2012 Mazda MAZDASPEED3

2012 MAZDASPEED3 Photos
The 2012 Mazda 3 takes a leadership role in automotive engineering with what Mazda is calling SkyActiv technology, 'an engineering philosophy that starts with a blank slate and open mind.'

The big change for 2012 is the introduction of a new 2.0-liter engine that gets Mazda's SkyActiv treatment, delivering a terrific 28 miles per gallon in the city, 40 mpg on the highway. In fact, during one good run with that engine, we got 43.7 mpg. The SkyActiv engine runs on Regular gasoline.

The 2012 Mazda3 lineup features two new SkyActiv transmissions to go with the SkyActiv engine: a 6-speed automatic and 6-speed manual. We found both worked beautifully.

One big styling change on all 2012 Mazda3 models is the nose. That big grin that's been fixed on the face of the Mazda3 for the past two years has been wiped off, replaced by a smile that's more reserved.

Because the Mazda3 was redesigned for 2010, including a lighter stiffer chassis and new interior, there aren't a lot of other changes for 2012.

For 2012, the old 2.0-liter engine remains in the base model. The 2.5-liter engine in the up-level s models is unchanged as is the 2.3-liter turbocharged Mazdaspeed3.

Mazda makes a claim for the new 3. 'Our 40 is better than their 40,' they say, meaning zoom-zoom performance hasn't been compromised to hit 40 mpg. Not by hard tires, space-saving spares, or aerodynamic hubcaps. And 'their 40' refers to Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, and Honda Civic, competitors that also reach 40 mpg, in certain models. Mazda says it offers the most optional extra equipment of any 40-mpg car, for example a Technology Package with blind spot monitoring system, adaptive headlamps and LED taillamps.

The 2012 Mazda3 looks better without that stupid grin. It's smoother, prettier and more aerodynamic, as the front fenders are also tweaked, puffed out forward of the wheels. The sedan has a 0.27 coefficient of drag, and the five-door is 0.29 Cd, strong numbers for a hatchback.

There's one change from the interior of the 2011 Mazda3, satin rings around the three climate knobs, for a reason Mazda actually tested with human beings. Recognition speed and accuracy, and that means less distraction. Every single control on the Mazda3 instrument panel is intuitive and easy to reach and use. The center stack is clean, the gauges clear, and digital information accessed by a thumb scroll on the steering wheel. Mazda3 comes standard with steering-wheel controls.

The Mazda3 sedan's trunk has 11.8 cubic feet of space, and the hatchback has 17 cubic feet behind the rear seat. Both come standard with 60/40 split folding rear seats, and they fold nearly flat, so the cargo space can be expanded enormously. In a pinch, the sedan can carry most of what the hatchback can.

In a day of hard driving on the Angeles Crest Highway and on some mountain roads in Southern California, we couldn't find a flaw in the 2.0-liter SkyActiv powertrain. We tested it hard, …
Full Review

The 2012 Mazda 3 takes a leadership role in automotive engineering with what Mazda is calling SkyActiv technology, 'an engineering philosophy that starts with a blank slate and open mind.'

The big change for 2012 is the introduction of a new 2.0-liter engine that gets Mazda's SkyActiv treatment, delivering a terrific 28 miles per gallon in the city, 40 mpg on the highway. In fact, during one good run with that engine, we got 43.7 mpg. The SkyActiv engine runs on Regular gasoline.

The 2012 Mazda3 lineup features two new SkyActiv transmissions to go with the SkyActiv engine: a 6-speed automatic and 6-speed manual. We found both worked beautifully.

One big styling change on all 2012 Mazda3 models is the nose. That big grin that's been fixed on the face of the Mazda3 for the past two years has been wiped off, replaced by a smile that's more reserved.

Because the Mazda3 was redesigned for 2010, including a lighter stiffer chassis and new interior, there aren't a lot of other changes for 2012.

For 2012, the old 2.0-liter engine remains in the base model. The 2.5-liter engine in the up-level s models is unchanged as is the 2.3-liter turbocharged Mazdaspeed3.

Mazda makes a claim for the new 3. 'Our 40 is better than their 40,' they say, meaning zoom-zoom performance hasn't been compromised to hit 40 mpg. Not by hard tires, space-saving spares, or aerodynamic hubcaps. And 'their 40' refers to Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, and Honda Civic, competitors that also reach 40 mpg, in certain models. Mazda says it offers the most optional extra equipment of any 40-mpg car, for example a Technology Package with blind spot monitoring system, adaptive headlamps and LED taillamps.

The 2012 Mazda3 looks better without that stupid grin. It's smoother, prettier and more aerodynamic, as the front fenders are also tweaked, puffed out forward of the wheels. The sedan has a 0.27 coefficient of drag, and the five-door is 0.29 Cd, strong numbers for a hatchback.

There's one change from the interior of the 2011 Mazda3, satin rings around the three climate knobs, for a reason Mazda actually tested with human beings. Recognition speed and accuracy, and that means less distraction. Every single control on the Mazda3 instrument panel is intuitive and easy to reach and use. The center stack is clean, the gauges clear, and digital information accessed by a thumb scroll on the steering wheel. Mazda3 comes standard with steering-wheel controls.

The Mazda3 sedan's trunk has 11.8 cubic feet of space, and the hatchback has 17 cubic feet behind the rear seat. Both come standard with 60/40 split folding rear seats, and they fold nearly flat, so the cargo space can be expanded enormously. In a pinch, the sedan can carry most of what the hatchback can.

In a day of hard driving on the Angeles Crest Highway and on some mountain roads in Southern California, we couldn't find a flaw in the 2.0-liter SkyActiv powertrain. We tested it hard, …
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Retail Price

$23,700 - $24,000 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 2.3L I-4
MPG Up to 18 city / 25 highway
Seating 5 Passengers
Transmission 6-spd man w/OD
Power 263 @ 5500 rpm
Drivetrain front-wheel
Curb Weight 3,281 lbs
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