By Autoreviewman
The 2018 Mazda3 just won the 2018 AJAC (Automotive Journalist Association of Canada) Award for best small car in Canada. The Mazda3 has always been a popular seller in Canada and it is not hard to see why. It is a hell of good-looking car with a fun to drive quotient that’s hard to beat. Coming off some substantial changes from 2017, the latest version offer a new grille, improved LED lights and host of other improvements insider and out. Two engines are offered with the Mazda3 and there are couple of different trim lines. The base GX and mid-range GS Mazda3 models feature a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve engine with SKYACTIV technology, offering 155 Horsepower, lighter weight and more efficient engineering. The bigger 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine option delivers 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,250 rpm. Inside, the new Mazda3 feels and looks like a premium upmarket car with excellent levels of fit, finish, material and workmanship.
The 2018 Mazda3 Sport 50th edition includes GS features plus: Leatherette-trimmed upholstery, Bose® audio system with 9 speakers, CD player with MP3 functionality, Advanced keyless entry (proximity and ignition), and Automatic climate controls. Also added are paddle shifters, Traction control and Dynamic Stability Control is standard on this model along with items such as: Bi-xenon headlights and LED signatures led taillights.
The interior layout as on all Mazda’s is sporty and modern. All of the dials and gauges are well placed and, on the GT version; buyers gain a heads-up display that shows relevant information ahead of the driver windshield. Trunk space and back seat room is excellent as is interior storage and comfort. Whether driving in the city or the interior quietness when driving in the city the Mazda3 displays excellent road manners, handling responses, braking and is impressively quiet on the highway. On the road, the Mazda3’s agile handling, responsive engine and quick transmission make the Mazda3 one of the more exciting cars to drive in this sector. No wonder Auto journalists love this car and voted for it in spades. To sum up the 2018 Mazda3 continues to offer a fun to drive experience and is an all- round excellent family car with all the thrills you would expect from this sporty brand. Don’t forget it’s an award winner too!
2018 Mazda3 Sport. Base priced from $24,000. Plus options, taxes, destination fees and other charges