Cons: Middling acceleration with 2.0-liter engine; tacked-on navigation screen can wash out in bright sunlight conditions; some complicated audio controls; tight rear-seat space[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”padding_space” margin_top=”10″ margin_bottom=”10″][vc_column_text]CG Says: After its redesign for 2014, Mazda 3 sees a minor shuffling of standard and available equipment for 2015. Also, a 6-speed manual transmission is available with the up-level 2.5-liter engine. The base engine (available in “i” models) is a 155-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder; “s” models get a 184-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. Both engines now come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission; a 6-speed automatic is optional. The Mazda 3’s redesign last year brought a more-sophisticated platform, nicer interior materials, better fuel economy, and new technology features while maintaining the car’s trademark spunky, fun-to-drive personality. There are several compact cars that are a bit more practical and space-efficient, but few that are as engaging behind the wheel.[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”padding_space” margin_top=”10″ margin_bottom=”10″][mk_content_box heading=”The Facts”][mk_table el_class=”new-review-specs”]
| Class | Compact Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door hatchback, 4-door sedan |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Mazda |
| Nation of Manufacture | Japan |
| Base Prices | i SV sedan: $16,945 i Sport sedan: $18,445 i Sport hatchback: $18,945 i Touring sedan: $19,595 i Touring hatchback: $20,095 i Grand Touring sedan: $22,745 i Grand Touring hatchback: $23,245 s Touring sedan: $23,845 s Touring hatchback: $24,345 s Grand Touring sedan: $25,045 s Grand Touring hatchback: $25,545 |
| Base Engine 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 155 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 29-30 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 41 |
| Optional Engine 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 184 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 25-29 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 37-40 |
Links
Test Drive: 2015 Mazda 3 i Touring Sedan
Test Drive: 2015 Mazda 3 S Grand Touring Hatchback
Test Drive: 2014 Mazda 3 i 5-Door Grand Touring
2016 Mazda 3 Review[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”https://consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2014-Mazda3-4D-CGI-09-e1390511906621.jpg” image_width=”600″ image_height=”300″ title=”2015 Mazda 3 sedan” caption_location=”outside-image” margin_bottom=”20″ crop=”false”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
