2015 Mazda3 To Get 2.5L/6-Speed Manual Combination
Published: September 4th, 2014
Share
Our biggest complaint surrounding the 2014 Mazda3 was the lack of a stick shift option in the 2.5L, 184-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. We felt that the 155-horsepower 2.0L engine was just too limp for the car’s otherwise excellent chassis, but the lack of a manual with the big motor was a disappointment. No longer.
A Mazda source tells us that 2015 Mazda3’s will be available with both the big motor and the 6-speed manual. While this is good news for manual fans, there’s one big issue: the Skyactiv 6AT box is really good. I even think it’s the better of the two gearboxes. But I’d still pick the manual for myself, even if it’s not what I’d recommend to everyone else.
More by Derek Kreindler
Comments
Join the conversation
Finally. I always thought it was ridiculous for the "zoom-zoom" company to not offer a manual with the bigger engine. Too bad it's probably geared too short for highway cruising, with too much road noise on top of that.
Has Mazda fixed their gearing yet? I had a 2004 Mazda 6 GT hatchback ('s' trim for you American types), V6 5MT. It was an awesome car, but 2600 rpm at 100 kph in 5th?? The very definition of unacceptable. My best bud's sister has an I want to say 2012 Mazda 3 hatch, 2.5 6MT. Same deal, way too frantic at highway speed.
Unless whomever makes packaging decisions at Mazda NA has suddenly come to their senses, you will still be stuck with the 18s if you want the 2.5. Instead of more properly sized 16s and sensible tire sidewall.
This combo is needed in the CX-5! Note to Site Administrator: This is an enthusiast site. Please remove all comments focussed solely on fuel economy.