2012 Mazda Mazda3 Overview

For 2012, the MAZDA3continues to be available in both sedan and 4-door hatchback body styles. Buyers have their choice between i, s and new SkyActiv versions. The car was completely redesigned for the 2010 model year, so updates for 2012 are modest, but important. Styling has been updated slightly, with a redesigned grille and rear valence, but the biggest news is an all-new high-efficiency engine combination under the hood.

The 3 starts with a 148-horsepower 2.0L 4-cylinder engine when ordered with the i package. Order the s and you get a 2.5L 167-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. The all-new SkyActiv package features a special 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, making 155 horsepower. Finally, at the top of the range, the MazdaSpeed 3 returns with a turbocharged 2.3L 4-cylinder engine, making 263 horsepower. The i comes equipped with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, while 2.5L models get a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. SkyActiv buyers have their choice of manual or automatic 6-speeds, and the MazdaSpeed 3 is only available with the performance-oriented 6-speed manual. Mileage figures come in at 25/33 mpg for the manual-equipped i, while the manual s is rated at 20/28 mpg. Automatic SkyActiv versions achieve an impressive 28/40 mpg, according to Mazda.

The new SkyActiv package works via a lighter combination of parts (4.4 pounds lighter than the 2.0L engine), special multi-port fuel injectors for better fuel spray inside each cylinder, specially designed pistons that allow shorter combustion times and dual sequential valve timing. Mazda says the new engine features a new drive control system as well, which helps to let the engine and transmission work better as a combination, giving the car much better reaction to driver input.

The i comes in SV, Sport and Touring trims, while the s sedan and hatchback can be fitted in Touring or Grand Touring trims. SkyActiv is available in both hatchback and sedan body styles. Overall, the 3 continues to be practical small car, with enough room for four adults when required.

Standard safety features include advanced front airbags, side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, stability control, and traction control. An optional blind spot monitoring system is available as well, but only on Grand Touring models fitted with the Technology Package.

Base models come with cloth upholstery, power mirrors and windows, tilt/telescopic steering column, 60/40 split folding rear bench seat and AM/FM/CD stereo. The i Touring adds niceties like air conditioning, cruise control, power locks, keyless entry, and electronic stability control. The s Touring and s Grand Touring come equipped with a sunroof and 10-speaker Bose audio. The Technology package consists of in-dash navigation, satellite radio, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth, HomeLink garage door opener, keyless entry and starting, and bi-xenon headlamps that turn with steering input.

2012 Mazda Mazda3 Model Changes

The MAZDA3has gone through a few notable changes for 2012. The first is the addition of Mazda's SkyActiv technology. The new technology boosts fuel economy to nearly 40 mpg on the highway. It pairs a direct-injected 2.0L engine with a special 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, and helps to shave some weight from the outgoing model. Other changes across the model range include a revised grille, new headlamps, and a redesigned rear valence panel. Also new this year is a base model hatchback edition ? previously, buyers had to order the s trim to get the 5-door hatchback body.

2012 Mazda Mazda3 Value

The MAZDA3 has been Mazda's best-selling vehicle for several years, representing nearly half of Mazda's U.S.-market sales, and it's easy to understand why. It's a high-quality car that's simple, small, and sporty, which help it to stand out in an increasingly crowded small car segment. And this year's addition of the economical SkyActiv technology makes it an even more inviting alternative to the Hyundai Elantra Touring, Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf.

2012 Mazda Mazda3 Strengths

Small size, sporty performance from S and MazdaSpeed 3 models, excellent fuel economy thanks to new SkyActiv technology.