2018 Mazda3 Review
2018 Mazda3
MSRP: $18,095
Engine: 2.5 4 cylinder
Horsepower: 184
Torque: 185 ft/lbs
MPG: 35 as observed in mixed driving
Text: Yousef Alvi // Photography: Geoff Dennis
The word luxurious tends to run antithetical to the compact car mantra. You know that mantra ‘’cheap interior, cheap looking exterior, cheapness abound!’’. The paradigm has shifted though and it’s all because of the 2018 Mazda3. The cabin is nothing short of first rate and even the styling exudes an elegance usually reserved for cars costing tens of thousands more.
Why go through the effort though? It’s easy. When everyone buys a Civic or a Corolla you have to differentiate yourself and since ‘zoom-zoom’ only went so far ‘luxury’ is what sets it apart. The interior is flawless in its execution of simple ergonomics with elegant materials on every touch point. Cover up the Mazda badge you can fool someone thinking this is a BMW. It’s also quiet at speed and since this is a 5 door hatchback it is endlessly practical.
The exterior of the Mazda3 is not just good looking...it’s gorgeous. The KODO styling really comes alive on this platform with its creases and curves. It’s a European aesthetic perfectly melded with Japanese styling. Compare this to it’s Civic and Corolla competitors you have a beauty queen amongst prison inmates.
On the dynamic front, the 3 is powered by a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder making 184 horsepower and 185 ft/lbs of torque. The drivetrain fades into the background and doesn’t really have a personality to match the exterior or interior. The 3 just merely goes without a fuss but won’t really set your pants on fire. The steering is light and accurate but again nothing sporty to note.
So how do I sum up the 2018 Mazda3? Can an affordable compact car be sexy? Yes it can. Welcome to the Mazda3.
