2018 Mazda3 Review

2018 Mazda3 Review

This year, Mazda is lowering prices on base Sport and mid-grade Touring models, so you can enjoy world-class performance and modern technology on a budget. It’s also holding steady on prices for the top-trim Grand Touring model, which means you get a great deal on added comfort and convenience.

Drivers on a budget will love the base Mazda3 Sport, which is available as a sedan or hatchback. The sedan starts at $18,970. The hatchback delivers extra cargo space and starts at $20,220. Under the hood, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine works in conjunction with a six-speed manual or optional automatic transmission, sending up to 155 horsepower to the front wheels. And, with its newly standard frontal collision warning system with low-speed automatic emergency braking, this compact car is safer than ever.

Inside, the Mazda3 Sport features cloth seating and roomy, supportive cushioning. The standard infotainment system includes a 7-inch touchscreen display with knob controller and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, so you can make hands-free calls and stream music from devices. The base model also includes keyless entry and push-button start, so you can get on the road in a jiffy. Sport hatchback models come standard with extras like chrome interior trim, heated mirrors, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. You can add these features to the sedan via an options package.

Next up is the mid-level Mazda3 Touring trim. This model features quicker acceleration, thanks to its 184-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. As with the base Sport model, you can pair it with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Last year, drivers had to upgrade to the Touring 2.5 hatchback model for access to this powertrain. All 2017 Touring models came standard with the smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This year, you save $355 on both Touring hatchback and sedan models. The 2018 Mazda3 Touring sedan starts at $22,015 and the hatchback starts at $22,765.

In addition to extra power, the 2018 Touring’s newly standard sunglasses holder, lighted vanity mirrors, and dark silver alloy wheels offer a little extra pizzazz. The Touring adds to the Sport’s interior comfort features with upscale leatherette seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. It also ups the ante with extra safety features, such as standard rain-sensing wipers and the blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

Touring shoppers can add an options package that includes premium Bose audio technology, satellite radio, and a sunroof, making your commute a bit more luxurious. With this options package, you have the option of adding the six-speed manual transmission to your Touring model. Touring sedans so equipped start at $22,465 and hatchbacks at $3,215 less.

Finally, the high-end Mazda3 Grand Touring model treats you to top-notch performance and rich interior comfort. Under the hood, it features the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Shoppers can choose between the six-speed manual and automatic transmissions for the performance they prefer. The Grand Touring comes standard with handsome exterior features, including daytime running lights and taillights, self-leveling LED headlights, and LED foglights. Inside, you’ll find classy leather upholstery and a head-up display.

Add the newly configured Grand Touring Premium Equipment package for additional safety items and comfort features. Safety highlights include in-car navigation, lane departure assist, adaptive cruise control, and a new traffic sign recognition feature. This package also includes a frontal collision warning system with automatic braking that works at higher speeds. You’ll also enjoy greater comfort and convenience, compliments of the package’s auto-dimming rearview mirror and heated steering wheel.

You can snag a 2018 Grand Touring sedan with the automatic transmission starting at $25,070. The hatchback version starts at $25,820. With the Premium package, you can add a six-speed manual transmission to the Grand Touring. These models start at $25,620 for a sedan and $26,370 for a hatchback.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Mazda3 a 2018 Top Safety Pick. This sporty compact earned the IIHS’s top score of “Good” in every single crash test. The front crash prevention technology earned a rare score of “Superior.”

Mazda has announced that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities are in the mix for future models, and will be available as a retroactive upgrade for the 2018 Mazda3 sedans and hatchbacks. In spite of this slight drawback, the 2018 Mazda3 remains a top pick in this competitive segment.