2019 Mazda CX-3 Video: Dessert First
The Mazda CX-3 was mildly updated for 2019 but retains its fun-to-drive and stylish characteristics — at the expense of practicality. The smallest SUV in Mazda’s lineup receives the majority of its updates to its interior, but it receives some powertrain and exterior tweaks, as well.
Related: 2019 Mazda CX-3 Review: Good Things, But in a Small Package
The most significant changes are the availability of leather upholstery, which is now standard on the range-topping Grand Touring trim level, and the updated center console. Gone is the lever hand brake of previous years, replaced with an electronic one for 2019. The elimination of the lever freed up significant real estate and allowed for the use of one cupholder without having to raise the center armrest — using both will still cost elbow padding.
Interior technology is more of a mixed bag, as it offers a host of important safety features as standard equipment on all models; additional safety features like full automatic braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and adaptive headlights with automatic high beams are available on all trim levels. The additional safety features are standard on Grand Touring models.
While the safety tech is first-rate, multimedia tech lags. The multimedia screen is no longer impressive and trails competitors in graphics quality and usability. A lack of key features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto doesn’t help matters, either.
Related: How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2019 Mazda CX-3?
Space is also an issue in the CX-3. The backseat would not be very accommodating for adults for long stretches and scored poorly in our child-safety seat testing. Cargo room is also in short supply, although the CX-3 does get high marks for its fold-flat rear seat and the general layout of the rear cargo area. Those in need of lots of space or with children should probably move up a size to the CX-5 when looking at Mazdas.
For the rest of our review, watch the video below.
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