Mazda3 i (SV model)
- Starting MSRP: $16,700
- Engine specs: 2 liters, four cylinders
- Gas mileage:
- City - 25 mpg
- Highway - 33 mpg
The sleek but affordable Mazda3 is a highway fuel-sipper with technology dubbed Skyactiv-G, which enables the vehicle to reach as much as a 40 mpg threshold for highway fuel economy on one model of the Mazda3. According to Mazda, new advances in the design of the transmission helped improve fuel efficiency by 4 percent to 7 percent.
The sedan also earned 2012 Top Safety Pick honors from IIHS, using the most recent test scores. Advanced safety features include front and front-side-impact air bags, side-impact air curtains, an antilock brake system and traction control system.
The Mazda3 has a sound system that includes 10 speakers, Bluetooth, CD/MP3 and USB connectivity on top models. The vehicle comes in seven colors.