Mazda CX-3 Gains New 1.5L Base Engine And Polymetal Grey Metallic Paint In Japan

Mazda has updated the CX-3 subcompact crossover in Japan by introducing a new engine and a new available body color.

In addition to the existing 2.0-liter gasoline and 1.8-liter turbo diesel engines, the Mazda CX-3 can now be had with a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline four-cylinder engine.

Hooked to a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels as standard (AWD is an option), the base engine produces 111 PS (110 HP) at 6,000 rpm and 144 Nm (106 lb-ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm.

See Also: North America’s 2020 Mazda CX-3 Comes In Just One But Fully Loaded Trim Priced From $21,685

Unsurprisingly, the Mazda CX-3 is more economical when equipped with this engine than with the 2.0-liter unit. According to the automaker, the CX-3 Skyactiv-G 1.5 front-wheel-drive model averages 17 km/L (equal to 5.9 l/100 km / 40 mpg) on the combined WLTC test cycle.

New engine aside, the Mazda CX-3 is now available with the Polymetal Gray Metallic paint that debuted on the Mazda3 and was recently added to the MX-5 lineup as well. Other updates include the addition of new-generation seats as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The updated Mazda CX-3 will launch on June 4 in Japan with a starting price of 1,892,000 yen ($17,600).

Mazda also announced details about the CX-3 100th Anniversary, which will debut in the automaker’s home market in late July. The 1.5-liter engine will be available on the commemorative model, which will combine a Snowflake White Pearl Mica exterior paint with a red leather interior. Other special features will include 100th Anniversary badging on the front fenders, hubcaps, headrests, floor mats and key fob.

The Mazda CX-3 100 Anniversary will be available in Japan from late July 2020 until the end of March 2021 for a base price of 2,653,000 yen ($24,700).

Note: Mazda CX-3 100th Anniversary shown in European specification