2024 Mazda3 Loses 2.0L Engine, Gains Power, Costs More
Mazda is making significant changes to its compact car lineup for the 2024 model year. The first Mazda3 Sport hatchbacks will arrive in Canadian dealerships this summer, followed by the first Mazda3 sedans in the fall.
Most notably, the base 2.0-litre engine (155 horsepower, 150 lb-ft. of torque) has been dropped. From this point on, Mazda3 models come standard with the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine, upgraded from 186 horsepower to 191 horsepower. Peak torque is still rated at 186 lb-ft. What’s more, thanks to updated cylinder-deactivation technology, Mazda says fuel consumption is reduced. The automatic-equipped Mazda3 sedan now achieves 7.5 L/100 km instead of 7.8 L/100 km.
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The six-speed manual transmission is no longer available with GX and GS models. For all these reasons, the Mazda3’s base MSRP goes from $21,900 to $24,200 for 2024. You can add freight and PDI charges of $1,995. The 2024 Mazda3 Sport is up from $22,900 to $24,950.
Pricing in GS trim starts at $26,700 and $27,450, respectively. If you want AWD, that’s an extra $4,200. The GS Luxury package is back, elevating comfort while replacing the standard 8.8-inch centre display by a 10.25-inch unit (with available touchscreen functionality when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto).
All 2024 Mazda3 and Mazda3 Sport models receive several active safety features from the company’s i-Activsense suite, including advanced blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. Automatic emergency braking has been updated to enhance night-time performance, which is good news.
The only way to get a manual gearbox is by selecting a GT model, but only with the Mazda3 Sport. This one costs $32,450 for 2024 instead of $31,700. AWD, once again, is available exclusively with the autobox. Prices start at $35,000 with the sedan and $35,750 with the hatchback.
Moving one step above, you’ll find the GT Turbo at $37,400 and $38,150, respectively. The engine doesn’t change, delivering 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft. of torque when running on premium 93 octane fuel or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque with regular 87 octane fuel.
It’s also the engine that powers the new Suna Edition of the 2024 Mazda3 Sport. Finished in Zircon Sand Metallic with 18-inch black metallic wheels, the car further stands out with a Black/Terracotta interior and Terracotta stitching. It retails from $38,900.
When do you think we’ll see a Mazda3 top $40,000 before freight and PDI? Considering Mazda is dead set on becoming a more premium car brand, the answer likely is sooner rather than later.