2012 Mazda3 Rated at 40-MPG [New York Auto Show 2011]
Debuting the car at the New York Auto Show today, Mazda has just confirmed that the 2012 Mazda3 will match the Hyundai Elantra as the most fuel efficient compact car on the market with a 40-mpg highway rating.
The first vehicle to make use of the brand’s new SkyActiv fuel saving technologies, the 3 will be powered by a direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Engine power numbers have yet to be released.
“SKYACTIV is not just an engine; it is the next generation of advanced
vehicle performance and efficiency,” said Jim O’Sullivan, President and
CEO, Mazda North American Operations. “SKYACTIV embodies Mazda’s
philosophy of engineering only vehicles that are fun to drive, satisfying
to own and environmentally responsible; and there is no better vehicle to start with than the Mazda3, one of the most exciting sport compact cars on
the road.”
See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 NY Auto Show coverage here.
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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Mazda's 2.0 with direct injection tech is rather weak. Hyundai's 1.8 Nu in the current Elantra is rated at 40 mpg highway and they haven't put direct injection on it yet.. I'm expecting the 1.8 with GDi to put out 170 hp and get over 45 mpg with the refresh. www.isleofexile.blogspot.com
The technology has always been there as far as I believe. But since the price of gasoline is going up all car companies will produce a much higher milage engines. I believe a that a 50 -60 MPG engine can be designed when needed. And it will happen.