2012 Mazda MAZDA3 Hatchback

Having its more fuel-efficient engine, the 2012 Mazda 3 addresses one of our few criticisms in this popular car. For anyone who is buying a small, inexpensive sedan or hatchback, it ought to be at the top of your list. The 2012 Mazda 3 gets some very subtle styling tweaks, however the bigger news is within the hood. The all-new “Skyactiv-G” four-cylinder joins the engine lineup, producing more power than many competitors while still delivering 40 mpg traveling. The latest six-speed automatic transmission will complement this engine too.

2012 Mazda MAZDA3 s Touring Hatchback

The 2012 Mazda 3 has traditionally been considered a little bit of a connoisseurs’ choice among compact sedans. Which consists of agile handling, responsive engines and generous features list, the 3 will be the compact car that any of us editors at Edmunds.com not simply most important recommend to others, but also have, occasionally, purchased for your families. Yet a common criticism of the 3 have been gas mileage. The beds base four-cylinder was merely average within the mpg department, even though the livlier four-cylinder was worse than those in bigger, heavier and more powerful midsize cars.

Mazda addresses this complaint from the 2012 Mazda 3. Dubbed “Skyactiv-G,” Mazda’s new direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 158 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. While using similarly new six-speed automatic, several with Skyactiv-G should return about 40 mpg on the streets — a number that’s quickly transforming into a requirement inside compact class. A six-speed stick shift will still be offered for all connoisseurs who still prefer to swap gears for themselves.

Mazda says it is going to maintain the current 2.0-liter four-cylinder for base models, whilst the bigger 2.5-liter it’s still offered in case you prioritize power over fuel economy.