Mazda CX-3 and 3rd Generation Atenza - 2019 minor change

The CX-3 compact crossover and the third-generation Atenza sedan and wagon, two of Mazda's popular models known for their edgy styling, driver-focused interior, blend of performance and ecology, and trademark Mazda quality that made them the talk of the town, are on their 2019 model year and they've gained some minor changes to keep them fresh for more to come with these popular picks from the Mazda lineup. Let's examine what's new with these cars.

2019 Mazda CX-3

2019 Mazda CX-3 interior

Beginning on the CX-3, the 2019 minor change features a new front grille, new chrome accents, new taillights, and new 18-inch wheels on the exterior while on the inside, the CX-3 has new front seats, redesigned center console and armrests, electronic parking brake in place of the handbrake lever, and a few changes around on the passenger side to make it more accommodating for the passengers.

Under the hood, the CX-3 minor change adds a brand new SKYACTIV-D 1.8L engine with Natural Sound Smoother. As the smoothest, quietest, and cleanest SKYACTIV-D engine Mazda has ever made, this brand new diesel engine produces 116PS of power and 270Nm of torque. Fuel economy, based on WLTC Mode standards, is around 20 to 23.2km/L for front wheel drive variants while 4WD variants get about 19-21.2km/L.

Of course, if you are not a diesel fan, Mazda can offer you a CX-3 with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine, which is now revamped to produce 150PS of power and 195Nm of torque. Fuel economy can get up to 16.2km/L for front wheel drive variants and 15.2 for 4WD variants.

The CX-3 features G-VECTORING CONTROL which uses engine timing to control chassis dynamics and when coupled with the i-ACTIV AWD system which adapts control of the driving force distribution between the front and rear wheels, it works like a charm if you know how to tread this carefully. Besides, it won't be it without Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety systems such as Smart Brake Support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart City Brake Support, Hi-Beam Control System, Lane Departure Warning System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Monitoring.

The new CX-3 starts at 2,127,600 Japanese Yen.

2019 Mazda Atenza

2019 Mazda Atenza Wagon

2019 Mazda Atenza interior

Let's move on to the third-generation Mazda Atenza range and for the second minor change, it's now the best-looking Atenza yet to offer for executive car buyers, probably because the front face has been revamped to make it look mature, which is great for an executive saloon and wagon of that size, and the rear view has been revamped dramatically so that the body color extends to the lower bumper section.

Inside, the dashboard's heavily revised to make it more luxurious because they've added some wooden trim for a touch of class and then, there's the new Active Driving Display on the windscreen, which is very good but that could just spoil the driver-focused interior with the premium feel into it.

The SKYACTIV-G 2.0L and 2.5L petrol engines and the SKYACTIV-D 2.2L diesel engine has been revamped to meet WLTC Mode standards. Petrol engines are mated exclusively with a SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6AT while the diesel engine is mated with either this or the 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT. Little did you know that the SKYACTIV-G 2.5L petrol engine now employs a new cylinder deactivation system for better fuel efficiency while delivering 190PS of power and 252Nm of torque? Anyway, since these engines are revamped to meet such new standards, petrol variants can get up from 14.2 - 15.0km/L of fuel efficiency while the best-seller diesel variant can get up to 19.6km/L.

With G-Vectoring Control and i-ACTIV AWD at hand, in addition to Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety systems, not only the new Atenza feels good to drive full stop but it's reliable and safer to drive on the journey home from another day at the office.

The new Atenza range starts at 2,829,600 Yen for sedan and wagon variants.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation