The updated Mazda CX-3 is offered with both petrol and diesel versions of Mazda’s award-winning SKYACTIV engines. With a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, plus the option of all-wheel drive, the CX-3 offers a wide choice of engine and drivetrain choice across the eight model range.
With a focus on ‘rightsizing not downsizing’ Mazda’s innovative SKYACTIV engines deliver superb economy, low emissions and excellent refinement without compromising performance. Featuring extreme compression, lightweight design and i-stop idle-stop, Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G petrol and SKYACTIV-D diesel engines are engineered in the pursuit of achieving optimum combustion engine efficiency.
Mazda’s i-stop idle-stop system was developed entirely in-house and tailored specifically for its application in Mazda’s new generation of SKYACTIV-Engines. It uses combustion energy for restarting the engine, and only requires an electric-powered starter motor to provide a small degree of momentum during the initial restart phase.
The well-proven direct-injection and high-compression SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre petrol engine is offered with 121ps on front-wheel drive models and 150ps on AWD versions. Now featuring innovations that debuted on the Mazda CX-5, the CX-3’s petrol engines have new edge-cut pistons and high-pressure injectors to ensure ample torque through the rev-range and improve real-world economy. Both outputs come with a choice of a six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission or SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmissions. Matched exclusively to Sport Nav+ trim, the AWD models have an all-wheel drive system that automatically switches between four and two-wheel drive in response to road conditions. Mazda’s Active Torque Control splits torque between the front and rear axle seamlessly to ensure maximum traction and efficiency.
Designed to deliver ample torque and a positive throttle response both 121ps and 150ps versions produce 206Nm of torque at just 2,800rpm. In the Mazda CX-3, the 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G features a compact 4-2-1 exhaust system, which lowers the in-cylinder compression temperature to help prevent knocking, improve the scavenging effect and with it combustion efficiency, with the end result of extra torque – especially at low engine speeds.
Automatic petrol models feature Drive Selection that at the press of a button delivers extra responsiveness with Sport mode providing faster downshifts and extra torque response when you press the throttle. A kick-down switch prevents undesirable downshifting using a detent to increase resistance at a certain throttle position, enabling the driver to avoid, by not pressing beyond the detent, or instigate downshifts by pressing past.
The 2018 Mazda CX-3 also sees the debut of Mazda’s new 1.8-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel engine. To deliver better fuel economy, environmental performance and even more engaging driving performance, Mazda’s smallest diesel engine has increased in capacity from 1.5 to 1.8litres. The 1,759cc unit develops 115ps at 4,000rpm and maximum torque of 270Nm at 1,600-2,600rpm.
Featuring Rapid Multi-stage combustion with multi-hole piezo fuel injectors, precision control of injection timing has shortened the combustion period and reduced engine knock. Boost comes from a single variable geometry turbocharger, which has increased in size in line with the engine’s larger displacement. The larger engine capacity also improves air supply, while a NOx Storage Catalyst system ensures the CX-3 diesel achieves Euro 6d Temp regulations.
As with all Mazda’s SKYACTIV diesel engines, the new 1.8-litre unit is designed to deliver a class-leading blend of performance, economy and refinement, while all three of the CX-3’s engines are homologated according to the requirements of the new WLTP/RDE test cycle.
Smooth, refined, quiet and efficient, the SKYACTIV engines in the Mazda CX-3 are an attractive proposition for company and private buyers alike, while a choice of front or all-wheel drive, plus options for manual and automatic transmissions mean Mazda’s small SUV offers excellent consumer choice in this most competitive of sectors.
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