Car News

2018 Mazda CX-3 Better Handling, Less Money

Mazda's subcompact CX-3 crossover gets new autonomous braking, G-Vectoring control, and a revised chassis with better handling and less noise for 2018. And it gets a price cut of $700.

The first new tech feature is Smart City Brake Support. The feature can automatically brake in emergencies below 30 km/h. It was optional on just the top GT trim last year but is standard across the board this year.

Also new is Mazda's G-Vectoring control. The feature feathers the throttle to transfer weight forward when it senses you're turning. That makes for a sharper and more composed turn-in.

A new i-activsense package includes Mazda's active safety suite. It adds radar cruise, smart braking, forward obstruction warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams and more. It's available along with the Luxury package on all-wheel drive models.

Changes to the chassis include revised suspension bushings, new front control arms, and new dampers to improve handling. The 2018 Mazda CX-3 gets better door seals, thicker glass, and more sound deadening to make the CX-3 quieter inside.

All CX-3 models get a 2.0L four that makes 146 hp and 146 lb-ft. A six-speed manual is available on GX front-wheel drive models, and the rest get a six-speed automatic.

The 2018 CX-3 is at dealers now.

2018 Mazda CX-3 pricing:
Trim      FWD      AWD
GX 6MT $19,995 N/A
GX 6AT $21,295 $23,295
GS 6AT $22,695 $24,695
Luxury Package (requires i-ACTIV AWD) $1,500
i-ACTIVSENSE Package (requires i-ACTIV AWD and Luxury Package)$1,600
GT 6AT $27,995 $29,995
Technology Package (requires i-ACTIV AWD)$1,000