With the major refresh coming to the 2017 model, the 2018 Mazda 3 remains relatively unchanged except for the addition of the low-speed emergency braking option to all trim levels. A sleek and elegant exterior is paired with a refined and efficient interior and a sporty performance to deliver one of the most popular compact sedans/hatchbacks in the segment. With the closest competition being the 2018 Honda Civic, the Mazda 3 holds up well for quality, performance and value for money.
ELEGANT EXTERIOR
The handsomely elegant exterior of the 2018 Mazda 3 certainly pleases the eye, while subtly hinting at some sporty performance. The discerning eye will notice the understated clues like the shark fin antennae, dual exhaust, sloped roofline and just the right amount of accent lines along the side. The beefy and flat front end grille combined with the sleek headlights really makes the front end pop and also ties the front end design into the same corporate fascia look as the rest of the Mazda lineup.
These styling cues of the 2018 Mazda 3 all tie in together creating a well proportioned design that’s pleasing to the eyes, while the intense exterior Soul Red Metallic paint colour really makes everything stand out from the crowd. This red, unique to Mazda, is definitely THE most intense and satisfying red colour on the market.
REFINED INTERIOR
Stepping into the interior of the 2018 Mazda 3, you can immediately see the curves and layers throughout the sculpted dash. The minimalist dash is not overwhelmed with buttons and dials and the center console provides a roller cover to hideaway the cup holders.
The two tone white and black leather interior of the 2018 Mazda 3 GT Sport model really makes the whole interior shine and come together for an even more luxurious and sporty look. The two tone interior along with the use of multiple high quality soft touch materials comes together into a refined interior worthy of competing with some of the luxury brands.
A 7 inch touchscreen display sits atop the dash like many luxury brands, instead of being integrated directly into the console. The user interface is a bit clunky to navigate and is missing Android Auto/Apple Carplay. However, there are many options for accessing the controls by touching the screen, using the steering wheel mounted controls or the center console control knob. There’s even a miniature heads up display that pops up above the steering wheel and displays a choice of various driving stats.
SPORTY PERFORMANCE AND DRIVE
The 2018 Mazda 3 GT model comes equipped with a 2.5L four cylinder engine outputting 184hp, while all the other models are outfitted with the smaller 2.0L four cylinder engine producing 155hp. Both engines are paired to a six speed manual transmission as the standard with the option to upgrade to a six speed automatic transmission. The top of the line GT model also offers the automatic transmission with an optional i-ELOOP regenerative braking system to power the car’s electrical systems leading to more efficient power transmission and better fuel economy.
Fuel economy for the 2018 Mazda 3 GT model comes in at 9.0 L/100km in the city (8.7 L/100km with i-ELOOP) and 6.7 L/100km on the highway (6.6 L/100km with i-ELOOP). This impressive fuel economy is pretty on par with the rest of the competition in the compact sedan/hatchback category.
Driving the 2018 Mazda 3 showcases the amazing overall handling with precise turns and great steering feedback. Fitting into Mazda’s whole SKYACTIV suite of driving technology is the G-Vectoring control which works behind the scenes to deliver a more comfortable and less fatiguing ride by making smoother transitions between g-forces from turns, resulting in a more comfortable ride for the passengers and more precise steering for the driver. Handling is also improved through the G-Vectoring control with a greater feeling of tires gripping the road and overall stability. While you get this benefit from any type of driving, it’s most noticeable in harsher conditions like snow and rain.
Driving around town showcases the Mazda 3’s responsive steering and peppy acceleration when driving with enthusiasm. Or take advantage of the suite of SKYACTIV technology to showcase the smoother, quieter and more comfortable side of driving the Mazda 3.
FINAL THOUGHTS
With a starting price point of $19,900 and topping out around $30,000 for a top of the line GT model, the 2018 Mazda 3 offers an amazing value for money! Not only does it have the handsome and sporty exterior looks and the refinement of a luxury brand interior, but it also provides one of the best driving experiences around. Even with the sporty performance, the lower horsepower engine helps to keep fuel consumption under control which the majority of buyers will appreciate. The Mazda 3 has always been a strong competitor to the other compact sedans, but the 2018 version may just put it ahead of everyone!
