2012 Mazda3

By:

Cam on 01/13/2012

Topic:

Car Reviews.

It seems like there’s a lot of talk about grills lately, as if they somehow define an automobile.  I get the aesthetics- it’s the car’s smile; it can be an engaging trait, or a lifeless eyesore.

But a car’s experience goes beyond its grill.

Cue the second generation Mazda3, with its headlight to headlight happy face.  Some say it looks goofy, but think about it this way:  We’re usually wearing some sort of goofy grin when we’re happiest, so why shouldn’t our cars mimic us?  The newest Mazda3 manages to keep its grin through some minor styling tweaks, and yours will be fine too after experiencing the 3’s solid performance, impressive interior layout, and modest price range.

So forget about the grill.  Here’s what you should focus on with the 2012 Mazda3.

You can also spec out your own Mazda3 on CarWoo! right now. 

New For the 2012 Mazda3

Mazda has not only restyled the 3’s aesthetic designs, but added a new direct-injection engine.  The 2.0 liter 4-cylinder boasts added performance along with up to 40 MPG highway economy.

Shoppers can still grab either the 4-door sedan (from $15,200), or 5-door hatchback ($19,300), along with the performance driven MazdaSpeed3 hatch option ($24,000).

Standard add-ons include leather options, heated seats, climate control, and a sunroof.  Go with the Grand Touring and you’ll receive navigation; MazdaSpeed3 gets the nav system as an optio

n.  Packaged features include rain-sensing wipers, and a blind spot warning system.

2012 Mazda3 Performance

Three engine choices now await future drivers of the 2012 Manzda3.  Go with either the i SV or i Sport coupe to receive a 2.0 liter inline-4, giving 148 HP and 135 lb.-ft. of torque. Standard i

ssue for the 2.0 liter is a 5 speed manual transmission, though the i Sport has a 5-speed automatic option.

New for 2012 is a higher performing and more fuel conscious SkyActiv –G version of the 2.0 liter engine.  i Touring and i Grand Touring trims will receive 155 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. along with added fuel economy.  Attached to the new engine is either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed auto.

Slip in to an s Touring or s Grand Touring and it’s a 2.5L inline-4 that excites with 167 HP and 168 lb.-ft. of torque, and fitted with either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed auto.

2012 Mazda3 Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption falls neatly into the conservative category, with minimal penalties for engine and transmission changes.  2.0 liter i SV and i Sport engines are pegged at 25/33/28 (city/highway/combined) MPG with manual; shave close to nil for autos for 24/33/27.  The new SkyActiv-G 2.0 comes in at 27/39/31 for manual sedans and 28/40/33 with automatics; hatchbacks will get 27/38/31 with manual or 28/39/32 with auto.  2.5 liter trims see 20/2823 MPG for manual driving, and will gain efficiency with automatics to the tune of 22/29/25.

MazdaSpeed3

The MazdaSpeed3 is a beast in and of itself, built for those who want to go over the top.  The Sport trim has everything worth raving about from its siblings, along with a 2.3 liter, 263 HP turb

ocharged 4-cylinder putting up 280 lb.-ft. of torque.  The downside to all the supercharged fun is minimal, at 18/25 MPG on a 6 speed manual.

2012 Mazda3 Interior efficiency

Whether choosing 4 or 5 doors, all trims come equipped to seat 5 passengers.  Overall the interior looks clean with efficient, ‘intuitive’ (thanks Mazda) placement of controls catered to drivers.  Each body style comes with just over 94 cubic feet of total space, with comfortable front seats and standard issue smaller (cramped) backseats.  The big difference to note is in cargo area; coupes receive 11.8 cubic feet of trunk space, while the hatchback’s shape allows for 17 cubes.  It’s something to think about when loading in people and/or accessories.

2012 Mazda3 Safety

Mazda3 standards include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, stability/traction control, and a standard airbag setup, including front-side impact and side curtain bags.  Extras include a blind spot monitoring system that’s optional for Grand Touring and MazdaSpeed3 trims.  Government crash testing gives Mazda3 4/5 stars overall, and 2012 models receive an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Now wipe that goofy grin off your face and come get your Mazda 3 at Carwoo.