AT, AWD) - $32,740
sTouring (1.8d, 6AT, AWD) - $35,240
Akari (2.0, 6MT, FWD) - $33,990
Akari (2.0, 6AT, FWD) - $35,990
Akari (2.0, 6AT, AWD) - $37,490
Akari (1.8d, 6AT, AWD) - $40,490
 
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