Mazda CX-3 2018 revealed at New York show

Mazda revealed its updated CX-3 at last week’s New York motor show, with the refreshed SUV ushering in a handful of changes including tweaked exterior styling, a new interior, engine refinements and dynamic improvements.

While Mazda Australia has confirmed a facelifted CX-3 will arrive Down Under, the carmaker has warned that local models may vary from those shown overseas.

“Mazda is always looking to develop and update its product in line with consumer demands,” said Mazda Australia senior manager of public relations Sonia Singh.

“We will be exploring an update to the CX-3 in Australia towards the end of this year. America does have different needs to us, so the update is likely to differ slightly,” she said.

The keen-eyed will also notice a piano-black finish has been applied to the B- and C-pillars as well as the front foglight bezels.

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Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels have been reduced by way of new low-profile tyres, as well as thicker door panels, rear-door glass and headliner.

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The updated small SUV has undergone minor exterior changes including a restyled front grille, redesigned LED tail-lights, added chrome accents and new metallic-finish 18-inch alloys.

The keen-eyed will also notice a piano-black finish has been applied to the B- and C-pillars as well as the front foglight bezels.

On the inside, the CX-3 has been upgraded with an electric park brake, which has freed up cabin space allowing for a new central storage bin with an integrated armrest. 

The seats have been redesigned too; wider, firmer and more supportive than before and are now available with white or black full-leather upholstery in higher-grade variants.

Other interior changes include relocated cupholders, a new gear selector surround and red accents on the air vents.

Finally, the grey suede-like material found on the door trims now extends onto the dashboard.

The CX-3 has been upgraded with an electric park brake, which has freed up cabin space.

According to Mazda, the “CX-3’s suspension and power steering have also been fine-tuned to optimise dampening characteristics and enhance responsiveness”.

The CX-3 has received refinements to its four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines to meet stricter Euro 6 emission standards, with the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol raising its power output while improving fuel efficiency and reducing internal friction.

The US-market model now produces 110kW of power and 201Nm of torque, up 1kW and 9Nm.

The turbocharged diesel has also been fettled to meet the Euro 6 emission standards, with a newly added nitrogen oxide storage catalyst and an increased displacement to lower its combustion temperature.

Mazda is yet to reveal the diesel CX-3's new displacement figure.

Will you consider the new Mazda CX-3 when it arrives Down Under? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.