The Mazda3 sedan and hatchback are getting more standard features for 2016. Mazda has discontinued the old base model and made the Mazda3 i Sport the new standard model.
US sales of the Mazda3 have increased 5.2% to 54,878 this year through June, outpacing the 3.1% gain for all compact cars and a car market that has skidded 1.7% year to date.
The powertrain lineup is continued over for 2016 with Mazda’s SkyActiv-G engines; 155 hp, 2.0-liter I-4 in i models and 184 hp, 2.5-liter I-4 on s models. Both engines will be available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The i Sport gets more standard features, most notably a backup camera, radar cruise control and HID headlights.
The Preferred Equipment package is now also available on the i Sport, which includes 16-inch alloy wheels, bright beltline trim, heated body-color dual-power door mirrors with integrated turn signal lamps, premium cloth-trimmed sport seats, a rear-seat armrest with cupholders, auto on/off headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers and blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
The Touring trim will now be offered with Popular Equipment package, which adds an auto-dimming interior mirror, dual-zone climate control system, premium sound and a shark fin antenna.
The new upgrade will be available in the Persian Gulf region in the coming months after it makes its debut in the US and European markets. The final price for the upgraded model in Iran is remains unknown, however expect local complete knock down assemblers to re-release the model later this model.
