2018 Mazda3 To Receive New Tech Features, Drop i-ELOOP Regenerative Braking System

According to a recent report, the 2018 Mazda3 will see a number of changes when it is introduced in the United States later this year.

Cars Direct is reporting the car will keep its unique styling but Touring and Grand Touring variants will receive new alloy wheels with a dark silver finish. The latter model will also be equipped with LED headlights, LED taillights, and LED daytime running lights.

Interior changes will be minor as the biggest modifications are slated to include an updated overhead console and new lighted vanity mirrors on Touring variants.

The car’s entry-level 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine will carryover and continue to produce 155 hp (115 kW). However, the mid-level Touring is expected to eschew the base engine for a newly standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder that develops 184 hp (137 kW). The Grand Touring’s i-ELOOP regenerative braking system is also expected to be dropped which isn’t necessarily as bad thing as the option cost $800 and only had a minimal impact on fuel-efficiency.

Last but not least, the 2018 Mazda3 will be offered with Smart City Brake Support which is an emergency braking system that works at speeds of up to 19 mph (30 km/h). The system will reportedly come standard on the Sport while the Touring adds a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

If the report is correct, pricing will start at $18,970 for the sedan and $20,220 for the hatchback.