Under the Hood

The Mazda3 i comes standard with a 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that can team with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Mazda3 s models use a 167-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. The automatic includes a clutchless-manual mode that lets the driver control gear changes by nudging the console gear selector up or down.


A Mazda3 i with a manual transmission achieves the best EPA-estimated gas mileage, with its 25/33 mpg city/highway rating. Selecting the automatic lowers the city rating by 1 mpg. The Mazda3 s, meanwhile, is rated at 21/29 mpg with the manual and 22/29 mpg with the automatic.

    See also:

    Ride & Handling
    The Mazda5's steering response is designed to engage the driver. A turn of the wheel delivers a quick change of direction, and there's a fair amount of feedback. The suspension is on the firm side ...

    Exterior
    How could Mazda not get attention with a sedan this good-looking? My Sangria Red test car didn't necessarily draw stares, but it stood out when parked in my driveway on a suburban street. It looke ...

    How the SRS Air BagsWork
    Your Mazda is equipped with the following types of SRS air bags. SRS air bags are designed to work together with the seat belts to help to reduce injuries during an accident. The SRS air bags ar ...