I was afraid to watch this video after having recently purchased a 2011 Mazda3. But after seeing it, I have not a single regret. I love my 3!

I feel there is plenty of zoom-zoom to the Mazda 3 with Sky-Active. The Highways where i live are only 2 lanes (1 each way) so passing is required for the faster drivers. I was really surprise how well and fast the car passed. The handling is nice with little body roll going around corners. Biggest issue? Interior space and trunk space.

@jvrdlc It's pretty confusing, but yes SkyActiv is available on Grand Touring models (like the one I tested) in both 4 and 5-door bodystyles. The 2.5-liter engine is reserved for 5-door models while the base 2.0-liter engine (non-SkyActiv) is only available on 4-door SV and Sport models.

So the new 2 liter improves both efficiency and power over the old 2 liter and you say that it's worse for it.

I like every single detail from this car, the only thing I wish would be a lil different, is the front, they should have added an extra couple of small headlights

It seems a bit expensive.. I have a Kia Forte SX (2.4) Hatch with leather, sunroof, and the tech package (nav, smart key, and a couple other things) and it had a sticker of 23,640.. We haggled and got it for 19,750. and that's the top line SX model too. Save yourself $1500 if you're fine with the 2.0 engine instead, and that gets 26/36. not quite as good as the skyactiv, but still respectable

My Mazda 3 with the Skyactive engine and automatic transmission gets 42 MPG at 65 MPH and driving around town I get about 36. I am delighted with the improvement ove my 2006 Hyundia Elantra which just about hit 30 MPG on the highway. Besides the handling is far superior with the Mazda. I am a Zoom-Zoom Convert.

Good review. All points are true. My girlfriend has a 2010 Mazda 3 which has been a great reliable car. It's really like a Honda Civic with some style. I'm surprised with some of the high end features available in this car.

Can you get the Skyactiv on a hatch as well? Also you mention not on a grand touring. So basically you will miss son features right?

I test drove one of these to compare it to the new Civic.This thing has so much more torque and is so much more fun to drive than anything else in its segment that get 40Mpg Hwy. Even the Civic only get 39Mpg Hwy and is a real slug performance wise unelss you get th Si. Then of course your mileage goes in the pooper. This guy said he preferred the 2.5 for the Mazda3 but the mileage also goes in the pooper. This is the best choice combo out there for Mpg and tun to drive plus price!

I'd so want one of these if it wasn't for the smiley face.

@LeastOfTheMajority Sounds like a hybrid when the ignition is in the accessory mode. Weird.

Only question i wanna know is how this automatic gearbox change gear, listen engine voices(not talking) and see rev meter with own eyes same time.

SkyActiv is just designing an engine the right way. The same modifications are done to old 350s and shiz from back in the day (Balancing, Porting, Polishing, reducing friction, reducing inertia, increasing compression, improving intake and exhaust flow/cylinder pressures/velocities and swirl at low RPM. Of course marketing calls it "SKYACTIV".

What is that buzzing/whining sound on camera shots of the engine?

How fast were you on the hwy to get 32mpg? 85mph? Other reviews show this thing getting 40+mpg on the hwy. This is the best sub compact or compact sedan. But they need a refresh. Was considering a sonic but it only gets 25-28mpg actual far from its rating. A focus gets 30mpg actual...very few actually get the mpg rating on the window. You have to be going the speed limit or less to achieve those figures. Well as for mpgs looks like its prius c time

I am waiting for a full skyactiv version with a better looking front end. This car drives extremely well. Handles better than anything else in its class. Could use just a bit more power which a full skyactiv model should provide. Seats could be a little more comfy. Back seats need an inch or two more foot room. They should go ahead and make a 2 door coupe with no back seat just a huge trunk. Mpgs are pretty good avg 33mpg combined unlike the new focus which has a 23 combined mpg. Real world.

That's how I felt, yes.

He proved himself wrong. Average speed was 34 mph. Which highway did you spend the "mostly highway cruising" on?

Great review Steve. Wouldn't mind driving this in the hatch form. A family relative has a 2010 base hatch and the mileage is rather poor. It's too bad the car isn't worth half what she payed for it because I know she would get more out of her money with the SkyActiv!

I am waiting for the Skyactiv Version of the 2.5L to come out.

No it's not a hot rod but it beats the shit out of the new crappier Honda Civic for 2012. That's saying alot since they have been the one to beat in this catagory for years! He tries to make it seem overpriced but these start out at $15,200.00 for a base model. and you still get lots of goodies. Also combined city and hwy mileage is totally different than just hwy. Most people are averaging about 43mpg on the hwy! This is a great car in base trim or loaded. Worth every penny for fun and mpg!

@LeadHammer Good point.

Why would you claim it's powertrain is worse than before when you are comparing it to the 2.5 liter when the skyactiv is actually replacing the old 2.0 engine? That's a poor point.

it diddnt replace the regular 2.0 its the 2.5 thats being discontinued

Sweet! So not only will I be getting a great 40mpg but I wont have to spend the money to get fixed. I already have 3 kids..who wants more? Thats what us true economists call a "Win Win"

how you get navigation ?

@stevehammes thanks for the details and honesty. Great review!

I always reset the trip computer as soon as I get the car. What can I tell you?...the car got what it got.

really, who needs a Hybrid when you can save the same Gas? beside, not a lot of Hybrid Owners know, decent Hybrid battery replacement could cost from $6000 to $8000, could be more for Lexus and Benz.

I'll consider a Mazda when they loose that front grin. It's a good car but that absolutely kills it.

the navi screen is too small

you said you did mostly hwy and your average speed is 34

the 2.5 is a great engine but i thought the 2.3 was a well suited engine that they should have kept

Steve, how tall are you? I am 6'2", and I am affraid this is not a car for tall people. In the video your knees show very close to the front of the car...

@alekliskov Nope. We drove round trip from Albany to Ithaca...over 300 miles. Never got the EPA figures that were advertised.

@bdub232 Highway mpg is rated > 40mpg

do girls dig mazda 3's

@FXSwissTrader To say the least!

@jsiszero Good point.

@frangelomercado I'm 6'2" and I fit better than my '07 civic. I drive with the seat in the most upright position, and the 3 left just enough room.

Mazda three has VTEC wow whel Rosie has sky actev

The point being that the 2.5-liter engine is truly the only appropriate engine for the MAZDA3 if you appreciate Zoom-Zoom.

Quite reliable but frills looking interior

$24 large!! Really?? Wow, you'd be a fool not to get a Speed3!

Jags are rolling turds. They are nice at first then just crumble as you own them and trust me, they are not cheap to rebuild as Jaguar would love you to do.

Stay away. For that money, you can easily get a Hyundai Elantra Limited with more features, better fuel economy, warranty and cool factor. I never thought I would see the day when the Japanese would be playing catch up to the Koreans.

lol, 32 MPG

@NukedJapaneseToyota Will you ever just shut up with your little conspiracy? I've seen your comments on just about every mainstream car review on a Japanese car I've watched. You're not convincing anyone, and quite frankly, it's a little annoying. If there was truely a danger, both Japanese and American governments would stop allowing sales of these cars here.