Feature

The 2012 Mazda 3: What the critics say

The price of the new Mazda starts at $19,300.

The New York Times
The “zoom-zoom” automaker is known for fun-to-drive small vehicles, but compact size hasn’t always meant fuel-efficient. Now, thanks to a “transformative new engine and a pair of exceptional new transmissions”—collectively called Skyactiv—the Mazda 3 “effortlessly tops 40 mpg in real-world driving.” Little else is changed for this model year, but what remains is “awfully good.”

Car and Driver
Model-year changes usually come with styling and interior upgrades, but such improvements are “barely noticeable” on the 2012 Mazda 3 because it already had “a quality interior and a very athletic chassis.” The new Skyactiv powertrain is the real game-changer here. Its high-compression, direct-injection engine delivers exceptional fuel economy without turbocharging or other expensive technologies. We always liked the 3’s crisp performance. Now, it’s far more affordable to drive.       
 
EdmundsInsideLine.com
What a difference a powertrain can make. Like last year’s Mazda 3, this edition can “attack a corner like no other economy car.” But until now it was comparatively fuel-thirsty. Two other engine choices are available besides the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G. But why even consider the higher- or lower-priced options? In its newly efficient iteration, this car “has never been better.”

Recommended

6 marvelous homes with great kitchens
House
Feature

6 marvelous homes with great kitchens

The Check-In: How to plan a trip to Antarctica
Penguins on an iceberg
Feature

The Check-In: How to plan a trip to Antarctica

The Week contest: Seaweed invasion
sargassum seaweed.
Feature

The Week contest: Seaweed invasion

6 worthwhile homes in Iowa
House.
Feature

6 worthwhile homes in Iowa

Most Popular

Finland offering free happiness 'masterclass'
flag of Finland
teaching joy

Finland offering free happiness 'masterclass'

Mosquito species from South America discovered in Florida
Culex lactator.
new in town

Mosquito species from South America discovered in Florida

5 toons about Trump's possible indictment
Political Cartoon
Feature

5 toons about Trump's possible indictment