| 2016 MAZDA3 I SPORT | VS | 2016 MAZDA3 I TOURING |
|---|---|---|
| $17,845 | MSRP | $20,045 |
| 29 city / 41 hwy | Fuel Economy | 29 city / 41 hwy |
Serving Macon, Warner Robins, and Atlanta
Today’s compact sedans are designed to offer affordability and above-average fuel efficiency. For more than a decade, the Mazda3 has been known as one of the most fun-to-drive cars in its class. Very few competitors can match its level of sportiness. To make the sedan an even better value than before, more standard features have been added. The Mazda3 has been featured on Car and Driver’s “10Best Cars” list for the third consecutive year.
If affordability is one of your main priorities, the base i Sport model will leave you impressed. On the other hand, the i Touring model offers an enhanced degree of luxury. Let’s take a look at how the Mazda3 i Sport compares to the Mazda3 i Touring.
Like the rest of the lineup, the Mazda3 i Sport benefits from Mazda’s performance-enhancing SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY. A peppy four-cylinder engine comes standard on both models. Mazda has tuned the 2.0-liter engine to develop a fulfilling 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. According to Edmunds, the new Mazda3 is quicker than the typical small sedan. Although the six-speed manual transmission is fun, the optional automatic transmission doesn’t sacrifice any performance. Gas mileage stands at a hybrid-like 41 mpg on the highway. The Mazda3’s hallmark remains its exceptional handling. It offers the nimbleness of a sports sedan while still delivering a comfortable ride.
The base Mazda3 i Sport proves to be an exceptional value. Featuring a rotary controller, the touch-screen infotainment system is among the sedan’s most rewarding features. You can also take advantage of the audio system’s smartphone connectivity. Some of the other standard items found on the i Sport model include Bluetooth technology, HD radio, and a USB port. Meanwhile, the i Touring model brings an additional number of creature comforts. Keyless ignition gives the Mazda3 i Touring a high-end character. You can also opt for the Popular Equipment package, which includes upgrades such as a Bose surround-sound audio system and a dual-zone climate control system.
Passenger safety has become one of the main concerns for today’s drivers. You can depend on all versions of the new Mazda3 to provide a superior level of crash protection. The sedan’s high-strength steel frame helped it to earn an exceptional five-star safety rating. It was also chosen as a Top Safety Pick+, which is the highest honor given by the IIHS. Both of these models come standard with a rear-view camera. While the i Sport model offers blind-spot monitoring as an option, this attractive safety feature comes standard on the Mazda3 i Touring.
The new 2016 Mazda3 sedan continues to excel in all of the most important categories. Although you may be lured by the i Sport model’s affordability, the i Touring version offers a bit more luxury. To see which Mazda3 trim best suits your lifestyle, stop by Five Star Mazda to take a test drive.
All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.
