Until a few months ago I’d mistakenly thought they’d eliminated the stick on the Mazda3 as well, but then I realized they only offer it on the highest trim level. That seemed kind of odd at first, but I guess manual transmissions have transitioned from being the cheapest option on the base models to being a niche option on the high end performance models.
I also read that they’re going to offer their more powerful turbocharged engine in the Mazda3… but only with an automatic. So now I’m torn. Would I get more power and an automatic, or less power and a stick? Oh well, that’s entirely hypothetical at this point. I have no plans on getting a new car anytime soon.