Gone is the 1.3-liter 13B-MSP Renesis rotary engine that came with this car; In its place is a 3.6-liter LFX V6, the same as you’d find in a numer of GM cars.

Mazda has done well to make cars that are priced reasonably low, look good, and, more importantly, offer a fulfilling driving experience. The carmaker has distanced itself from its Japanese ...