Along with minor styling updates and newly available features, the 2017 Mazda 3 also is getting a reshuffling of trim levels. Both sedan and hatchback body styles; the same 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter engines; and Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims all remain available. However, Mazda has decided to get rid of the somewhat confusing “i” and “s” designations that used to differentiate between the engine choices. So, rather than getting into the nitty-gritty of comparing 2016 and 2017 trim levels, it’s much simpler to look at the 2017 lineup from a fresh perspective.
At the bottom of the price ladder sits the 2017 Mazda 3 Sport sedan with a 155-hp, 2.0-liter engine and standard six-speed manual transmission. It starts at the same $18,680 as last year. The Sport hatchback is $1250 extra, and a six-speed automatic transmission is $1050 extra regardless of body style. For Sport sedans, there’s an available $1000 Preferred Equipment package that adds 16-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, upgraded cloth upholstery, and some extra chrome trim; Sport hatchback buyers must do without these extra features, except for the 16-inch wheels which are standard on the hatch.
Next up is the 2017 Mazda 3 Touring trim, which starts at $21,280 for a sedan with the 2.0-liter engine and a six-speed manual transmission. Once again, a six-speed auto is $1050, although opting for the Touring 2.0L hatchback requir...