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Mazda CX-3 improves just slightly for 2019

Subtle design tweaks and better interior comfort round out this year's update.

Steven Ewing Former managing editor
Steven Ewing spent his childhood reading car magazines, making his career as an automotive journalist an absolute dream job. After getting his foot in the door at Automobile while he was still a teenager, Ewing found homes on the mastheads at Winding Road magazine, Autoblog and Motor1.com before joining the CNET team in 2018. He has also served on the World Car Awards jury. Ewing grew up ingrained in the car culture of Detroit -- the Motor City -- before eventually moving to Los Angeles. In his free time, Ewing loves to cook, binge trash TV and play the drums.
Steven Ewing
Mazda

There's an ever-so-slightly refreshed CX-3 on offer for 2019. And while the crossover's list of updates isn't extensive, that's fine with us. When it comes to great driving dynamics and handsome good looks, the CX-3 is right up at the top of its very competitive segment.

For 2019, the front end gets a little sharper, with a redesigned grille and some new chrome accents. New 18-inch wheels nicely fill out the wells at all four corners, and around back, the LED taillights have an updated light signature.

Inside, Mazda uses a different material in the front seats that should make them a little more comfortable, and full leather trim is now available on high-end models. In addition, new soft-touch suede-like material graces the dashboard and door tops. Thicker door panels and rear glass should help make the cabin quieter, too.

2019 Mazda CX-3
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2019 Mazda CX-3

While the interior looks the same, the seats are said to be more comfortable, and there's soft-touch material on the dash and doors.

Mazda

The 2019 CX-3 uses the same 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine as before, though power and torque has been increased slightly for better performance. The engine's new output ratings are 148 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, subtle increases of 2 horsepower and 2 pound-feet over last year's model.

Again, none of this drastically changes the Mazda CX-3 formula. But since we're already big fans of Mazda's subcompact crossover as-is, you won't hear us complaining. Look for the updated CX-3 to hit Mazda showrooms this spring.

Mazda CX-3 gets a modest update for 2019

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