IRVINE, California — The 2016 Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback arrive at U.S. Mazda dealers in late July with more standard features and a $600 price cut on the base models, Mazda said in a statement late last week.

The base SV model has been dropped from the lineup for 2016.

Mazda's base 2016 3i Sport sedan with a six-speed manual transmission starts at $18,665, including an $820 destination charge, while the top-of-the-line 2016 Mazda 3 s Grand Touring with a six-speed automatic transmission is priced at $26,615, including shipping.

The base 2016 Mazda 3 i hatchback with a six-speed manual transmission starts at $19,365, including shipping, and the top-of-the-line 2016 Mazda s Grand Touring with a six-speed automatic transmission is priced at $27,315, including shipping.

All 2016 Mazda 3s are equipped with a standard back-up camera. Additional standard equipment includes power accessories, 16-inch steel wheels with covers, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

Engine choices include a 155-horsepower Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the base model or a 184-hp Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in Mazda 3 s cars.

Key competitors to the Mazda 3 include the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

Edmunds says: Adding features and lowering the price is a perfect recipe for attracting car shoppers.