The compact that didn't forget the fun, the Mazda3 sets out to prove that even the daily commute can be an enjoyable experience. The sedan and hatchback deliver surprisingly eager performance and fluid styling that give you true sporting character at an economical price.
What's New for 2015
The optional 2.5-liter engine is now available with a six-speed manual transmission.
Choosing Your Mazda Mazda3
Available as a four-door sedan or hatchback, the Mazda3 starts out with a 2-liter four-cylinder that's good for 155 horsepower. The 2-liter delivers above-average acceleration for this class and outstanding highway fuel economy of 41 mpg. The available 2.5-liter four-cylinder provides a boost to 184 horsepower for even snappier performance with just a slight loss in efficiency. Both engines come with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Models with the base engine are designated 3i, while 3s models get the 2.5-liter:
3i SV
Comes with all the basics like power window and locks, a four-speaker sound system, a folding rear seat and 16-inch steel wheels. The 3i SV is available as a sedan only, while all other models also come in hatchback form.
3i Sport
Adds numerous convenience features, including cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio, a touchscreen interface, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio and Internet radio compatibility.
3i Touring
Provides advanced safety technology in the form of blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a rearview camera. Other additions include alloy wheels, fog lamps, heated side mirrors, keyless ignition and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The available Touring Technology package gets you a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation with voice controls and a nine-speaker Bose surround-sound system.
3i Grand Touring
Gets the contents of the Technology package as standard, plus an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a leatherette interior with heated front seats and driver power.
3s Touring
Receives the 2.5-liter engine along with 18-inch wheels, a head-up display and paddle shifters on automatic-equipped models. Other equipment is identical to the 3i Grand Touring.
3s Grand Touring
Tops off the lineup with genuine leather upholstery, adaptive bi-xenon headlights and automatic wipers. Exclusive to the 3s Grand Touring is an available Technology package with regenerative braking and active grille shutters (to help with efficiency), and additional safety features such as a collision mitigation, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
Rear parking sensors can be added to any model as a standalone option. Touring and Grand Touring models are eligible for an Appearance package featuring a full aerodynamic body kit.
The Touring and Grand Touring are terrific values in our view. You get a slew of tech features, either standard or optional, many of which aren't available elsewhere in this class at any price, or even on some midsize cars for that matter.