“Creating the standard for a new era.”

That’s a pretty bold mission statement. But it was the concept for Mazda CX-3 initial design and engineering direction. And it made sense. Mazda CX-3 transcended the typical notions of what was the quickly burgeoning subcompact crossover SUV segment. It exemplified KODO—Soul of Motion design, sleek, with wheels pushed out to its corners, a taut greenhouse, large wheels and a long hood and short deck. Its chassis dynamics were far better than a crossover had any right to be. It was a clean-sheet design, executed with the notion of providing those with active lifestyles a vehicle to complement their vibrant, fulfilling lives.

For its second update, designers and engineers were emboldened with the mission of making Mazda CX- 3 “Exquisite and Edgy.” Mazda applied its latest technologies and design principles to further elevate CX- 3, including customer feedback to make Mazda CX-3 an even more compelling vehicle, offering improved ride comfort without compromising its driving dynamics, updating the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 for greater responsiveness and efficiency and enriching CX-3’s interior with a beautiful Japanese aesthetic, replete with new, upscale materials and design.

KODO Design is sharp, striking, yet minimalistic. It’s a uniquely Japanese aesthetic that emphasizes strength through form and proportions, from how the light graces a vehicle’s edges as you walk around it to adding visual weight to a vehicle’s rear as if it were an animal ready to leap. It’s a concept that draws strength not through an abundance of lines and creases; rather, its beauty is in what isn’t there, using light to play off CX-3’s flowing design. That’s what has made KODO so timeless since its introduction on the 2010 SHINARI concept car.

Mazda CX-3 comes standard with an eager SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter, direct-injection gasoline engine. This highly efficient, four-cylinder engine has been retuned to increase torque across its entire RPM range, improve fuel-efficiency and reduce internal friction. These advancements allow CX-3 to be able to respond more quickly to the driver’s intentions, while improving refinement. Peak SKYACTIV-G 2.0 numbers increase to 148 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque.

The revised engine is complemented by Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control (GVC) technology, which uses engine timing to control chassis dynamics, leading to smoother, more accurate steering inputs. CX-3’s suspension and power steering have also been fine-tuned to optimize dampening characteristics and enhance responsiveness. Furthermore, new 18-inch, low-profile tires have been developed to better absorb shocks from road surfaces and reduce braking distances.

CX-3’s interior sees even greater changes, with elements that have stretched its edgy design elements to fit a more premium sensibility. As with so much of Japanese design, emphasis was placed on eliminating the unnecessary. But, that didn’t stop Mazda’s design and engineering teams to add what was essential.

Perhaps, the greatest change inside is CX-3’s newly redesigned centre console and armrests. Switching to an electronic parking brake with auto-hold feature not only improves the functionality of the vehicle, it allowed Mazda designers plenty of space to rethink the center console, now with relocated cupholders, storage in the center console and an integrated armrest. The armrest is covered with soft padding, enhancing the quality and feel of the CX-3.

But this is just the beginning. There is so much more the 2019 CX-3 offers that we know you’ll appreciate. To get a thorough tour of all MX-3’s features and to experience first-hand the unparalleled driving dynamics, click the TEST DRIVE Button below.