By David Finkelstein

Since Mazda introduced its first generation compact Mazda3 back in 2004, a success story has been written with motorists globally with 5 million units sold. The Mazda3 was co-developed with Ford in 2004, but now it's exclusive Mazda from bumper-to-bumper.

Also worth noting, Mazda has been around as a manufacturing company since 1920, building heavy equipment and from there the company transitioned into trucks and automobiles. Mazda uses its "rewarding enthusiastic philosophy" as a building block approach to help frame the driving experience of this front-wheel-drive car.

It starts from the overall body construction and engine technology, and then mutates to the chassis and transmission's offered. Mazda's innovative, lightweight SKYACTIV ideology further provides performance and efficiency, resulting in greater enjoyment while driving.

Chassis dynamics are aided by its exclusive G-Vectoring Control System, which uses the throttle and steering input for a smoother and confident operating experience.

Mazda's KODO Soul of Motion design creates a sense of mobility in every vehicle. This design language helps with the appeal of this automobile. For them 2018 model year, Mazda3 receives new standard features that continue to reinforce the company's forward direction of cutting edge automotive safety providing occupants with enhanced peace of mind.

Available as a sedan or a hatchback, the Mazda3 is designed for various lifestyle settings from active families to a memorable night out on the town. While passengers can appreciate the premium driver-centric interior features, when seated behind the wheel you'll welcome the harmony between the car itself and it's capable road dynamics.

Subtle exterior tweaks for 2018 further help to elevate the vehicle’s eye catching mature design. For instance, with the Grand Touring trim comes Bi-LED headlights with auto leveling, LED combination taillights and LED daytime running lights plus 18-inch wheels. Four door Mazda3 Touring models receive a body-colored rear deck lip spoiler.

A total of eight exterior colors are also available. As for as the car's interior, drivers have a choice between black or sand cloth in the Sport models; black leatherette in Touring models; and black or Parchment leather with the Grand Touring model.

Welcomed noise suppression technology allows the Mazda3 to provide a quiet ride even at highway speeds. Available is the BOSE 9-speaker surround sound audio system.

The seats have been refined to provide that extra level of comfort.

An available, full-color Active Driving Display greets drivers once behind the steering wheel. Complete with a clearer and better-integrated brightly lit display for better definition and contrast, it's fairly easy to read, even at a glance.

All 2018 Mazda3 models have added Smart City Brake Support and a rearview camera as a no additional cost feature. The standard 2.0-liter, four-cylinder SKYACTIV-G engine produces 155 horsepower. When paired with the optional SKYACTIVDRIVE six-speed automatic transmission, EPA estimated fuel economy numbers show 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway/32 mpg combined.

The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder SKYACTIV-G engine generates 184 horsepower. With the six-speed automatic, EPA numbers reflect 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway/30 mpg combined. Both engines are available with a six-speed SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual, in addition to the automatic.

Sold in three trim levels (Sport, Touring & Grand Touring) the MSRP pricing structure runs from $18,095 for the 4-door Sport sedan to $24,945 for the 5-door Grand Touring model. This excludes shipping charges of $890. The 2018 Mazda3 is frequently cross-shopped with the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Subaru Impreza, Nissan Sentra and the Toyota Corolla. It's imported to the U.S. market with it being manufactured in Hofu, Japan.