The Mazda 3 is available in two engine configurations — a 2.0-liter engine that has 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque and a 2.5-liter unit that makes 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Both send the drive to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, although a six-speed automatic is available for an extra $1,505.

As has been the case since the Mazda3 debuted on US shores, the 2018 model is available as either a four-door sedan or a five-door hatch. Trim levels and standard equipment are broadly similar between the two designs, although the sedan is marginally more fuel efficient.

The 2.0-liter engine returns 27 miles per gallon city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined with a six-speed manual transmission and 28 city, 37 highway, and 32 combined with the automatic. On the other hand, the 2.5-liter engine provides an EPA-estimated 25/33/28 mpg with the stick-shift and 26/35/30 mpg with the automatic.

As is the case with most of its models, Mazda is offering its smallest car in base Sport, mid-grade Touring, and range-topping Grand Touring form.

Sport The Mazda3 Sport starts $20,220 (including $875 destination charges) for the sedan or $21,270 for the five-door hatch. This base model is only available with the less potent 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, although owners can grab either a standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic. Standard equipment includes 16-inch wheels (wheel covers with the sedan), keyless entry with push-button start, cloth upholstery, a rear-view camera, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted controls and a seven-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity. Also standard from this year is Mazda’s low-speed automatic emergency braking system, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS). An Appearance Package ($1,300 for the sedan and $1,750 for the hatch) adds aerodynamic elements like a front spoiler, side skirts, a rear diffuser and blacked-out side-view mirrors. The four-door model is also available with a $1,000 Preferred Equipment Package, which adds 16-inch alloy wheels, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic assist, heated mirrors, auto on-off headlights, and rain-sensing wipers.

Touring The Touring trim is priced at $21,715 for the sedan and $22,765 for the hatchback, and as we already mentioned, now comes with the 2.5-liter engine. Aside from the extra grunt, Touring features include 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated side-view mirrors, faux leather upholstery, heated front seats, a six-way power adjustable driver seat with manual lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, and Mazda's proximity key. The Touring also offers blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, for added peace of mind. The Appearance Package is still available, but it's joined by the unimaginatively named Bose/Moonroof/Satellite Radio Package. This package costs $1,500 regardless of body style and – we're sure you'll be shocked to find out – adds a Bose audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio and a moonroof.