Mazda CX-3 2.0 Sport Nav+ 2018 first drive

A revised take on the supermini-sized, sort-of SUV, one that Mazda hopes will put some distance between the Mazda Mazda CX-3 and a constantly expanding field of competitors.

When it arrived in 2015, Mazda's competent crossover was something of a jack of all trades. It looked the part, drove well and was fairly economical, but didn’t really excel in any one area at a time when various rivals were championing practicality, value, and sheer niche appeal.

That’s set to change with this facelifted Mazda CX-3, which has received a slew of mechanical upgrades in addition to visual tweaks and interior additions.

New coil springs and dampers have been fitted to the MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension to sharpen the handling, the electric power steering has been retuned to be more responsive and the size of the front stabiliser has been reduced to improve roll response. So more than just a prettier face, then.

It’s also the first model to get Mazda’s new 1.8-litre Skyactiv-D diesel engine, which replaces the 1.5-litre unit found in the outgoing model. Efficiency boosts come courtesy of revised multi-stage injectors and egg-shaped pistons, which make for better combustion. However, with 85% of UK customers opting for the petrol derivative, we’ve concentrated on that instead.

The 2.0-litre, four cylinder unit is available in either 119bhp or 148bhp outputs, and can be mated to a six-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. It’s tested here in its entry-level potency, combined with the automatic 'box.

In the UK, the petrol CX-3 can also be equipped with four-wheel drive, but front-drive models like our test subject will almost certainly be the bigger sellers.

Putting a greater focus on driver engagement creates a lofty goal, especially for a car category not renowned for its dynamism, but the CX-3 manages to impress on the road.

The steering may not be as sharp as Mazda’s sportier offerings, and lacks any real road feel, but it is nevertheless pleasingly weighty. It handles weight transfer without any dramatic pitching, and cornering is largely confident. Body roll isn’t as noticeable as some rivals, but is still there should you go searching for it.

The suspension tweaks have delivered a ride that’s still firm, but one that’s able to absorb shocks and imperfections without seriously unsettling the car.