Performance is where the 2018 Mazda3 stands out. It has two energetic four-cylinder engines, and it has sharper handling than virtually every class rival. It also has sharp steering and sturdy brakes. -cars.usnews
2018 Mazda3 Engine and Transmission
The 2018 Mazda3's base engine is the 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 155 horsepower, and 150 pound-feet of torque. The Touring and Grand Touring trims comes standard with a 2.5-liter engine rated at 184 hp, and 185 lb-ft. Both engines can be paired to a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Mazda3 Sport's four-cylinder engine is peppy and is decent around the town as well as at highway speeds. The available 2.5-liter engine offers smooth and more powerful acceleration. Both manual and automatic transmissions are slick and provide refined performance.
Models
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2018 Mazda Mazda3
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2018 Kia Forte
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2018 Toyota Corolla
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2018 Hyundai Elantra
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MSRP
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$18,095
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$16,800
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$18,600
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$18,850
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Engine
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2.0 L 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
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2.0 L 4-Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
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1.8 L 4-Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
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2.0 L 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
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Transmission
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6-Speed Automatic Transmission
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6-Speed Automatic Transmission
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CVT
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6-Speed Automatic Transmission
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Power
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155 hp @ 6000 RPM
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147 hp @ 6200 RPM
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132 hp @ 6000 RPM
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147 hp @ 6400 RPM
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Torque
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150 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
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132 lb-ft. @ 4500 RPM
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128 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM
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132 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM
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Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
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Front-Wheel Drive
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Front-Wheel Drive
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Front-Wheel Drive
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All MAzda3 sedans are front-wheel-drive while some of the competitors offer all-weather capability with the available AWD option. The 2018 Mazda 3 sedan has the most powerful base engine and so is its off-the-line performance.
2018 Mazda3 Acceleration
The 3's zippy four-cylinder engine is responsive and the car sprints from 0-60 mph in just 7.7 seconds, which is above average performance in the compact class. This base engine has plenty of peps but the 184-horsepower 2.5-liter engine is noticeably more energetic and it provides quick acceleration.
Models
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2018 Mazda Mazda3
|
2018 Kia Forte
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2018 Toyota Corolla
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2018 Hyundai Elantra
|
0-60 MPH
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7.7 sec
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6.6 sec
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9.5 sec
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7.8 sec
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Quarter mile
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16.2 sec
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15.2 sec
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17.4 sec
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16.2 sec
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Engine
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2.0 L 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
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2.0 L 4-Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
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1.8 L 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
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2.0 L 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
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Comparing the 3 to its closest competitors, it seems to be an average performer but beats the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra sedans off the line. Though Kia Forte shares most of the equipment with Hyundai Elantra, it is almost a second faster than the Hyundai.
2018 Mazda3 Handling and Braking
Like every other Mazda model, the 3 sedan is a driver's car and offers an excellent driving experience. Handling the compact car is easy and sharp, as the steering gives more feedback than any of its competitors. Around the turns, the sedan remains stable and exits quickly. Though Mazda's taut suspension justifies the sporting tendencies of the 3 sedans, it delivers a compliant ride on the road.
The Mazda3 has a rewarding drive and inspires confidence. It blends handling and ride quality, and is one of the most fun-to-drive cars in the class. There is not optional AWD drivetrain. The car rides top 18 inch wheels, still, they hardly impact the ride quality.
Model
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2018 Mazda Mazda3
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2018 Kia Forte
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2018 Toyota Corolla
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2018 Hyundai Elantra
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Brake Front(in)
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11.02
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11
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10.8
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11
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Brake Rear(in)
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10.43
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10.3
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9
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10.3
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Curb weight
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2967 lbs.
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2,804 lbs.
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2885 lbs.
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2,812 lbs.
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60-0 MPH
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121 feet
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127 feet
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126 feet
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116 feet
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The 3's strong brakes rein things in when needed and in the panic stop test, the car needed 121 feet to completely stop from 60 mph. This is average performance in the class. The brake pedal is adequately firm and responsive, and the car is very stable.