Mazda Keeps The Manual Mazda3 Alive For 2027 And Adds Some Welcome Extras

Good news for people who still enjoy changing gears themselves: the Mazda3 will keep its six-speed manual for 2027. Even better, Mazda has moved it into a better-equipped trim, giving buyers a few extra reasons to choose the three-pedal hatchback.

The manual is now available on the 2.5 S Premium Plus hatchback, which starts at $31,950. Add the $1,315 destination fee, and the price reaches $33,265. That's just $300 more than last year's manual Premium model, so the extra equipment makes the increase easier to swallow.

The engine remains familiar. It's a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque on regular gasoline. It won't turn the Mazda3 into a hot hatch, but it delivers enough power for everyday driving and works nicely with the manual gearbox.

There are still a couple of catches. Manual buyers have to stick with front-wheel drive and the naturally aspirated engine. Mazda keeps both all-wheel drive and the turbocharged engine away from the six-speed option. A turbocharged, AWD Mazda3 with a manual gearbox would make quite an enthusiast special, but that combination remains off the table.

At least the cabin gets some useful upgrades. The Premium Plus now includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, adaptive headlights, and signature LED lighting at both ends.

The rest of the range also gets some attention. Wireless smartphone connectivity is now standard on the Select Sport, while the Preferred adds wireless charging. The Select Sport becomes the entry point at $27,040, as Mazda drops the base 2.5 S hatchback.

Turbo models remain at the top, producing 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. Prices start at $37,040 for the sedan and $38,190 for the hatchback before destination. Keeping the manual alive is a small win, but one worth celebrating.