A multifaceted SkyActiv technology has the impressive goal of improving fuel economy by a huge 30 percent. The moniker “SkyActiv,” by the way, is an English rendering of a Japanese phrase akin to “The sky’s the limit.” This was the approach Mazda engineers took in everything from the basic engine to enhanced application of this engine’s twist to the tarmac.
The engine will pair with Mazda’s new SKYACTIV six-speed automatic transmission, which features an aggressive lock-up clutch for the torque converter. This, combined with the efficient engine, has Mazda hoping for an EPA rating of 30 mpg city/40 highway for the 2012 3—that’s up from bests of 25/33 and 22/29, respectively, for the current 2.0 and 2.5. Stick lovers can rest easy, as the engine will also be available with the company’s slick six-speed manual—although the company isn’t yet revealing the fuel economy for that combo.
The Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is the result of those brainstorming efforts. Producing 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 148 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm, the net gain was a 5 percent power increase, better fuel economy, more low-end torque and a livelier overall attitude.
The Skyactiv engine will consist of two types of compression ratios: 13:1 is set for the U.S., Japan, and Australia, while Europe will get 14:1. A four-to-one exhaust manifold system is in the works, but due to space restrictions underhood, it will not be available in the current Mazda3. Scheduled to appear in the next generation model, the compression ratio is limited to a still high 12:1 for the current body style. Finally, with reductions in residual drag from the oil and water pump and other internals, Mazda engineers were able to realize more torque from the engine while using less fuel.
The current MZR 2.0-liter dual-overhead-cam four-banger is still available, only on the low-end Mazda3 i SV and Sport sedan models. The range-topping 2.5-liter, with a bit more torque and power, will continue to be offered on Mazda3 s Grand Touring models.
Prices for the 2012 Mazda3 i SV starts at $15,200, which is cheaper than the previous model year. Power comes from a 2.0 liter MZR engine making 148-hp. The 2012 Mazda3 i Sport starts at $16,845 and is optionally available with a 5-speed Sport automatic transmission. The Mazda3 i SV and Sport are not available on the five-door models.
Prices for the 2012 Mazda3 i Touring models with the new SKYACTIV 2.0 liter gasoline engine start at $18,450. Output comes in a at 155-hp with a peak torque of 148 lb-ft. EPA-rated fuel-economy comes in at 40 mpg on the highway.
Moving to the hatchback lineup, the 2012 Mazda3 i Touring hatchback with SKYACTIV-G starts at $18,950 with an EPA-rated 39 mpg on the highway. All Mazda3 i Touring and Grand Touring models are available with the SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission or the all-new SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission.
Prices for the 2012 Mazda3 i Grand Touring sedan start at $22,300 and $22,800 for the five-door hatch. The i Grand Touring gets you a power moonroof, power driver’s seat, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a Bose Centerpoint 10-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot and a full-color navigation system.
The 2.5 liter MZR 167-hp is also available on the Mazda3 s Touring and Grand Touring. Prices start at $21,300 for the Mazda3 s sedan and $21,800 for the hatch. Mazda3 s models come with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System with push-button start, a moonroof, a dual zone automatic climate control system and a Bose Centerpoint 10-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot. Navigation is now standard on all s Grand Touring models.
Last but not lease, prices for the 2012 MAZDASPEED3 starts at $24,000. The 2012 MAZDASPEED3 is powered by a 2.3 liter MZR turbocharged engine making 263-hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
The Interior
The Engine
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