Mazda Makes Surprising Changes to CX-3 Crossover for 2018

Just two years into its production, Mazda makes notable changes to the CX-3 compact crossover.

The Mazda CX-3 compact crossover debuted in 2016. Though still fresh to the market, Mazda has opted to mess with success for the new 2018 model year CX-3. We've tested the Mazda CX-3 on the road and on the track, and we were impressed. We are not alone. Car and Driver chose the Mazda CX-3 as its pick for best compact crossover after a full review. Despite a winning formula, Mazda is making the following changes.

Mazda CX-3 Chassis and Suspension
Although the chassis and suspension of the Mazda CX-3 were already best in class, Mazda surprised us by saying that for 2018, "The chassis and steering have been thoroughly revised for better handling, greater comfort, and improved sound suppression." Reading between the lines we think Mazda may have smoothed off some rough edges to make the CX-3 a bit less of a track star and more of a back-roads comfortable crossover. We hope we get a chance to test the 2018 to find out if this is correct.

Mazda CX-3 Class Leading Safety Now Standard
Mazda's CX-3 was already way ahead of its peers like the Honda CX-3 in available active safety. For 2018 Mazda looks to continue that leadership by making Smart City Brake Support standard across CX-3 range. G-Vectoring Control is also now standard on AWD CX-3s.

Mazda CX-3 New Features
Mazda has added a full-color Active Driving Display, power driver’s seat with memory settings and heated steering wheel as available features for 2018. These are amenities many might expect on a larger, more expensive crossover.