Read all 29 pages of these complaints, seems Mazda did do some changes to the 2018 that have corrected a couple of these issues. I know on the GT model they have power seats with 2 memory functions. I am still reading and researching the CX3 before I buy.
anyone have any gripes with a 2018 US/Canada model?
Mazdaman I did the exact same thing lol. Twas a lot of reading!
Countries names for the trim lines are different and confused me at first when trying to compare notes here on the forums before buying (AU/UK/Asia).
Seems to me that the option improvements is one of the main gripes here; and Mazda has somewhat answered.
Of the 2018 Canadian GX, GS, and GT trims; a decision can be based on what you could live without from the GT down saving a bit of $$$ and still getting almost all of what you want.
Settling on the GS was great for me BECAUSE of the options changes that you didn't get in previous years, and leading to many of the complaints here.
That combined with the willingness to negotiate with the dealer over 2 days sealed it. It literally came down to a fully loaded GS and if he was not willing to ALSO throw in a $300 2-way remote start, I was walking

(obviously I won that battle haha)
Getting the GS with the iActiveSense package (which you will need to automatically take the Luxury Package) gets you everything you would have on the GT, tech-wise, IF you can live without the power seats, Bose System, Nav, front/side/back air dams/trim, and Fog Lights (most install later when feasible for you and are reallt missing it). I bought a month ago mid-winter so I also didn't take the 18" rims, but am using the 16's for snow tires only. There are a lot of juicy options for summer 18's or 19's later (Silman's ride is sick!)
Aftermarket items are great when you go digging around. For example lack of Nav was solved by Ebay lol (awaiting mine) for $200 instead of $400 at the dealer.
Having said all of that...IF the engine was different on a GT as opposed to the rest, well, all of the above no longer applies.
The centre console is definitely going to pick at you a bit but, hey, how lucky are we to even be in a position to own a vehicle right?
I do have a semi-fix for that if Mazda would like to call me up:
Personally I'd like to see the armrest slide horizontally back and forth as well as tilt up and down. The Jeep Patriot (I think 2012) has this and it would work nicely on the the CX3 letting you access the cup holders when in use without cranking your elbow out to grab a hot coffee. Then again, as others have said, an elec parking brake or foot brake would have been way better.
Hope that helps if you've not committed yet! good luck!