2012 Mazda 3 review, specs and performance

Mazda unveiled the revised and slightly reshaped 2012 Mazda 3 at the 2011 New York auto show. You’d have to do a double take to spot any of the subtle cosmetic differences between the new 2012 model and the outgoing 2011, but pop the hood, and you’ll find yourself staring at an entirely new drive train. Actually, you’ll find yourself staring at a bright blue cosmetic engine cover, but beneath that is an all-new drive train that uses Mazda’s SkyActiv efficiency technologies.

Machine used is the SkyActiv-G gasoline-burner, which is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The directly injected unit is rated at 40 miles per gallon on the highway in the 2012 Mazda 3, and produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 148 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm. That’s a horsepower increase of five percent and torque bump of 10 percent, all in a package that’s 4.4 pounds lighter than the currently available standard 2.0-liter.

The SkyActiv-equipped 2012 Mazda 3 is offered with a choice between two transmissions: a six-speed, manual or automatic, both of which are also parts of the SkyActiv family. SkyActiv-Drive is the automatic of the group, and helps the Mazda3 achieve a range of 540 miles. While the auto is the transmission of choice for 40 mpg drives, the SkyActiv-MT also allows for efficient motoring. When equipped with the manual, the fuel economy rating dips to 39 mpg on the highway.

The interior design was no less re-imagined than the vehicle’s exterior, and was developed with the end goals of a more inviting cabin and higher-quality feel. Beginning with the instrument panel – the largest landscape within the cabin – black is now used throughout the center stack and shift gate to provide an even bolder look. Furthermore, silver-colored, satin-polished details were added to areas frequently operated by consumers, such as the outer rings of the three climate-control dial switches and the audio control panel, as well as the ventilation louvers on the center panel. In addition to creating a feeling of higher refinement, the silver-on-black color scheme further accentuates the location of these common controls and switches, which increases legibility and lessens the amount of time drivers take their eyes off the road, consequently reducing operating errors.

Don’t forget to look at 2012 Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV, Mazda RX-8 Spirit R, and Mazda6 Venture Edition. Thanks, for viewing about this 2012 Mazda 3 

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