The updated Mazda CX-3 SUV is set to go on sale at the end of August, priced from around £19,000.

Competing with the Seat Arona, Fiat 500X and the recently refreshed Jeep Renegade, the smallest Mazda SUV will boast aesthetic upgrades, more on-board technology and a new 1.8-litre diesel engine.

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Key among the improvements is the interior, where customers will notice a new centre console, more supportive seats and new door trims. There’s improved soundproofing, too, thanks to extra insulation in the doors and headlining.

Outside, meanwhile, there’s a new grille and darker side pillars, which are designed to make the car look sportier. Top-of-the-range cars will also add LED lights and chrome-effect bumpers.

Under the skin, Mazda’s engineers have worked on improving the CX-3’s ride and handling, adding new suspension components and recalibrating the steering.

2019 Mazda CX-3

The other headline addition is the new 1.8-litre diesel, which meets the latest emissions standards and produces 113 bhp. The majority of models in the range, though, will be powered by the 2-litre petrol engine, which is available in 119 front-wheel-drive and 148 bhp four-wheel-drive guises.

Three trim levels are on offer, with the basic £18,995 car coming in SE Nav+ trim. This entry-spec car and the more generously equipped SE-L Nav+ model are only offered with the 2-litre 119 bhp petrol engine with front-wheel drive.

The top-of-the-range Sport Nav+, meanwhile, is available with all three engines and a choice of manual and automatic transmissions.

2019 Mazda CX-3 at the 2018 New York Auto Show

A limited-edition Sport Black+ model will join the range later in the year, offering black-painted design touches.

“Ever since its launch in 2015, the CX-3 has hit the right spot with our customers, and seen this small SUV become Mazda’s second best-selling car in Europe”, commented Mazda’s UK MD, Jeremy Thomson.

“The 2018 model builds on this success with its well-considered updates and from the October 1, we’ll also have the Mazda CX-3 Sport Black+ joining the range. Limited to just 500 cars, it features a black leather interior, black roof spoiler, mirror caps and free-of-charge metallic paint. As with all our special edition models, it adds a standout distinctive model to the line-up, but across the whole range the new Mazda CX-3 has the style, quality and driving dynamics to remain at the top of this most demanding of segments.”

Gallery: 2019 Mazda CX-3