2016 Mazda3 comes with more standard goodies and a lower price

Mazda will package more standard content into its popular compact and starting prices come down a bit.

For the 2016 model year Mazda will be lowering prices on its most popular model. Yes, you heard that correctly. The base Mazda3 I Sport manual drops $600 to an MSRP of $17,845. The automatic will start at $18,895. Mazda also reports that a back-up camera is now standard on all models.

The popular Mazda3 5-door hatch and 4-door sedan continue on for 2016 with just minor refresh changes. The cars still come with either a 2.0-liter, 155 hp engine or 2.5-liter 184 hp engine. Either can come with a manual or automatic six speed transmission. We loved the last couple Mazda3 cars we tested, particularly the 2.5 engine and manual transmission, which is a very quick and fun car to drive.

In fairness to the reader we would like to jump to the other end of the Mazda3 spectrum and price out a Grand Touring 5-door, 2.5-liter automatic with the Technology Package. This model also has the i-ELOOP brake energy capture system that improves fuel economy. Checking off the most expensive body style, transmission, and options package, the 2016 Mazda3 will have a price of $29,915 including destination charge by our math.

We tested the 2015 Mazda3 2.5 and also the Mazda3 2.0. Click the highlights to read what we thought.