Henderson Mazda Shoppers Comparison Shop The 2019 Mazda3 vs 2018 Mazda3 

Today’s compact cars are outstanding, and they get better every year. They come with more safety features, have more space, include more standard equipment, and provide better fuel economy. One vehicle where this is particularly evident is the 2019 Mazda 3. It provides legendary driving dynamics and a sophisticated cabin that looks like it should cost a lot more at dealerships like the Henderson area Mazda dealer. In this review, we’ll take a look at some of the changes Mazda introduced with the latest Mazda3 compared to the 2018 model.

First off, there are new names for the trim levels. The 2018 Mazda3 was offered in three trims, called Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Buyers could choose all three models as a sedan or a hatchback. According to the Mazda dealer near Henderson, the 2019 Mazda3 comes in Select, Preferred and Premium trims. All three trim levels come in sedan body styles, while only the Preferred and Premium can get the Mazda3 as a hatchback.

The 2018 Mazda3 offered buyers a choice of two powerplants. The Sport trim was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The Touring and Grand Touring trim levels employed a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic.

Initially, the 2019 Mazda3 will only be offered with an updated version of last year’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The revised unit will make 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. Later in the year, the Mazda3 will get an available Skyactiv-X engine, which will come with Mazda’s new M Hybrid system. Only the front-wheel-drive Mazda3 Premium hatchback can get manual transmission.

Perhaps the biggest news is the availability of Mazda’s I-Activ all-wheel-drive system, marking the first time the Mazda3 can be so equipped. Front-wheel drive is still standard across the lineup, but the availability of all-wheel drive is something that really sets the 2019 Mazda3 apart from the 2018 model and most of the Mazda3’s 2019 competitors. Mazda's i-Activ all-wheel drive was available on many Mazda crossovers. This on-demand system saves fuel by defaulting to front-wheel drive and switches to all-wheel drive when it senses more grip is needed. It works alongside Mazda’s new G-Vectoring Control Plus system, which uses the vehicle’s brakes to help it turn. This provides better handling and helps keep the Mazda3 composed in the event of an emergency driving maneuver.

There's little doubt about the fact the 2018 Mazda3 is a beautiful car; it even outshines a number of luxury rivals costing considerably more. However, some subtle upgrades to the front and rear and some more serious work to the lines and creases of the bodywork have made the 2019 Mazda3 even more attractive and desirable. And if you like the idea of the hatchback body style, it really is hard to think of a more stunning compact car anywhere in the market than the 2019 Mazda3 hatch.

Some of the advanced safety features you’ll find on the 2019 Mazda3 that weren’t available on the 2018 model include the i-ActiveSense suite of active safety technologies. The 2019 Mazda3 also gets standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.