2018 Mazda Mazda3 Sport

History/Overview

The Mazda3 is the Japanese brand's compact car model. The Sport designation is how Mazda differentiates this hatchback body style from the sedan version.

What's New / Key Changes from Last Year

For 2018, the Mazda3 Sport gains city-speed collision detection and automatic braking as a standard feature. There's also a newly optional suite of safety and driver assist features called the i-Activesense package, which is available in GS trim.

Available Trims

Mazda makes the 3 Sport in GX, GS and GT trims. GX and GS use a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, and GT gets a 2.5L motor. All trims are standard with a six-speed manual transmission that options to a six-speed automatic.

Standard Features

On the outside, the Mazda3 Sport GX comes with 16-inch steel wheels with covers, keyless entry, power windows and side mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, and auto-off headlights.

Inside, you'll find air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth, a 7.0-inch infotainment display, a 6-speaker stereo, push-button engine start, tilt-and-telescopic steering, and a height-adjustable driver's seat.

The basic safety package comprises tire pressure monitoring and the aforementioned collision avoidance system.

GS trim adds 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, upgraded upholstery, blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert, automatic on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, a heated/leather-trimmed steering wheel, a leather-trimmed shifter, an outside air temperature display, overhead console storage, bright interior and exterior trim, and lighted vanity mirrors.

GT's additions are 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, auto-leveling LED headlights, LED signature lighting/taillights/fog lights, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Key Options

GS can add a stand-alone sunroof, and the i-Activesense suite, which includes radar cruise control, all-speed automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.

GT's extras are a premium package, which includes the i-Activesense features and adds leather seating, power driver's seat, passive keyless entry, a Bose stereo, navigation, head-up display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and extra brightwork; a technology package brings regenerative braking, active air shutters, adaptive headlights, satellite radio, a garage door opener, and traffic sign recognition.

Fuel Economy

Mazda's fuel consumption estimates are 8.6/6.4 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 2.0L and 6-speed manual, and 8.4/6.4 with the automatic. With the 2.5L engine, the 6-speed stick is rated 9.6/7.0 and the automatic 9.0/6.7. The GT's optional regenerative braking system, available only with the automatic, brings a nominal improvement to 8.7/6.6 L/100 km.

Competition

The Mazda3 Sport competes with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla hatchbacks, the Hyundai Elantra GT, America's Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus hatches, the Kia Forte, and Subaru's Impreza.