2014 Mazda MAZDA3 i Sport

2014 Mazda 3 i Sport: The "No-Compromise" Entry Level
While the high-trim Grand Touring models get all the headlines, the 2014 Mazda 3 i Sport is arguably the most impressive feat of engineering in the lineup. It represents the "Goldilocks" zone of the 2014 redesign—offering the essential SkyActiv driving purity at a price point that made the competition look stagnant.
The Heart: 2.0L SkyActiv-G Efficiency
The "i" in i Sport signifies the 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder engine. While it produces a modest 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, the numbers don't tell the whole story.
Efficient Power: This engine was built for high-compression efficiency. It feels peppier than its rivals because the torque curve is tuned for real-world city driving.
Fuel Economy King: The i Sport was the efficiency leader of the 2014 pack, capable of hitting an EPA-estimated 41 MPG highway. It turned the Mazda 3 into a legitimate long-distance commuter that rivaled hybrids for fuel savings.
The Chassis: Pure Jinba Ittai
The beauty of the i Sport is that it shares the exact same high-strength steel chassis and sophisticated multi-link rear suspension as the top-tier models.
Lightweight Agility: Because the 2.0L engine is lighter than the 2.5L found in the "s" trims, the i Sport feels slightly more "tossable" and eager to change direction.
Steering Precision: Mazda didn't numb the steering for the base trims. You still get that telepathic connection to the front wheels, making every highway on-ramp a moment of genuine fun.
Interior: Simple, Honest, and Ergonomic
The i Sport trim avoids some of the complex electronics of the higher trims, which many enthusiasts actually prefer for long-term ownership.
The "Pure" Cockpit: You get clear, easy-to-read analog gauges and a straightforward audio system that works without a learning curve.
Quality Materials: Even at this trim level, the 2014 redesign ensured that the touchpoints—the steering wheel, the shifters, and the climate knobs—felt substantial and well-damped, avoiding the "rental car" plastic feel common in 2014-era Civics.
Why the i Sport Wins
Value Retention: The 2.0L engine has proven to be incredibly bulletproof over the last decade.
The Manual Option: If you can find an i Sport with the 6-speed manual, you have one of the best-shifting daily drivers ever made.
The Look: Even without the LED accents of the Grand Touring, the KODO design language gives the i Sport a premium silhouette that hasn't aged a day.
The Verdict
The 2014 Mazda 3 i Sport is the thinking person’s compact car. It stripped away the leather and the navigation but kept the soul of the car intact. It is proof that a "base" model doesn't have to be a penalty box; in fact, its simplicity makes it one of the most honest and enjoyable cars on the used market today.