2018 Mazda3 Sedan Features & Information
More Details
Starting At
$18,095
155
Horsepower
150 ft-lb
Torque
34 MPG Highway
Fuel Economy
Features
The Mazda3 includes many convenient and safety features that make driving the car more enjoyable and safe at the same time. Given Mazda’s history for pushing the envelope when it comes to the number of features that are standard, it’s no surprise that the Mazda3 has several features that either don’t exist or are additional options on other comparable cars from rival brands.
In the area of safety, the Mazda3 is geared for safe driving by expanding the driver’s awareness while operating the vehicle. Beyond the standard airbag setup that includes front and side passenger/driver airbags, standard safety features include a rear backup camera, four-wheel ABS disc brakes, basic brake assistant, and an intelligent stability control for maintaining traction through turns. The car’s Smart City Brake Support is a notable feature that provides automatic braking at slower speeds (under 20 mph). Considering most forward collision prevention systems only work at highway speeds, this is a good addition for increasing safety in town and urban environments.
One notable safety feature that is rather unique to Mazda is a heads-up display in front of the driver. Using a glass pane, the optional display will project important information such as speed directly onto the panel. This creates the effect of floating information above the steering wheel so the driver can read the display without having to glance away from the road. The display is somewhat customizable so the driver can tailor the information to their personal preferences.
Convenience features include a number of standard and optional additions inside the cabin. Standard features include a push-button start to speed up ignition, a six-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth connectivity with any compatible smart device with USB port charging support. Higher trims also come with optional features such as a built-in navigation system, moonroof, voice control, dual-zone climate control, and an upgraded HD audio system. The infotainment system uses Mazda’s Connect interface on a 7-inch display.
Design
The overall design of the 2018 Mazda3 uses Mazda’s KODO design language that emphasizes streamlined curves over spacious angles found on larger trucks and SUVs. In many ways, the Mazda3 is a shrunken version of the larger CX-5 with a similar front and rear look. Despite the curvy nature of the exterior, the car deceptively hides a roomy interior filled with many safety and convenience features that will make the driving experience better overall.
The exterior design profile emphasizes a long and narrow look that allows the car to cut through the air more easily than standard sedans and station wagons. In short, you can call the look of the Mazda3 “sleek.” The nose is long and slender with the narrow headlights and turn signals that define Mazda’s signature exterior look. The passenger section curves upwards to maximize headroom. In the end, the two body styles of the Mazda3 diverge. The sedan swoops down to a large-yet-minimally-present trunk. The station wagon retains some of the height of the passenger section before ending at the rear hatch.
Due to the dramatic curvature of the Mazda3’s passenger section, the inside is roomy with plenty of headroom and legroom. Both body styles emphasize more room in the front so taller passengers can sit comfortably without knocking into the dashboard or steering wheel. The rear seats are smaller but can still comfortably hold three passengers without feeling cramped in the knee area.
For people wanting the most in terms of cargo capacity, the station wagon is the obvious winner. The extra height in the rear section is great for awkward or tall objects that have no hope of fitting in the sedan’s trunk. The split rear folding seats can also extend the maximum amount of cargo space for longer items as well.
Performance
The basic focus of the Mazda3’s engine and drivetrain options are all about fuel efficiency over performance. This isn’t a sports car. At the same time, it doesn’t guzzle gas like one either. Instead, the Mazda3 powertrain tries to maximize the fuel economy of the vehicle regardless of the trim or engine. Coming in two engine options with a horsepower range of 155-184, it is also no slouch when it comes to power as well.
The base option is a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that offers 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. Depending on the body style, this engine option offers the maximum amount of fuel efficiency, topping out at 28/38 MPG city/highway in the sedan. The station wagon Mazda3 has a slightly lower fuel efficiency since its rear is less aerodynamic, but it still manages an outstanding 27/37 MPG with this engine option.
For people wanting more power, the 2.5L four-cylinder engine offers 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque at the expense of some fuel economy. Coming standard on the Touring and Grand Touring trims, the engine can provide up to 27/36 MPG on the sedan model or 25/33 MPG for the station wagon. This is the option to choose when performance is more important than the car’s overall efficiency.
Regardless of the body style or trim, the Mazda3 only comes with a forward wheel drivetrain that maximizes fuel efficiency at the expense of greater traction control in challenging driving situations. Each trim also comes with the option of either an automatic or manual transmission depending on the customer’s preferred driving style and experience.