Reviewers call 2018 Mazda3 a great ride for the money

The Kelley Blue Book review notes the Mazda3’s great versatility for the price.
The Kelley Blue Book review notes the Mazda3’s great versatility for the price. | File photo

The new 2018 Mazda3 is getting rave reviews, according to Continental Mazda of Naperville.

From Kelley Blue Book to Edmunds, reviewers call the Mazda3 fun and "a rarity for exceeding expectations."

Two engine options are available: a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine or a 2.5-liter four-cylinder.  A feature called SKYACTIV VEHICLE DYNAMICS offers great handling in curves and around corners.

The Kelley Blue Book review notes the Mazda3’s great versatility for the price. The Mazda3 is available as a sedan or hatchback, too. Even the most basic models offer a 7-inch touchscreen display outfitted with a Mazda Connect infotainment system.

It ranks well for safety features, too, with a five-star overall safety score from NHTSA. The Mazda3 has an automatic emergency braking feature as well, plus a blind-spot monitoring setup that detects vehicles behind on the side of the Mazda3.

A high beam control option automatically turns on the bright high beam headlights as needed, turning them off again when they're not. The lane departure alert system pays attention to lines on the road and sends an alert if the vehicle veers over the lines.