The Mazda 3 is an affordable sedan that achieves a perfect balance between practicality and comfort. The sedan is well-suited for urban users who want a stylish and a practical sedan that will not hurt their pockets. However, the sedan poses a threat from low-priced competitors like the Hyundai Elantra; hence Mazda is upgrading its popular sedan year after year.
The Japanese carmaker has launched the 2018 Mazda 3 Neo Sport, an upgraded model of the new sports variant, and it expects that one-third of Mazda 3 sales will be attributed to the Neo Sport model. The well-designed model looks handsome on the road and it delivers a decent performance.
The Engine
The 2018 Mazda 3 Neo Sport sedan is equipped with a 2.0-litre engine that delivers a power of 154 hp. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission system and customers can also choose the optional 6-speed automatic transmission system. The base sports variant comes with the same engine configuration. It must be noted that it is not the engine but the technology features that set the Neo apart from other variants.
New technology features
Apart from being adorned with 16-inch alloy wheels, the 2018 Mazda 3 Neo Sport will get a Bluetooth-enabled 6-speaker stereo system. The system also has a USB connector so that you can play your favourite songs that are stored on a pen drive. The car also offers features like rear-parking sensors, reversing camera, remote central keyless start, cruise control, power windows, and a manual handbrake.
Key safety features include anti-braking system, forward automatic emergency braking system and stability and traction controls. Customers get an enhanced experience due to the Mazda ‘MZD Connect’ entertainment system and DAB digital radio.
The 2018 Mazda 3 Neo Sport sedan will clearly appeal to urban customers who would prefer a stylish Mazda 3 model with additional technology features that improves the driving experience. However, it cannot be definitely said that it will manage to attract price-sensitive customers. Will the 2018 Mazda 3 Neo Sport manage to woo customers from Honda and Toyota or will it be perceived as just another variant of Mazda 3? Please post your comments in the box below.
