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2019 Mazda CX-3 crossover updated with a tad more power and refinement

NEW YORK — Mazda's smallest vehicle, the CX-3 subcompact crossover, is getting a refresh for the 2019 model year. Visually, you'd be hard-pressed to tell what changed, and that's because not much did. The grille now has slats that are grouped in pairs, and the rear taillights have been redesigned. But there are a number of changes aside from visuals that separate this model from the 2018. Under the hood is still a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. It picks up two more horsepower and pound-feet of torque for totals of 148 for each, though Mazda says that it also picks up torque across more of the rev band and gets better fuel economy. Mazda didn't have official mileage numbers, though. The CX-3 will also now come with the G-Vectoring Control system that helps improve turn-in by reducing torque and shifting weight forward. The steering and suspension have been slightly retuned, and the tires developed to better absorb bumps. Deeper inside the CX-3, several changes should make the driving experience more calm and refined. These include thicker door panels and rear door glass to make things quieter. The seats are now wider with redesigned foam cushions for greater comfort. A new integrated armrest in the center console and one in the rear seats with cup holders help the same cause. Mazda will also add faux suede trim to the cabins of CX-3s for a more premium feel. Pricing hasn't been announced for the new CX-3, but the little crossover will go on sale in late spring. So expect pricing to come soon. Fuel economy numbers will likely be available soon, too. Related Video:

Modded budget Mazda Miata takes on new Porsche Boxster in more challenges

Earlier this month, our friends across the pond at Auto Express released the first in a two-video series that would see them try and build up a second-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata that could best a standard Porsche Boxster around the track. While that first video detailed the mods to the MX-5 - a supercharger, some suspension upgrades and a new set of super-sticky rubber being chief among them - and set baseline lap times for the stock car, today, we have the results of the 5,000-pound ($8,200) upgrade job.
Of course, we aren't going to spoil those for you. You'll need to watch the full video, which recaps the upgrades before digging into a comparison of both straight-line-speed differences between the 2.7-liter Porsche Boxster and blown Miata, as well as their behavior and lap times on the track.
Take a look and let us know what you think in Comments.

This is the 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF targa-roof fastback

We knew Mazda was going to introduce a new Miata variant ahead of the 2016 New York International Auto Show, but the smart money was on a power retractable hardtop version that largely mirrored the last-gen car's folding number. So it was a surprise when the new 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF – retractable fastback – drove onto the stage sporting wild buttresses and a hide-away targa roof panel. The buttresses lift up and swallow the rear window and roof panel in a matter of seconds, and then the buttresses snug back down. This leaves a hoop spanning the buttresses, but at least it's done up in black to be less visually apparent. The result is more of a targa roof experience, rather than the previous PRHT which gave occupants essentially the same experience as the soft-top with the top down. No matter. The result is stunning, and will differentiate the RF even more from the standard MX-5. Mazda designers took extra care to make sure the interface between the MX-5's dramatic fenders and the trailing edges of the roof support provided enough visual drama. Mission accomplished, we'd say. We can't take our eyes off that part of the car. View 13 Photos As you might expect, mechanical changes seem to be minor, although we'll be asking for detailed specs. Both the 1.5- and 2.0-liter engines will be available globally, but only the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine will be sold in the US. The roof can be operated at up to 6.2 mph. Mazda claims the truck space is unaltered from the soft-top model. We don't yet know how much, if any, the RF's mechanism adds to the bantamweight roadster, nor the premium it'll command. Expect those details closer to launch. Related Video: