Following a significant mid-cycle update for the 2017 model year, the 2018 Mazda3 gets a few more revisions that enhance this entry-level model's active safety content.
All grades now come standard with smart city brake support, Mazda's low-speed automatic braking system, and a new i-Activesense option package for the mid-range GS trim brings a more comprehensive suite of active safety equipment that includes radar cruise control, full-speed automatic braking, foward obstruction warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, LED headlights with LED signature lighting and LED taillights.
Those changes serve to further build on what was already a well-sorted small car, available as a sedan and a hatchback (Mazda designates it as the Sport model) that looks and drives like a larger, more expensive one. Unchanged are this compacts drivetrain options. Those begin with a 2.0L four-cylinder making 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque in the GX and GS models, and a 2.5L good for 184 hp and 185 lb-ft in the top-end GT. Both engines come with a six-speed manual transmission that can be optioned to a six-speed automatic.
Despite its upscale feel, the Mazda3 is at the small end of the compact car class for interior space, falling well behind cars like the Nissan Sentra and the Honda Civic. Instead of focusing on class-above space, Mazda makes an economy-minded car with a sharp chassis that rewards enthusiastic driving, even in the less-potent GX and GS models.
Standard features include 16-inch steel wheels with covers, auto-off halogen headlights, variable speed intermittent wipers, backup camera, Mazda Connect infotainment with seven-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, air conditioning, keyless entry with push-button start, power windows, tilt-and-telescopic steering, six-way driver's seat and an electric parking brake.
GS models add 16-inch alloy wheels, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, auto on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, lighted vanity mirrors, premium cloth seating, heated front seats, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and shift lever, rear-seat armrest with cupholder and front overhead console with sunglasses holder.
The GT gets 18-inch wheels, satellite radio and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Fuel consumption estimates favour automatic transmission models: the GX and GS are rated 8.4/6.4 L/100 km (city/highway) with the automatic, and 8.6/6.4 with the manual, while the GT's ratings are 9.0/6.7 with automatic and 9.6/7.0 when fitted with the manual.
