Mazda’s Mazda3 drops the SV trim in 2016 and puts a rearview camera on every trim level’s standard equipment list. While the 2014 model year Mazda3 had a full makeover, 2016 still finds this product a mighty fine competitor in the compact car segment. During a week-long test drive of the four-door sedan, the base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine competently powered the Mazda3. The front wheel drive car’s agile handling was complimented by a nicely composed ride and responsive brakes. Mazda3 is offered in five trims: i Sport, i Touring and i Grand Touring (‘i’ denotes 2.0-liter engine) as well as the s Touring and s Grand Touring (‘s’ indicates 2.5-liter engine).

Base engine for the Mazda3 is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 155 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 150 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. The more powerful engine is the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder releasing 185 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 185 pounds-feet of torque at 3250 rpm. Those engines are mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The 106.3-inch wheelbase car has an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and an independent multi- link rear suspension. Mazda3 Grand Touring four-door with 2.0-liter engine and six-speed manual transmission collects estimated mpg of 29 city/41 highway and carries a suggested MSRP of $22,545.