Mazdaspeed3, 4d Hatchback, 6-speed Manual, And Fwd. on 2040-cars

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2015 Mazda3 finally pairs 6-speed manual with larger engine

With all of the hype and anticipation surrounding the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, the Japanese brand was able to sneak another driver-oriented model into its lineup. The company's spec page for the 2015 Mazda3 hatchback and sedan have been updated to list the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder as finally being available with a six-speed manual transmission, in addition to the previous six-speed automatic. The automaker had promised the row-your-own gearbox with the bigger engine back when it first announced the new Mazda3, but it waited a model year to actually put the combo on sale.
According to Mazda's specs, the manual gearbox trims 40 pounds off of a hatchback or 54 pounds off of a sedan in s Touring and s Grand Touring trims. However, shedding that weight doesn't necessarily boost fuel economy. The six-speed hatch is rated at 26 miles per gallon city and 35 mpg highway, compared to 27/37 for the automatic. The manual sedan is rated at 25/37 city/highway mpg, versus 28/39 with the auto. Buyers can save a little money by opting for the manual, though. Regardless of body style, it's about $1,050 cheaper than the automatic.
Autoblog reached out to Mazda and learned that the 2.5L 6MT models started hitting dealers in August. The 2.5 wasn't initially available with the stick because, "We had to prioritize engineering resources and the 2.5L 6MT was not a high priority combination. Globally, smaller engines are preferred in terms of sales," a Mazda spokesperson explained via email. The automaker also notes that Austrailia will probably be the only other market outside of North America to get the six-speed gearbox with the larger engine.

Mazda pits 2016 MX-5 Miata against the original

Mazda has toiled admirably to keep the latest MX-5 Miata true to the spirit of the original. But just how close did the team come? To find out, the Japanese automaker brought two bookending examples of its iconic roadster down to a racetrack in Spain and put them in the hands of a couple of endurance racing drivers – Jade Paveley in the original, Owen Mildenhall in the new model. Whichever crossed the finish line first at the end of one lap would win. And because 25 years of progress wouldn't exactly make it a fair match, they gave the original a four-second head start. Watch the video above to see how it went down. Related Video:

Mazda prices 2016 CX-3 from $20,840

Been eager to put your cash down on the hood of a new 2016 Mazda CX-3, but haven't known just how much to take out from the bank? You can call your branch manager now, because Mazda has released pricing details for its new subcompact crossover. The MSRP for the new CX-3 will start out at $20,840, including an $880 destination charge. (Alaskan buyers can expect to pay an extra $45 on top.) That's for the base-level Sport model with front-wheel drive. Tack on another $1,250 for all-wheel drive if you think you'll need the extra traction, but either way it'll be channeling 146 horsepower and just as much torque from a 2.0-liter inline-four through a six-speed automatic transmission. Step up to the Touring model and the retail price jumps up to $22,840 (with delivery), plus the same $1,250 for the AWD option. There's a Touring Technology package available for another $1,410 that includes moonroof, satellite radio, and cargo cover. Finally at the top of the line is the CX-3 Grand Touring for $25,870 (delivered), available with that same i-Activ all-wheel drive system, and an i-Activsense package that throws in an array of electronic conveniences and safety systems for another $1,920. So while you can get away with paying as little as $20,840 for the base model, a fully loaded CX-3 can run you as much as $29,040. Related Video: All-New 2016 Mazda CX-3 Subcompact Crossover MSRP[1] to start from $19,960 - Latest evolution of Mazda's signature KODO design comes embodied in crossover available with premium, class-exclusive features and class-leading fuel economy - IRVINE, Calif., July 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- New vehicle segments don't come around often. So when Mazda had the opportunity to create its very own subcompact crossover to tackle the urban sprawl, as well as the road less-traveled, it did so the only way it would – with the fun-to-drive, stylish and upscale 2016 Mazda CX-3. 2016 Mazda CX-3 Subcompact Crossover Priced From $19,960 Nearing its mid-August expected on-sale date, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has released full pricing for its entry-level CUV offering, starting at an MSRP2 of $19,960 for the entry-level CX-3 Sport with front-wheel drive. As a $1,250 upgrade, buyers can select CX-3 Sport with Mazda's predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive that takes temperature, road conditions, steering-angle and weather into account, among other factors, to help optimize to which wheels engine power is routed for maximum performance and stability.