The third generation of the brand’s best-selling car got a total overhaul for 2014, with more evocative — yet familiar — styling, a revised control layout, additional safety features and a new engine. The standard engine on i models (SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims) is the 155-horsepower, SkyActiv-G 2.0-liter, four-cylinder; s versions (Touring and Grand Touring trims) get the new 184-hp, SkyActiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder.
Six-speed manual-equipped hatchbacks with the 2.0-liter are EPA rated at 29/40 mpg city/highway, and 30/40 mpg with the six-speed automatic. Sedans eke out slightly better numbers: 29/41 mpg (manual models) and 30/41 mpg (automatic models).
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You’ll pay a pretty high premium for the the i-ELOOP system, however. It’s part of the $1,600 Touring Technology Package on s Grand Touring models and adds the regenerative braking system, active grille shutters, high beam control, a lane departure warning system and the Smart City Brake Support system.
Trim level pricing is below and includes the destination fee.
Mazda3 i SV sedan, manual: $17,740
Mazda3 i SV sedan, automatic: $18,790
Mazda 3 i Sport sedan, manual: $19,240 (add $1,050 for six-speed auto)
Mazda 3 i Sport hatchback, manual: $19,740 (add $1,050 for six-speed auto)
Mazda3 i Touring sedan, manual: $20,390 (add $1,050 for six-speed auto)
Mazda3 i Touring hatchback, manual: $20,890 (add $1,050 for six-speed auto)
Mazda3 i Grand Touring sedan, manual: $23,540 (add $1,050 for six-speed auto)
Mazda3 i Grand Touring hatchback, manual: $24,040 (add $1,050 for six-speed auto)
The s package not only adds the more powerful engine, but also includes sporty features like 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, a piano black-finish front grille, LED daytime running lights, leatherette seats and door panel inserts, and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. It starts at $25,390 on Touring sedans and $25,890 on hatchbacks. The s model in Grand Touring trim starts at $26,790 for sedans and $27,290 for hatchbacks.
News Editor Jennifer Geiger joined the automotive industry in 2003, much to the delight of her Corvette-obsessed dad. Jennifer is an expert reviewer, certified car-seat technician and mom of three. She wears a lot of hats — many of them while driving a minivan.