Monday, April 21, 2025
59.8 F
Roseville

Mazda3 remains among the top compact cars

Responsive and Efficient Performer

Roseville, CA,- There’s not one particular facet of the Mazda3 that gives it such wide appeal. Yet the overall appeal is there, judging by the annual car sales.

A year ago, there were 75,018 Mazda3s sold. Although a low number compared to some other years when 100,000 in sales was not unusual, it’s pretty clear that the Mazda3 is very popular among car shoppers.

Affordability continues to be a huge lure for the popular compact sedan, which ranges in price from approximately $19,200 to $25,800. The Mazda3 features an appealing look, is sporty for a compact, handles well, and has a smartly designed interior.

A single test drive in the 2018 Mazda3 might convince folks who say they don’t care for compact vehicles to reconsider. This is a good automobile for a variety of reasons, most notably its blend of performance and efficiency.

The compact class has a number of “stars” and the Mazda3 has been one of them since debuting in 2003. It shares the spotlight with some other notables, like the Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and Toyota Corolla.

2018 Mazda3

  • Performance: 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 155 horsepower; 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 184 horsepower
  • Mileage estimate: 28-37 mpg; 27-36 mpg
  • Estimated price: $19,200 to $25,800
  • Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; drivetrain: 5 years/60,000 miles; roadside assistance

The Mazda3 receives just a few minor updates for 2018. The most notable change is the 2.5-liter engine is now standard on the Touring trim.

If you enjoy shifting gears in the manual transmission, you will love the Mazda3 because it really adds fun to the driving experience. There’s a fun factor to the automatic transmission as well.

The responsive Mazda3 performance is quite evident in the 2.5-liter, four cylinder that produces 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. The engine is quick, smooth and delivers good acceleration. The base model comes with a 2.0-liter, inline-4 with 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. It’s not as quick as the larger engine, going from 0-60 mph in roughly 8.3 seconds.

Several years ago, the Japanese auto manufacturer wanted to provide better gas mileage and succeeded with its “Skyactiv” powertrain. The mileage is practically identical in both Mazda3 models, ranging from 27-37 mpg.

The Mazda3 also receives solid marks for the way it performs. The engaging compact accelerates quickly and handles with good precision when navigating tight turns, providing the driver with a high level of confidence.

Mazda3

The Mazda3 has a well-designed cockpit that is better than most compacts. It features an in-dash, 7-inch touch-screen monitor that is controlled by a center console knob. Although everything is within reach for whoever is handling the monitor, I found the audio system setup more confusing than it needs to be.

The front seats provide good support, comfort and adequate head and leg room for a compact car. The rear seats are not as gracious with space, especially leg room. But two adults can still reside in the Mazda3 with a level of comfort. The sedan has 12.4 cubic-feet of space in the trunk, while the hatchback is much larger at 20.2 cubic-feet. When folded down, the space enlarges to just over 47.1 cubic-feet.

The Mazda3 continues to be rated among the top compact cars and remains a great buy for multiple reasons.



Coming Up!

Coming Up!

Trending

West Coast Sourdough in Roseville on Blue Oaks

West Coast Sourdough located in Roseville, CA offers the freshest sourdough bread and ingredients in each sandwich we create! We also have bread bowls, salads and freshly baked cookies each day! Come try the best sandwich shop in Roseville, CA today

Sierra College Foundation to establish Joshua Cohen Memorial Endowment Fund

Rocklin, Calif. - Sierra College Foundation (SCF) is humbled to announce it has received a $400,000 gift to establish the Joshua Cohen Memorial Endowment Fund to support Sierra College students pursuing degrees in computer science and related fields,

New Colfax Water Treatment Plant: PCWA approves construction contract

Auburn, Calif. - At a special meeting on Friday, the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors approved a construction contract for the new Colfax Water Treatment Plant

Placer County Youth Commission accepting applications for 2025-26 term

Auburn, Calif. - The Placer County Youth Commission is now accepting applications from local youth who wish to serve as one of 21 formally appointed members for the 2025-26 term.

Can I still be healthy on Spring Break? 6 travel tips from a nutritionist

Sacramento, Calif.- After many weeks of rain and cold in the Sacramento area, it's finally time to start thinking about spring break travel!

Topics

West Coast Sourdough in Roseville on Blue Oaks

West Coast Sourdough located in Roseville, CA offers the freshest sourdough bread and ingredients in each sandwich we create! We also have bread bowls, salads and freshly baked cookies each day! Come try the best sandwich shop in Roseville, CA today

Sierra College Foundation to establish Joshua Cohen Memorial Endowment Fund

Rocklin, Calif. - Sierra College Foundation (SCF) is humbled to announce it has received a $400,000 gift to establish the Joshua Cohen Memorial Endowment Fund to support Sierra College students pursuing degrees in computer science and related fields,

New Colfax Water Treatment Plant: PCWA approves construction contract

Auburn, Calif. - At a special meeting on Friday, the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors approved a construction contract for the new Colfax Water Treatment Plant

Placer County Youth Commission accepting applications for 2025-26 term

Auburn, Calif. - The Placer County Youth Commission is now accepting applications from local youth who wish to serve as one of 21 formally appointed members for the 2025-26 term.

Can I still be healthy on Spring Break? 6 travel tips from a nutritionist

Sacramento, Calif.- After many weeks of rain and cold in the Sacramento area, it's finally time to start thinking about spring break travel!

Human Genome Project: Personalize your health

Incredibly, years ago, the entire human genome was mapped! You might be thinking, "What is that, and how does it affect me?"

California Window Fashions by Skyline in Roseville

Transform the natural light in your Roseville home with window treatments. Discover Hunter Douglas shades and blinds, shutters and drapery.

2025 Genesis GV80 Coup arrives with dubious name

The new 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe. The luxury division of Hyundai, Genesis officially categorizes the vehicle as a mid-size luxury SUV. Yet there's no denying the sloping roofline is reminiscent of a coupe

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

California Recovery Center in Roseville offers treatment for substance abuse and mental health

California Recovery Center (CRC) is a treatment provider for adults with substance abuse and mental health condition, located in Roseville and serving the greater Sacramento region.

Paul Black’s Solar Panel Cleaning in Roseville serving the region for over 30 years

Roseville, Calif. - Money-saving solar panels in Roseville, Rocklin and throughout South Placer County have become ubiquitous From new residential solar communities continue to big business and after market installation, solar seems to be a smart choice to shred those high monthly electric costs.

Mobley Pest Services in Roseville serving the community and region for over 20 years

Roseville, Calif.- Fully licensed and bonded, Mobley Pest Services in Roseville has been providing reliable pest control services for well over 20 years. Serving residents and businesses in the greater Placer and Sacramento region, Mobley Pest Services is locally owned and operated in Roseville.