New diesel engine for refreshed Mazda CX-3
BY TUNG NGUYEN | 31st May 2018
MAZDA has launched the updated CX-3 in its home market of Japan headlined by a new 1.8-litre turbo-diesel engine that is expected to make its way to the brand’s refreshed Australian small SUV line-up due later this year.
Although exact outputs were not revealed in the Japanese press release, Mazda Japan’s consumer site pegs the new mill’s peak power figure at 85kW and maximum torque at 270Nm, an 8kW gain over the outgoing 1.5-litre turbo-diesel’s 77kW number. Torque remains steady.
Official consumption figures peg the new oil burner between 4.3 and 5.2 litres per 100 km.
According to the Japanese brand, the new engine “improves efficiency and emissions performance in common driving situations”, while also offering a “responsive driving feel with strong torque at high rpms for powerful and smooth acceleration”.
Meanwhile, the carryover 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine gains revisions introduced on the updated CX-5 mid-size SUV in May, including edge-cut pistons and high-dispersion injectors.
As a result, petrol engine outputs rise slightly to 110kW of power available at 6000rpm and 195Nm of torque from 2800rpm, up from the existing 2.0-litre CX-3’s 109kW/192Nm.
Aside from the updated powertrain choices, the new CX-3 – which was revealed at this year’s New York motor show – also sports a number of changes under the metal such as tweaks to the suspension for improved handling, thicker door panels and rear window glass to reduce unwanted noise intrusion, and front seat cushions that use the same high-damping urethane as the CX-8 for increased ride comfort.
The updated CX-3 also gains updated styling with a new front grille, LED headlights and fresh wheels – at least for Japanese domestic market vehicles.
The addition of an electric handbrake has also allowed Mazda to rework the centre console, adding an armrest for front occupants and flexible storage chubby.
Safety systems are also upgraded with the latest version of Mazda’s Advanced Smart City Brake Support that is better able to detect pedestrians at night.
Adaptive cruise control, a surround-view monitor and auto-dimming rearview mirror also carry over to certain grades.
In Japan, the CX-3 will also be available in an Exclusive Mods variant that adds red Nappa leather upholstery that can be combined with a white interior trim, which Mazda says “creates an edgy, urban atmosphere”.
Mazda CX-3 program manager Michio Tomiyama said the changes were made as a result of consumer response.
“The concept behind the CX-3 was to create the standard for the new era, and we’ve worked hard to evolve the model in response to customer feedback,” he said.
“Moving forward, we will continue efforts to improve our product in ways that customers will appreciate in everyday driving scenarios and enhance the essential value that cars offers.”
Mazda Australia’s CX-3 sales have remained steady this year, dropping just 1.4 per cent to the end of April for a 5672 year-to-date tally.
The effort puts Mazda’s smallest crossover second behind the ageing Mitsubishi ASX (5817) in the booming sub-$40,000 small-SUV segment that has, so far this year, grown 29.5 per cent.
