cars news 10: 2017 Mazda3 Streamlines Trim Levels, Starts at $18,680

Pricing has been announced for the refreshed 2017 Mazda3, which carries the same $18,680 starting price as the 2016 model but sees other price changes across the lineup.

As we previously reported, the 2017 Mazda3 receives more standard content like G-Vectoring Control and better sound deadening for a quieter ride. The interior also receives more premium appointments. For 2017, trim levels have been simplified and Mazda has made more packages available for manual-equipped models. Mazda has dropped the “i” and “s” designations that used to denote engine size.

Prices for the base Sport-trim sedan models stay the same at $18,680 for the six-speed manual, and $19,730 for the six-speed automatic. But prices increase $550 for hatchback Sport models, with the manual starting at $19,930 and the automatic starting at $20,980. The model is still powered by a 155-hp 2.0-liter I-4. The Sport Preferred Equipment package available for sedans costs $1,000 and includes 16-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, cloth sport seats, and satin interior trim. The package is not available for Sport hatchback models, though 16-inch wheels come standard. On most models, an automatic transmission is a $1,050 option.

Prices for the Mazda3 Touring sedan increase $400 to $21,280 with the manual, and $22,330 with the automatic. The Touring hatchback is no longer offered with the manual, but starts at $23,080 with an automatic, an increase of $450 over last year’s model. The Touring 2.5 replaces the s Touring trim, and is available exclusively in the hatchback body style. As the name suggests, the car is powered by a 184-hp 2.5-liter I-4. Prices start at $23,230 for the manual, and $24,280 for the automatic, representing a big drop of $2,050 from last year’s Mazda3 s Touring hatchback, which only came with an automatic. A Touring Popular Equipment package is available for $1,500, and includes everything from the Sport Preferred Equipment package plus 18-inch alloy wheels, low-speed auto braking, dual-zone climate control, hands-free keyless entry, six-way power driver’s seat, heated leatherette front seats, and a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel. Mazda3 Touring 2.5 models additionally get a power moonroof, sunglasses holder, and illuminated vanity mirrors as standard.

2017 Mazda3 rear three quarter in motion 03

Grand Touring models now come exclusively with the 2.5-liter engine, with prices starting at $23,980 for a manual-equipped sedan and $24,730 for a manual hatchback. Those prices mark drops of $1,600 and $1,550, respectively, from last year’s Mazda3 s Grand Touring. All Grand Touring models receive LED foglights, an analog tachometer, head-up display, seats upholstered in perforated almond or black leather, and black metallic accents on the grille and front fascia. For 2017, the Premium equipment package and the i-ACTIVSENSE safety suite are now available on manual-equipped Grand Touring models, priced at $1,600 and $1,100, respectively. The former adds self-leveling adaptive LED headlights, LED taillights, paddle shifters for automatic transmissions, navigation, and an auto-dimming mirror with Homelink garage door opener. The i-ACTIVSENSE package includes automatic high beams, a lane departure warning system, lane keep assist system, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with Traffic Sign Recognition. The i-ELOOP regenerative braking system is now offered as an $800 standalone option for automatic models.

The 2017 Mazda3 begins arriving at dealerships this week.

Source: Mazda