2018 Mazda 3 pricing and specifications

Now in its final model year before the all-new generation arrives, the 2018 Mazda 3 is now in Australian showrooms sporting new standard equipment at the bottom end of the range, and driveaway pricing for all models.

Even the entry level Neo Sport is now equipped with Mazda’s MZD Connect infotainment system, with both DAB+ digital radio and most crucially, a reversing camera as standard equipment. The Maxx has been renamed Maxx Sport, and also picks up much more equipment, making the Mazda3 one of the best value cars in the small car segment.

Managing Director of Mazda Australia, Vinesh Bhindi, said the update will add further value to what is already one of Australia’s most loved cars.

“The Mazda 3 is one of our best performing cars; it’s unmatched combination of styling, handling and performance has helped establish its position as a go-to,” said Mr Bhindi.

“By improving and adding features as standard across the range, the 2018 Mazda 3 becomes an even more appealing and desirable package for our customers.”

At the entry point to the range, the renamed $21,490 driveaway Neo Sport is now crucially equipped with Mazda’s MZD Connect 7.0-inch infotainment system with DAB+ digital radio, a reversing camera and two extra speakers at six, though no inbuilt satellite navigation – an SD card with navigation information will be available through dealerships. This is on top of the Neo Sport’s other standard equipment, which includes autonomous emergency braking, 16-inch alloy wheels, electric-folding mirrors, push-button start and rear parking sensors.

Sitting above the Neo Sport is the Maxx Sport, which Mazda Australia predicts will continue to be the highest selling 2018 Mazda 3. Priced from $23,490 drive away, the Maxx Sport is now equipped with dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and a redesigned centre console with an electric parking brake. This is on top of the Maxx’s already-lengthy equipment list, including blind-spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, automatic braking in reverse, LED front foglamps, and auto-dimming rear view mirror and inbuilt satellite navigation.

Above the Maxx Sport is the $25,490 drive away Touring, which is now equipped with keyless entry and start with auto-folding mirrors as standard, on top of its standard leather upholstery. Entry level Mazda 3 models are equipped with Mazda’s unchanged 114kW/200Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with either a six-speed manual (prices quoted) or a six-speed automatic (+$2,000). Mazda lists fuel consumption as 5.8L/100km for automatic variants, and 5.9L/100km for manuals, with CO2 emissions ranging from 136g/km to 138g/km.

Receiving a larger engine and sitting above the Touring is the SP25, which is priced from $25,990 drive away. The SP25 models receive no extra equipment for 2018, though their pricing does remain drive away and are equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels and cloth seat trim. SP25 models are also equipped with a larger 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 138kW/250Nm, again matched to six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions. Mazda lists fuel consumption at 6.0L/100km for automatics and 6.5L/100km for manuals, with CO2 emissions ranging from 143g/km to 153g/km.

The SP25 GT is marketed as the sports lux Mazda 3, with its pricing starting at $29,990 drive away. GT models add leather upholstery with heated front seats, LED headlights with cornering LED daytime running lights, LED tailights, a nine-speaker Bose sound system, a heads-up display and sports dials, traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert and heated mirrors.

At the top of the Mazda 3 range is the luxury SP25 Astina, which is equipped with radar cruise control, an electric sunroof, LED headlights with adaptive high beam, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward obstruction warning and smart brake support. Astina models are priced from $33,490 drive away (+$2,000 for the automatic). We applaud Mazda Australia for offering a manual on all variants of the Mazda 3 range.

2018 Mazda 3 pricing (drive away):
Neo Sport manual: $21,490
Neo Sport automatic: $23,490
Maxx Sport manual: $23,490
Maxx Sport automatic: $25,490
Touring manual: $25,490
Touring automatic: $27,490
SP25 manual: $25,990
SP25 automatic: $27,990
SP25 GT manual: $29,990
SP25 GT automatic: $31,990
SP25 Astina manual: $33,490
SP25 Astina automatic: $35,490