i LOVE my 2012 skyaciv mazda 3. i love the sporty handling on it, i love the get up and go and i love the fact that i get anywhere from 39-47 mpg on the interstate and other freeways. even around town im averaging about 37 mpg yet i feel like im driving an animalistic powerful beast for what it is. 2.0 4 cyl with almost 160 hp and that kinda gas mileage are ya kidding me?? mazda strikes again!

@markaruski I believe the new chassis required for the 4-2-1 manifold is due around model year 2014.

@MPistol The US version of the engine gets 12:1 so it can take regular unleaded. European models get 13:1 and will require Premium. 14:1 requires the 4-1 manifold, which doesn't fit into this chassis. Look for that in the upcoming CX-5 crossover (the first full-on Skyactive model)

Just bought one, hatchback, and this review is spot on, even about the tire sidewall stiffness. Great feeling, great driving car that feels much more expensive. Much more engaging than the Impreza, better looking too, and I don't need AWD. The slickness of the 6spd is prob my fav feature, along with the lovely engine. Had an '04 Mazda3s 2.3L hatch and this new one is a step above.

one problem i had with the review is that when he was talking about the dash and steering wheel, the camera was fixed so they could not show what they were talking about. they should have had extra footage of the interior to show it off and edited it in.

@flatblackstrat These long-lead reviews are filmed during the press launches. Therefore, we're partnered with other journalists. Rather than shoot around the other journalists we decided to just include them. They may not say very much, but they usually drop one or two nuggets.

thanks for the review. very helpful. im probably going to buy a focus hatchback or a mazda3 hatchback. would you recommend one over the other? love the focus and the mazda but the mazda feels more sporty and seems a bit quicker (for a 4 cylinder that is). So im wondering, in your review would you say this car is worth buying for someone entering college?

i love the shape and design of this car. its really awesome.

@SaneSociety1

3 ай бұрын

Same. Bought a '12 skyactiv recently. Sporty but you sit upright and fairly high. Good visability.

@illricky I believe that 17-inch alloys are also available with the Touring. Check mazdausa.com to be sure (they have a configuration tool online)

When (what year) will the Mazda3 model get the 4-2-1 header?

@drivingsports Got it. Thanks for the info.

the old mazda 3 looked respectable, this one just looks like a VW beetle.

Once I heard SKYACTIV motors would be somewhere around 14:1 compression, I took notice. Not sure where this motor is on that scale.

i am wondering , you did not mention a comparison between the mazda3 and the mitsubushi lancer FWD? do you think the 2012 lancer is better. i feel you need @ least 3000 rpms for the lancer to get up and go as opposed to the mazda which accelerates immediately . same as the subaru impreza; however i do agree the impreza has little pull after 4 th gear. . i bought the subaru because it corners better probably b/c awd . it great at that price point. dont like the mazda smiliey face/ joker look

Anyone know if they will make a RWD skyactiv car? I heard the miata might get a skyactiv turbo in the next few years but it would be downsized

I like the concept of fuel economy without sacrificing power. If mazda made a Rear wheel drive, or all wheel drive car, with a turbo, i would be interested. The subaru is still the car for me.

I just bought the mid-year 2012 Mazda3 i Grand Touring, it has the 4-2-1 header, i can send you a pic.

@drivingsports The compression of an Atkinson cycle motor is NOT comparable to the compression on a non-atkinson motor. The mechanical compression is high, but it is effectively lower than the Mechanical CR.

@Fearrange I think it'll come a bit late. This SKYACTIV is a bit new, and just starting to introduce itself in the north america market...

12:1 Compression ratio is not normal for most cars, it's higher. Most newer cars are maybe 9-10.5

@Ho0di both gas and diesel

How come the man to the left always stays quiet? Whats the point of having these other reviewers in your car? Are they also there to test them that day?

why do the guages look so similar to the genisis coupe to me

5:20 Corvette on the right! :)

@sangolt88 Insanely high for a production vehicle on regular gas. Even crotch rocket bikes just barely touch that.

Nice sweat mark on your shirt.

I thought the Skyactiv was a diesel engine?

i don't like the steering wheel either. too many buttons like in a plane or something like that :)

Those wheels are decidedly 1990's.

In the past, Civic is the car for a smart guy. But now, this new Mazda 3 is the new car for a smart guy, and VTEC will be replaced with SKYACTIV..

thats the funniest thing ive heard, if ur going to buy a honda civic buy a honda civic because thats all they are going to buy

@wtfyourafuckindoosh The auto industries dirty little secret is, that a freelance designer works with many manufacturers. In the nineties you had the Supra, 300zx, 3000gt, F40 all with 3 liters displacement, it is because the same guy designed that generation of those cars. You can get a Lambo engine in an Audi, a RR radio in a Hyundai. So when you are driving your new Skyactiv Mazda just know it came from the same mind that designed the F22 Raptor,and the F35...

@nunyabusiness896

Жыл бұрын

The Supra, 300zx, 3000GT, etc. had 3 liters of displacement because of Japanese tax classes and racing homologation. None of those engines were anything alike at the nuts and bolts level, all very different approaches though similar on paper. Sometimes designers will hop around manufacturers, but most of it is more akin to people doing the adult CEO equivalent of peeking at another student's homework and changing it enough so the teacher doesn't say anything.

@ILikeReallyBigButts but thats more boring and is an irrelavent answer to my comment

ur videos are very informative but its starting to get dull and boring

Douchebag truck in the background @ 5:37.

first

the mazda 3 actually gets 55 mpg not 40 mpg.... they need to get there facts straight.

@SaneSociety1

3 ай бұрын

They are correct. You are not.

i can finally say this, first. ... ok i dont feel special, why do people do this?

gay