Hey there, car enthusiasts! Let's dive into the 2018 Mazda CX-3 Sport, a subcompact SUV that has been turning heads and earning praise for its sporty handling, stylish design, and fuel efficiency. I'm going to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know, from its performance and features to its pros and cons, so you can decide if this little Mazda is the right fit for you.

Driving Experience: Feel the Zoom-Zoom

First things first, let's talk about the driving experience. The 2018 Mazda CX-3 Sport is known for its engaging and fun-to-drive nature. The car boasts a responsive 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 148 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. While it might not be the most powerful engine in its class, the CX-3's light weight and agile handling make it feel peppy and enjoyable, especially around town. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, which helps to optimize both performance and fuel economy.

One of the standout features of the Mazda CX-3 Sport is its excellent steering and suspension. The steering is precise and provides good feedback, giving you a real connection to the road. The suspension is tuned for a balance of comfort and sportiness, absorbing bumps and imperfections while still allowing for confident cornering. This makes the CX-3 a joy to drive on winding roads, and a comfortable companion for daily commutes. The CX-3 also offers available all-wheel drive, which enhances traction and stability in challenging weather conditions.

In terms of fuel economy, the 2018 Mazda CX-3 Sport is a winner. It achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. This can save you money at the pump and reduce your carbon footprint. All in all, the driving experience is one of the best things about the CX-3, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a fun and engaging car.

Interior and Features: Style and Substance

Now, let's take a look inside the 2018 Mazda CX-3 Sport. The interior is well-designed and features a stylish and modern aesthetic. The materials used are of good quality, and the fit and finish are impressive for the class. The dashboard is uncluttered and easy to navigate, with a user-friendly infotainment system. The CX-3 offers a comfortable driving position, with supportive seats and good visibility.

Even in the base Sport trim, the 2018 Mazda CX-3 comes well-equipped with a host of features. Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and push-button start. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with crisp graphics and responsive controls. Higher trim levels add features like a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated seats, and advanced safety technologies.

Despite its compact size, the CX-3 offers a decent amount of cargo space for its class. The rear seats can be folded down to expand the cargo area, making it easy to accommodate larger items. The cabin also provides a reasonable amount of passenger space, although taller passengers might find the rear seats a bit tight on longer journeys. Overall, the interior of the CX-3 is a pleasant place to spend time, with its stylish design, comfortable seating, and user-friendly features.

Design and Styling: A Head-Turner

One of the most appealing aspects of the 2018 Mazda CX-3 Sport is its stylish and sporty design. Mazda has always been known for its sleek and elegant designs, and the CX-3 is no exception. The car features a flowing silhouette, with a long hood, a sloping roofline, and a prominent grille. The overall design gives the CX-3 a dynamic and athletic appearance.

The exterior of the Mazda CX-3 Sport is characterized by its bold lines, sharp angles, and sculpted surfaces. The front end features a distinctive grille, sleek headlights, and a sporty bumper. The side profile is highlighted by its flowing lines and a rising beltline. The rear end features stylish taillights and a sporty rear bumper. The CX-3 is available in a range of attractive colors, allowing you to personalize the car to your liking.

Inside, the CX-3's design is equally impressive. The dashboard is well-integrated and features a clean and modern design. The materials used are of good quality, and the fit and finish are excellent. The seats are supportive and comfortable, and the overall ambiance is one of sophistication and refinement. The CX-3's design is a major selling point, making it stand out from the crowd of other subcompact SUVs.

Safety Features: Keeping You Safe

Safety is a top priority for any car, and the 2018 Mazda CX-3 Sport comes with a range of safety features to help protect you and your passengers. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, antilock brakes, stability control, and a full suite of airbags. The CX-3 also offers available advanced safety technologies, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

These advanced safety features can help to prevent accidents and mitigate the severity of collisions. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, while rear cross-traffic alert helps you to avoid collisions when backing up. Lane departure warning alerts you if you drift out of your lane, and adaptive cruise control maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. The Mazda CX-3 Sport has earned good safety ratings from both the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), further demonstrating its commitment to safety.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Choosing the Right One

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 Sport is available in three trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. The base Sport trim is well-equipped, with features like a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and push-button start. The Touring trim adds features like heated front seats, a sunroof, and upgraded upholstery. The Grand Touring trim is the top-of-the-line model, with features like leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and advanced safety technologies.

The price of the 2018 Mazda CX-3 Sport varies depending on the trim level and options. The base Sport trim is the most affordable, while the Grand Touring trim is the most expensive. The CX-3's pricing is competitive within its class, offering good value for the features and performance it provides. It's a great option if you're looking for a stylish, fun-to-drive, and fuel-efficient SUV without breaking the bank. Always compare prices and consider any available incentives when making your decision.

Pros and Cons: Weighing Your Options

Let's break down the pros and cons of the 2018 Mazda CX-3 Sport to give you a clear picture of what it offers:

Pros:

• Sporty Handling: The CX-3 offers an engaging driving experience with responsive steering and a well-tuned suspension.
• Stylish Design: The CX-3 boasts a sleek and modern design that turns heads.
• Fuel Efficiency: The CX-3 achieves excellent fuel economy, saving you money at the pump.
• Well-Equipped: Even the base Sport trim comes with a good selection of features.
• User-Friendly Infotainment: The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use.

Cons:

• Limited Rear Passenger Space: The rear seats can be tight for taller passengers.
• Small Cargo Area: The cargo area is smaller compared to some competitors.
• Engine Power: While the engine is peppy, it might not offer enough power for some drivers.

Conclusion: Is the 2018 Mazda CX-3 Sport Right for You?

So, after considering all the aspects of the 2018 Mazda CX-3 Sport, is it the right car for you? If you're looking for a subcompact SUV that offers a sporty driving experience, stylish design, and fuel efficiency, the CX-3 is definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for city dwellers, young professionals, or anyone who enjoys a fun and engaging car.

However, if you frequently transport passengers in the back seat or need a large cargo area, the CX-3 might not be the best fit. In that case, you might want to consider other options in the subcompact SUV class. Overall, the 2018 Mazda CX-3 Sport is a well-rounded and appealing vehicle that offers a compelling combination of style, performance, and value. I hope this review has helped you make an informed decision! Happy car hunting!