2018 Mazda CX-3: A Subcompact SUV With The Soul Of A Sports Car

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 really stands out among subcompact SUVs. With nimble and surefooted handling, the styling of a concept car, luxurious appointments, and a dynamic engine, the CX-3 is a confidence-inspiring, comfortable, and great-looking small utility vehicle. Perfectly sized for the city, but with lots of room inside, the Mazda CX-3 fits right in with your lifestyle, whether you are parking it in a tight spot or exploring the countryside.

What’s New On The CX-3 For 2018

Every 2018 Mazda CX-3 now has Smart City Brake Support as standard equipment. This important driver assistance feature can automatically apply the brakes in emergency situations below 19 mph.

Mazda's exclusive G-Vectoring Control is also standard across the board. This high-tech feature uses the engine in conjunction with steering and throttle inputs to make the steering feel more linear and direct. The result is better handling and more confidence behind the wheel. The chassis and steering have also been revised for better handling, as well as a more comfortable and quieter ride.

Three CX-3 Trim Levels To Choose From

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 comes in three different trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring.

The Sport comes standard with 16” alloy wheels, air conditioning with pollen filter, 6-speaker audio system, two USB ports, push button start, backup camera, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio pairing, and Mazda Connect. Mazda Connect features a standard 7” full-color display combining infotainment and diagnostic functions. It is controlled through voice commands, a touchscreen, or the Commander control knob.

The mid-level Touring includes 18” alloy wheels, and leatherette/Lux suede-trimmed heated sport seats. Touring also comes with blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, Mazda advanced keyless entry, automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Newly standard CX-3 Touring features include auto on/off headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic climate control.

The top-trim Grand Touring includes parchment or black leather with red accents and Lux Suede upholstery, paddle shifters, adaptive LED headlights, Mazda Navigation, plus a full-color Active Driving Display head-up unit.

Additional option packages for the 2018 Mazda CX-3 are the Touring Preferred Equipment Package on the Touring, and the GT Premium Package on the Grand Touring.

A Potent Mazda Engine Moves You Ahead

Every 2018 Mazda CX-3 is powered by a powerful, 2.0 liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower. This powerful yet efficient powerplant is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift and sport mode.

Front-wheel drive is standard on all trim levels. Mazda’s available smart predictive i-ACTIV AWD all-wheel drive is an option on all trims. This system stays on alert at all times, using 27 sensors to monitor your traction, and acting instantly to maintain the CX-3’s grip on the road.

The Mazda CX-3’s EPA-estimated fuel economy ranges from 27 to 29 MPG City and 32 to 34 MPG Highway, depending on the drive system you select.

The Mazda CX-3 Has Many Built-In Safety Features

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 takes your safety very seriously, with advanced front air bags with passenger-weight sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and side-impact air curtains with rollover protection as standard equipment. Smart City Brake Support and a rearview camera are also standard.

The optional GT Premium Package contains these advanced driver assistance features:

• Radar Cruise Control

• Smart Brake Support for highway speeds

• Lane-Departure Warning

• High Beam Control

• Traffic Sign Recognition

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 Will Get Your Attention

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is a truly amazing subcompact SUV. It gives you an extremely pleasurable driving experience, great looks outside, upscale comfort inside, and plenty of room for people and cargo. A few minutes behind the wheel will make it clear that the CX-3 has received a DNA transplant from its cousin, the Mazda Miata sports car!