A repackaged 2018 Mazda Mazda3 range adds features to the popular front-drive compact while introducing more attractive pricing on several variants, all of which now come with Mazda’s trick G-Vectoring Control system.
Anchoring the lineup is the Mazda3 Sport which sees its base price rise by $250 as the result of making Smart City Brake Support a new standard feature to complement its 155-horsepower/2.0-liter engine, Mazda Connect infotainment system and push-button starting. The sedan now opens at $18,970 and $20,220 for the 5-door hatchback. The sedan is also available with a $1,000 Sport Preferred Equipment Package that brings 16-inch alloy wheels, advanced blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, satin chrome interior trim and power heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals.
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The 2018 Mazda3 Touring Sedan kicks off at $20,965 with the Hatchback commanding $21,715, but both now come standard with the 184-horse 2.5-liter previously used only in the 2.5 Hatch and Grand Touring models. This duo also features new Dark Silver alloy wheels. Even with the bigger engine, pricing on the 4-door drops by $355 while the sticker on the 2.5 5-door is reduced by $1,555. Some of this decrease reflects a modest reduction in equipment. Both Touring variants now offer a power moonroof for the first time available as part of a new $1,500 Bose/Satellite/Moonroof Package.
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At the top of the Mazda3 range, pricing for the 2018 Grand Touring Sedan and Hatchback carries over at $24,020 and $24,770, respectively, although both gain standard LED headlamps. The GT’s revamped Premium Equipment Package has been expanded to include content from the iActivesense Safety Package offered previously. While holding at $1,600, this up-fit includes adaptive front lighting, a heated steering wheel, shift paddles on automatic models, navigation, auto-dimming interior mirror with Homelink, High Beam Control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, radar cruise control, smart brake support and traffic sign recognition. Collectively, this roster of goodies reflects a $1,100 savings compared to what the same features would have cost on a 2017 GT model. All 2018 Mazda3 trim grades come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offer a 6-speed automatic as a $1,050 option. Vehicles will arrive in dealerships this month.
More Compact Cars…
Check out our Compact Car Buyer’s Guide for a look at what’s new and what’s next.
