The MAZDA3 comes with one of two engine choices, both of which utilize Mazda's SKYACTIV technology to increase fuel economy. The base engine, available on Sport trims, is a 2.0L 4-cylinder unit that makes 155 horsepower and is capable of up to 41 mpg on the highway. It's connected to either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual. The optional engine, equipped on Touring 2.5 and Grand Touring trims, is a 2.5L 4-cylinder making 184 horsepower. Despite the extra power, the MAZDA3 is still able to achieve up to 40 mpg on the highway with the more powerful engine when equipped with Mazda's i-ELOOP regenerative braking system. This engine, too, is mated to either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.
A recent addition to the MAZDA3 lineup is G-Vectoring Control, an exclusive technology that uses the engine to refine steering and handling to match driver input.
The MAZDA3 is available in two body styles -- 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback -- while each body style is available in several different trims. The sedan is offered in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring, while the hatchback adds a Touring 2.5 as well.
The MAZDA3 Sport in either sedan or hatchback guise offers 16-inch wheels, halogen headlights, body-colored outside mirrors, power door locks and windows, keyless entry and push-button start, cruise control, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch color touchscreen, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with illuminated steering wheel controls, and a 60/40 split rear folding seat. The hatchback adds a rear window wiper.
The Touring trim adds heated outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, a leather steering wheel and shifter, a rear armrest and cup holder and a blind spot warning system. Also available on the touring trim is the Technology Package, which adds a navigation system, a rearview camera, a 9-speaker sound system, two USB ports, voice recognition, Internet and satellite radio integration and a compartment for sunglasses. Buyers who order the MAZDA3 Touring 2.5 with the more powerful engine will get all of the features included in the Technology Package as well as a few extra goodies like bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 6-way power adjustable driver's seat and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The Grand Touring trim adds leatherette seating to the equation, along with a moonroof and heated front seats. Like the Touring trim, buyers opting for the more powerful engine will get even more features in Grand Touring form. Items such as automatic headlights and windshield wipers, an auto-dimming mirror and leather seats come standard on Grand Touring trimmed MAZDA3 s models.
Safety features are plentiful and include six standard airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control. The MAZDA3 also features a collapsible steering column to help minimize damage in front-end collisions and a hill-start system to minimize rollback when starting on a hill. Optional safety features include rear view cameras, a blind spot warning system and Smart City Brake Support, a system that uses a laser to detect forward collisions.
Efficient, Powerful Drivetrains
Loaded With Features
Unique Styling
Good Use Of Space
The 2018 MAZDA3 remains mostly unchanged from the 2017 version, however new standard equipment has made its way into the Mazda across just about every trim level. Base Sport models get Smart City Brake Support, a feature that uses a laser to calculate distance and prevent front end collisions at low speed. Meanwhile, MAZDA3 Touring models now come with the bigger 2.5L engine as standard.
Mazda's goal with the MAZDA3 has always been to offer the most fun-to-drive compact car on the market. The MAZDA3 directly competes with some of the best-selling cars on the road, including the Honda Civic, the Toyota Corolla and the Hyundai Elantra. With a starting base price around $18,000, the MAZDA3 is competitively priced while still maintaining enough upscale features to feel like a much more expensive car. With a sportier and more direct driving feel than its competitors, the MAZDA3 is able to do everything typically asked of a compact, while still putting a smile on the face of drivers.
