I have a 2018 Mazda 3 (Sport hatchback, 2.0 6 speed) and it is 100% the peak of the Mazda 3. The third gen (14-18) is the best handling with independent suspension, g vectoring and a reasonable curb weight of 2800 lbs. 2017 is when they updated some things to make the car even nicer.

I bought my 2018 Mazda 3 Hatch with the manual. I’m an enthusiast but I could just barely afford the base sport trim. By only having a manual on nicer versions, I would’ve had to go with a used car.