The 2012 Mazda3 is among the top ranked affordable small cars, available in hatchback and sedan body styles.
The sedan is offered in 5 trim levels which include: s Grand Touring, i Grand touring, i Touring, i Sport and i SV.
The hatchback model of the Mazda3 is available in two trims, Touring and Grand Touring.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $15,200.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons (55 l) | MPG: 25 city / 33 hwy |
| Length: 180.7 in. (458.9 cm) | Wheel Base: 103.9 in. (263.9 cm) |
| Height: 57.9 in. (147 cm) | Width: 69.1 in. (175.5 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 2866 lbs (1300 kg) | Ground Clearance: 4.7 in. (11.9 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 11.8 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 2.0L VVT-DOHC 4 Cylinder | Compression Ratio: 10.0: 1 |
| Horsepower: 148 HP | Max RPM: 6500 RPM |
| Torque: 135 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Manual w/ OD |
| Option:i-Sport | MSRP: $16,845; MPG: 25 city / 33 hwy |
| Option:i-Touring Auto | MSRP: $18,100; MPG: 28 city / 40 hwy |
| Option:s-Touring 2.5L MT | MSRP: $21,300; MPG: 22 city / 29 hwy |
| Option:i-Grand Touring Auto | MSRP: $22,550; MPG: 28 city / 40 hwy |
| Option:s-Grand Touring 2.5L | MSRP: $22,900; MPG: 22 city / 29 hwy |
Engine & Performance
The Mazda3 is equipped with high performance powertrains including the SkyActiv engine, which is considered to be one of the most engaging and fuel-efficient engine in its class. The SkyActiv powertrain is fitted on the i Touring and i Grand Touring models, a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that generates 155 hp and 148 lbs-ft of torque.
The engine is mounted to a standard 6-speed manual gearbox with a 6-speed transmission being optional. The engine nets a fuel mileage of 27/39 mpg city highway with the 6-speed manual transmission, and 28/40 mpg with the 6-speed automatic transmission.
The 2012 Mazda3’s base engine is standard on the i SV and the i Sport trims, is a 2.0L 4-cylinder, making 148 horsepower and 135 lbs-ft of torque. This engine is connected to a standard 5-speed manual gearbox, but the i Sport can be fitted with the available 5-speed automatic. The fuel economy rating is at 25/33 mpg city/highway with manual transmission and 24/33 mpg with the automatic.
The S trims are equipped with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that makes 167 hp and 168 lbs-ft of torque. This comes with either a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual gearbox. With the 6-speed manual transmission, this engine nets a fuel economy of 20/28 mpg city/highway; while the 5-speed manual transmission estimates a fuel economy of 22/29 mpg.
Exterior
The Mazda3 arrives with have a renovated front fascia and air-dam that makes it look stylish and distinctive. The SV models are fitted with 16-inch steel wheel, power windows and mirrors and keyless entry as standard exterior features.
The 3i Touring comes with 16-inch alloy wheels and heated mirrors; while the s Touring models comes with 17-inch wheels, fog lamps, deck lid spoiler on sedan model, and LED taillights. Both s and i Grand Touring trims gets automatic wipers and adaptive bi-xenon headlights.
Interior
The cabin is equipped with many standard features and constructed with good quality materials. All Mazda3 models have standard interior features that include: satellite radio-compatible stereo, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, steering wheel-hosted audio controls, and auxiliary input jack.
The sedan has a trunk space of 11.8 cubic feet while the hatchback gets a 17 cubic feet cargo space which can be increased to 42.8 cubic ft after folding the rear seats. It can accommodate 5 people. Other notable features are: rear heater ducts, silver center console, driver foot rest, cargo area light, and passenger side seatback pocket.
Safety & Reliability
All Mazda3 models are equipped with several standard safety features including: stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, emergency trunk release, child safety locks, 4-wheel disc brakes, 4-wheel ABS, side curtain airbags, brake assist and front side airbags.
Mazda backs the 2012 Mazda3 with a 3-year or 36,000 mile limited warranty as well as 24/7 road assistance for the same period. In addition to that, there is a 5-year or 60,000 mile engine warranty.
Pros
- Great fuel economy and performance SkyActiv engine
- Fun to drive
- Precise handling
- Well equipped interior
- Impressive list of luxury options
- Extra utility of 4-door hatchback
Cons
- Tiny navigation screen.
- Less cargo space than rivals.
- Goofy-looking grill.
The 2012 Mazda3 is one of the most stylish small-car picks, and with the distinctive 5-door hatchback model; then, it is a car to watch out for when looking for a small car for your family.
The small sedan market is filled with many choices, along with the Mazda3 4 door, you may want to look at the likes of the Honda Civic DX (MSRP $15,955; 28 city / 36 hwy), the popular Toyota Corolla (MSRP $16,130; 27 city / 34 hwy), and the VW Jetta (MSRP $16,645; 24 city / 34 hwy).
Overall Rating
77 out of 100
What others say:
“With its new Skyactive powertrains, the 2012 Mazda3 is the eco-conscious choice that sure doesn’t drive like one.”Car Connection
“Any 3 is confident, exhibiting little body lean, though i versions have more than s models. Steering feel is accurate and responsive, and the brakes have excellent pedal feel and control. ”Consumer Guide
“The Mazda3 uses a quick and fuel-efficient 2.0-liter engine and a punchy 2.5-liter that is punchy. Handling is precise and the firm ride is comfortable.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The beauty of the 2012 Mazda3 is that no matter which model you choose, it will be equipped with a fun to drive spirit.”KBB
“Precise handling; high fuel economy with optional 2.0-liter engine; stylish, well-equipped interior; impressive list of luxury options; extra utility of four-door hatchback.”Edmunds
