All  new 2010 Mazda 3 starts at very reasonable $15,045 for the basic model with manual gearbox. Mazda3i with 2.0 liter engine and automatic transmission costs $18,350 and the Sport version with 2.5 liter engine costs $19,540. So you can get a brand new well-equipped Mazda3 sport for under 20 grand.

The five door version is priced at $20,030 but it has all the features of the sport model like 17 inches wheel, or multi functional sat-nav display. Still you can spec up the car to the ‘S’ level which for $1,195 gives you a whole lot of cool gadgets. Details about all of this and more in the text below…

IRVINE, Calif., February 17, 2009 – In an economy where value-for-dollar is more important than ever, the all-new 2010 MAZDA3 proves that good things do come in small packages – and can be affordable too. Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced pricing for its much-anticipated sport compact. Starting at just $15,045, the entry-level 2010 MAZDA3, equipped with manual transmission, is priced just $355 more than the outgoing model.

The 2.0-liter MAZDA3 i Touring 4-door with automatic transmission, which is expected to remain the volume-leader model, will be priced at $18,350 and includes key features such as standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TCS) and Bluetooth® wireless mobile phone and audio capability and hands-free operation. And with fuel economy up to 25/33 mpg (city/highway) – a 10 percent improvement in highway fuel economy – the MAZDA3 i Touring costs less at the pump too.

Starting at just $19,540 for the 4-door and $20,030 for the 5-door, the 2.5-liter MAZDA3 s Sport with automatic transmission adds 17-inch alloy wheels and a Multi-Information Display (MID) with 4.1-inch monochromatic screen that conveys MP3 and i-Pod program information, trip data including fuel economy, plus various maintenance and alert messages. And, like all Mazdas, the new 2.5-liter engine has plenty of Zoom-Zoom – a must for an eco-conscious driving enthusiast. The 2.5-liter engine pushes out 167 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque – 13 more horsepower and 18 more lb.-ft. of torque than the 2.3-liter it replaces – yet maintains a competitive fuel economy of 22/29 (city/highway).

New packages for the 2010 model include a Technology package and the Moonroof/six CD changer/BOSE ® Audio package.

Available on both s models, the Technology package includes advanced keyless entry, push-button start, a compact full-color navigation system, Sirius satellite radio with six months of free service and a perimeter alarm – all for $1,195.

The Moonroof/six CD changer/ BOSE® Audio package is available on the MAZDA3 i Touring and both s models. In addition to a moonroof and six CD changer, the package adds BOSE® Centerpoint surround sound – a five-channel surround system engineered cooperatively with BOSE® that enhances the listening experience thanks to a digital amplifier, noise cancellation technology and 10, strategically placed, premium speakers. Priced at just $1,395, the Moonroof/six CD changer/ BOSE® Audio package is a must for audiophiles.

Offering more features, functionality, and power than a comparably equipped outgoing 2009 model, when it’s all said and done, a fully loaded 2010 MAZDA3 s Grand Touring 4-door is $240 less.