2018 Mazda3 Keeps Manual Transmission, Loses Regen Braking

2018 Mazda3 Keeps Manual Transmission, Loses Regen Braking

You can also get a Touring trim that is more powerful.

While the Mazda3 will be getting a minor facelift for 2018, don’t expect much change on the exterior. According to CarsDirect, the most notable changes will be under the hood. The updated 3 will get new active features and some new engine options.

The four-door sedan as well as the five-door hatchback will be available for the new model year. While the Grand Touring model will get Bi-LED headlights that have auto-leveling and a combination LED taillights, daytime running lights, and Bi-LED headlights, the Grand Touring model will see the addition of Bi-LED headlights. The sedan’s Touring version will come with a lip spoiler.

The Touring trim will get a 2.5-liter engine that produces 184 horsepower (137kilowatts), while Sport trim will use the same engine with 155 hp (135 kW). All trims will be paired with a standard six speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is available for an additional $1,050. The $800 i Eloop regenerative braking option is gone from the Grand Touring trim.

Smart City Brake, a new low speed automatic emergency braking system, will be available as an option on all trims. This system is said to work at speeds up to 19 miles an hour (30 kmh) and will be standard on Sport models. Touring trim includes blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

The 2018 Mazda3 is available now at most dealers. It starts at $18,970 for the manual sedan. The Mazda3 hatchback starts at $20,220 for the manual sedan, which is $250 more than last year. Grand Touring is the most expensive model. It starts at $25,620 in the manual sedan and $26,370 in the hatchback.