2018 Mazda Mazda3 in Raleigh, NC - $21,500

Mazda introduced the all-new 3rd generation Mazda3 to the American marketplace back in 2014. The Mazda3 was the first vehicle in North America to launch the automaker’s SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, Mazda’s engineering and manufacturing philosophy back in 2012 which allowed the Mazda3 to achieve fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon (mpg).

The Mazda3 hatchback is offered in five trim levels – i Sport, iTouring, iGrand Touring, sTouring and sGrand Touring. Power for the Mazda3 is generated by a choice of two engine choices: a 2.0L four-cylinder engine and a larger 2.5L four-cylinder engine. Transmission choices include the six-speed manual gearbox or the six-speed automatic. The manual gearbox offers the short, crisp shift pattern reminiscent of the MX-5 Miata. The automatic transmission achieves a direct shift feel and quick gear changes that contribute to quick acceleration while maximizing the best features of a direct-shift gearbox and a conventional torque-converter system.

The interior of the Mazda3 is expressive and purposeful, starting with the driver-oriented cockpit. In following with Mazda’s Jinba-Ittai philosophy of a rider and horse connected as one, everything from the arrangement of switches and knobs to the physical location of driving controls such as the shifter, the driver (rider) and Mazda3 (horse) perfect an understood dance to the melody of winding S-curves and long straight aways.

For example, the pedals have been laid out symmetrically to the left and right of the driver’s center-line for further precision and comfort. A new hinged organ-type accelerator pedal is now standard equipment for added safety as well as lessens the natural fatigue associated with frequent pedal pressure, such as during stop-and-go commutes. Designed not only to appeal to the senses, each control and function has been specifically placed with intuitive utility in mind.

The Mazda3 also features Mazda’s Active Driving Display, a clear pop-up panel that is vertically mounted behind the meter hood to provide vehicle speed, navigation directions and other pertinent driving information safely and directly within the driver’s line of sight. This feature not only decreases the amount of time a driver is focused away from the road ahead but the virtual information display being located beyond the instrument panel falls in line with where a driver’s eyes would naturally be looking. The Active Driving Display automatically folds back into a hidden position when the ignition is shut off.

The meter cluster features a centrally-positioned analog gauge flanked by a pair of wing-shaped digital displays. The dial face for the center gauge is characterized by three-dimensional metallic numerals while its red-ringed border pulses in brightness when the driver’s door is opened. From the gauge clusters extends a decorative dash panel outfitted in satin chrome with piano black trim pieces adorning select areas of the center console and front door inserts. The superior feel of the various textures, grains and touch points provides an unexpected yet definitive above-segment feeling of quality.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 106.3; overall length: 175.6; width: 70.7; height: 57.3
All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder – 155 hp at 6,000 rpm and 150 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; 2.5L four-cylinder – 184 hp at 5,700 rpm and 185 lbs-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 2.0L four-cylinder – 29 city/41 hwy. (manual), 30 city/41 hwy. (automatic); 2.5L four-cylinder – 29 city/40 hwy. (manual), 30 city/40 hwy. (automatic).
Cargo capacity: 20.2 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, dynamic stability control, traction control, automatic power door locks, central locking system, push button start, engine immobilizer, Bluetooth hands free phone system, remote keyless entry, daytime running lights, E911 automatic emergency notification, front/rear side impact door beams and tire pressure monitoring system. Mazda3i Touring adds Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert. Mazda3i Grand Touring adds rearview camera and navigation system. Mazda3s Touring adds Bi-Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, front fog lights, LED combination taillights, LED daytime running lights, and Active Driving Display. Mazda3s Grand Touring adds automatic headlamps, adaptive front lighting system, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Optional safety features include navigation system, Smart City brake support, Mazda radar cruise control, high beam control, lane departure warning system, and forward obstruction warning system.

Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Comprehensive
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Mazda3 hatchback starts from $18,545 for the iSport manual upto $26,495 for the sGrand Touring automatic. Destination charges add $835.