Model Tested: 2018 Mazda3 5-Door Grand Touring

Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, 184 horsepower, 185 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive
EPA Rating: 26-mpg city/35-mpg highway/26-mpg combined
Base Price: $23,895
As Tested: $28,720
Performance:
Peppy engine, strong acceleration
Fun, nimble, sporty with 6-speed manual transmission
Good clutch

Hill hold feature
Dual exhausts
Handsome 10-spoke alloy wheels
Handy heads up display
Large tachometer in center of dash
OK size digital speedo in lower corner of tach
Comfort:
Stretch-out front legroom
Three temperatures heated front seats
6-way power driver’s seat
Driver manual lumbar adjustment
Doors open wide for easy in/out
Very snug back seat with front seats all back

OK legroom with front seats moved up
Good shoe room under front seats
Good rear headroom
Soft rear armrest with two cupholders
Inexpensive headliner
Pretty high floor hump affects middle seating position
Thick, contoured heated leather steering wheel
Good auxiliary controls
Wide adjustment range for steering column
Utility:
Five-door hatchback model offers great functionality

Hatch opens high for tall people
Rear window slope impacts cargo space
Cargo cover (removable)
Split, folding rear seats
Front seats have to be moved forward to fold rear seats
Flat cargo deck
Three-inch lift-over height
One dim lamp in cargo area
Solid door shut
Medium size sunroof
Only bottle notches in rear doors—no other bins
One large vinyl seatback storage pouch
Medium size front door bins
Medium to small console bin
Large, deep glovebox without lock
WOW Factors:

6-speed manual transmission boosts fun factor
Excellent heated steering wheel
Sporty and practical
Rain sensing wipers
Nice sound system
Whines:
Cheap headliner
Poorly lit cargo area
Bottom Line:
The 2018 Mazda3 5-door Grand Touring is a great little car that does an excellent job of combining fun and practicality, especially when equipped with the slick 6-speed manual transmission.
Comments