Subaru, Mazda, Honda, Great Choices For Just Over $25,000
By Mike Garcia
Mazda 3
What if you want something, a bit more fun? Mazda has the answer for you. While Honda is known for their excellence in engineering, Mazda has taken their Zoom-Zoom campaign across their entire product line.
Similar to the Civic Touring is the Mazda 3. No, it doesn’t have a turbocharged four-cylinder, but the base Mazda 3 i Sport 5-door compares similarly in price to the Civic LX, starting at $18,545.
The Mazda 3 comes with a SKYACTIV 155 horsepower, 2.0-liter motor and a 6-speed manual transmission. An optional 6-speed automatic is available. EPA gas mileage is estimated at 29 city, 40 highway.
But, as mentioned earlier, you want more. After all, the price point is above $25,000.
With a Mazda 3 S-Touring 5-Door, power steps up with a larger SKYACTIV 2.5-liter engine, capable of 184 horsepower. EPA gas mileage is rated at 27 city, 37 highway. It comes available only with the automatic transmission. A 6-speed manual is available with the S-Grand Touring trim. The S-Touring features climate control, heated front seats, a navigation system, and a 9-speaker Bose system. Rear parking sensors and Mazda mobile start are available as options. Not too bad consider the $25,495 starting price for the top-trim S Touring model.