Mazda 3 S vs Mazda 3 I: Performance, Transmissions, and Features Explained

When it comes to choosing the right car, it’s important to understand the differences between various models and trims. One popular option in the compact car segment is the Mazda 3, which offers two distinct trims: the Mazda 3 S and the Mazda 3 I. While they may sound similar, there are key differences between the two that can greatly impact your driving experience. In this article, I’ll break down the disparities between the Mazda 3 S and the Mazda 3 I, helping you make an informed decision when it’s time to hit the road. So, let’s dive in and explore the unique features and characteristics of these two impressive vehicles.

Key Takeaways

• The Mazda 3 S and Mazda 3 I are two distinct trims with key differences in performance, engine options, transmission, fuel efficiency, and features/technology.
• The Mazda 3 S is equipped with a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 186 horsepower, while the Mazda 3 I has a smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower.
• Both trims offer a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic transmission, allowing drivers to personalize their driving experience.
• The Mazda 3 S provides a balance between power and efficiency, achieving an estimated 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, while the Mazda 3 I offers even better fuel economy with an estimated 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.
• The Mazda 3 S comes with advanced features like a Bose® premium audio system and advanced safety technologies, while the Mazda 3 I features the MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System, a rearview camera, and push-button start.
• Both trims offer standard features such as keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Mazda 3 S and the Mazda 3 I offer some notable differences. Let’s take a closer look at each trim’s performance features:

Mazda 3 S: The Mazda 3 S is equipped with a powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates an impressive 186 horsepower. This engine provides ample acceleration and delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience. Whether you’re merging onto the highway or passing slower vehicles, the Mazda 3 S has the power to get you where you need to go with confidence. Additionally, the Mazda 3 S comes with an available six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission, giving you the option to truly personalize your driving experience.

Mazda 3 I: On the other hand, the Mazda 3 I is equipped with a smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 155 horsepower. While it may not have the same level of power as the Mazda 3 S, the Mazda 3 I still offers a responsive and efficient performance. The lighter engine allows for improved fuel economy, making it a great choice for those who prioritize fuel efficiency. Similar to the Mazda 3 S, the Mazda 3 I also offers a choice between a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.

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Engine Options

Let’s dive into one of the most crucial aspects of the Mazda 3 S and Mazda 3 I: their engine options. These two trims come with different engines, each offering its own unique performance characteristics.

Mazda 3 S Engine

The Mazda 3 S is equipped with a powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This robust engine generates an impressive 186 horsepower, providing an exhilarating driving experience. Whether you’re merging onto the highway or zooming through city streets, the Mazda 3 S will deliver the power you need. Its engine is designed to be both smooth and responsive, giving you a sense of control and confidence behind the wheel.

Mazda 3 I Engine

On the other hand, the Mazda 3 I features a slightly smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. While it may have a smaller displacement, it still offers a capable performance, producing 155 horsepower. The Mazda 3 I is designed to strike a balance between power and efficiency, making it a great option for those who prioritize fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Whether you’re commuting to work or enjoying a weekend drive, the Mazda 3 I delivers a responsive and enjoyable ride.

Transmission Options

Both the Mazda 3 S and Mazda 3 I offer a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic transmission. This allows you to personalize your driving experience based on your preferences. The manual transmission provides a more engaging and connected feel, perfect for those who enjoy the control and precise shifting. On the other hand, the automatic transmission offers effortless shifting and smooth transitions, ideal for relaxed and convenient driving.

The Mazda 3 S and Mazda 3 I come with different engine options that cater to various driving preferences. The Mazda 3 S boasts a powerful 2.5-liter engine, delivering an impressive 186 horsepower for a thrilling performance. Meanwhile, the Mazda 3 I features a smaller 2.0-liter engine with 155 horsepower, offering a balance between power and fuel efficiency. Whether you prefer manual or automatic transmission, both trims provide options to suit your driving style.

Transmission

Now let’s dive into the Transmission options available in the Mazda 3 S and Mazda 3 I trims. Both trims offer a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic transmission.

For those who enjoy the thrill and control of manually shifting gears, the six-speed manual transmission provides an engaging driving experience. It allows the driver to have more control over gear changes, which can be especially rewarding for driving enthusiasts.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed and convenient driving experience, the six-speed automatic transmission is a great choice. It offers smooth and seamless gear transitions, making it ideal for daily commutes and long drives.

Both trims have their own merits when it comes to transmission options. Here’s a quick overview:

Mazda 3 S:

• Six-speed manual transmission: Ideal for those who enjoy a more hands-on driving experience and want complete control over gear changes.
• Six-speed automatic transmission: Perfect for those who prefer a smooth and effortless driving experience, especially in heavy traffic or on longer journeys.

• Six-speed manual transmission: Provides a similar engaging driving experience as the Mazda 3 S, but with a smaller engine option for better fuel efficiency.
• Six-speed automatic transmission: Offers the convenience of automatic gear shifts, making it a great choice for daily commuting and overall ease of use.

Whether you choose the Mazda 3 S or the Mazda 3 I, you’ll have the option to select the transmission that best suits your driving style and preferences. Both trims offer a well-rounded driving experience, allowing you to enjoy the performance and efficiency that Mazda is known for.

Fuel Efficiency

When it comes to choosing a car, fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider. The Mazda 3 S and Mazda 3 I trims both offer impressive fuel efficiency, allowing drivers to save on fuel costs and reduce their carbon footprint.

Let’s start with the Mazda 3 S. Despite its more powerful engine, this trim still manages to offer respectable fuel economy numbers. With its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the Mazda 3 S achieves an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. These numbers make it an excellent choice for those who want a balance between power and efficiency.

On the other hand, the Mazda 3 I trim, with its smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, offers even better fuel economy. It boasts an estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. This trim is perfect for those looking for maximum efficiency without sacrificing performance.

Both trims come with the option of a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission you choose can also impact the fuel efficiency of your Mazda 3. Generally, manual transmissions tend to offer slightly better fuel economy due to their lighter weight and more direct power delivery. However, advancements in automatic transmission technology have narrowed the gap in recent years.

It’s also worth mentioning that fuel economy can be affected by various factors such as driving habits and conditions. Aggressive driving, heavy traffic, and excessive idling can all negatively impact fuel efficiency. By practicing fuel-efficient driving techniques, such as maintaining a steady speed and avoiding sudden accelerations, you can maximize the fuel economy of your Mazda 3.

Both the Mazda 3 S and Mazda 3 I trims offer commendable fuel efficiency, making them budget-friendly choices for daily commuting and long road trips. Whether you prioritize power or efficiency, there’s an option available that suits your needs. So go ahead and enjoy a smooth and fuel-efficient driving experience with the Mazda 3 S or Mazda 3 I.

Features and Technology

When it comes to the features and technology offered in the Mazda 3 S and Mazda 3 I trims, both models have a lot to offer. Let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart in terms of technology and convenience.

Mazda 3 S:

The Mazda 3 S trim comes with a range of advanced features that enhance the overall driving experience. Some of the notable features include:

• Bose® premium audio system: Enjoy crystal-clear sound quality and immersive listening experience on every drive.
• Active Driving Display: Keep your eyes on the road while staying informed about important vehicle information.
• Advanced safety features: The Mazda 3 S is equipped with advanced safety technologies like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert to help you stay safe and confident on the road.

Mazda 3 I:

While the Mazda 3 I trim may have a smaller engine, it still packs a punch when it comes to features and technology. Here are some noteworthy features:

• MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System: Stay connected and entertained with the intuitive infotainment system that allows you to easily access your favorite apps and navigation.
• Rearview camera: Maneuvering in tight spots becomes a breeze with the help of the rearview camera that provides a clear view of what’s behind you.
• Push-button start: Start your Mazda 3 I with just a push of a button, adding convenience and ease to your daily commute.

Both trims also come with standard features such as keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port for seamless integration with your devices.

Conclusion

The Mazda 3 S and Mazda 3 I trims offer distinct features and options that cater to different preferences and needs. The Mazda 3 S trim stands out with its powerful engine and smooth performance, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a more exhilarating driving experience. With advanced features like the Bose® premium audio system and active driving display, the Mazda 3 S trim provides a luxurious and technologically advanced driving environment.

On the other hand, the Mazda 3 I trim, despite having a smaller engine, still offers impressive features and technology. The MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System, rearview camera, and push-button start add convenience and functionality to daily commutes. The Mazda 3 I trim strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, making it a practical option for those who prioritize fuel economy.

Both trims share standard features such as keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port, enhancing the overall driving experience. Whether you prefer a sportier ride or a more fuel-efficient option, Mazda offers a range of choices to suit your individual needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the differences between Mazda 3 S and Mazda 3 I trims?

A: The main differences between the Mazda 3 S and Mazda 3 I trims are in their performance and features. The Mazda 3 S has a more powerful engine and comes with advanced features like a Bose® premium audio system and active driving display. The Mazda 3 I trim, on the other hand, has a smaller engine but still offers notable features like the MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System and a rearview camera.

Q: What transmission options are available for both trims?

A: Both the Mazda 3 S and Mazda 3 I trims offer two transmission options: a manual transmission and an automatic transmission. Drivers have the flexibility to choose between a manual transmission for a more engaged driving experience or an automatic transmission for convenience.

Q: How fuel-efficient are the Mazda 3 S and Mazda 3 I trims?

A: The exact fuel efficiency of the Mazda 3 S and Mazda 3 I trims can vary depending on factors like driving conditions and driving habits. However, both trims are designed to be fuel-efficient. The Mazda 3 I trim, with its smaller engine, generally has slightly better fuel efficiency than the Mazda 3 S trim.

Q: What features and technology are offered in both trims?

A: Both the Mazda 3 S and Mazda 3 I trims come with standard features like keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. Additionally, the Mazda 3 S trim offers advanced features such as a Bose® premium audio system, active driving display, and advanced safety technologies. Meanwhile, the Mazda 3 I trim includes features like the MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System, rearview camera, and push-button start.

Q: What is the overall driving experience like with these trims?

A: Both the Mazda 3 S and Mazda 3 I trims are designed to enhance the overall driving experience. The more powerful engine in the Mazda 3 S trim provides a sporty and engaging performance, while the Mazda 3 I trim offers a balance of fuel efficiency and performance. Both trims also prioritize safety and convenience with their advanced features and technology, adding comfort and convenience to daily commutes.