Author Topic: Need a new small hatch, is the 2012 Mazda3 SKYACTIV technology worth the $? (Read 2256 times)

nohup · « **on:** November 16, 2011, 02:22:40 pm »

I need to replace my '02 Protege, in the next week or so. I want a hatch that I can tote my 6 month old kid around in and our 45 lb dog. Considering the 2012 Mazda3. Looking at Mazda's web site today is the first time I've heard of their new SKYACTIV technology. What is everyone's opinion on this? Is the extra ~$1700 worth it (I'll be getting an AT) in driving performance?

The other two cars I've started to look more closely at are the Forte5 and the Focus hatch. Any insights appreciated.

tortoise · « **Reply #1 on:** November 16, 2011, 03:20:38 pm »

Where are you getting the $1700 from? '11 to '12? Or GX to GS?

If it's the latter I presume you get some extra features along with the new engine. If I were buying a 3 it would have to have the SkyActiv engine.

bridgecity · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2011, 03:26:41 pm »

I'm jealous. You're entering a great time for buying a compact hatch. Mazda 3, Focus, Forte5, Impreza, Fit, Golf, etc. Can't go wrong with any of them. Have fun on your search.

nohup · « **Reply #3 on:** November 16, 2011, 03:41:46 pm »

Quote from: tortoise on November 16, 2011, 03:20:38 pm

Where are you getting the $1700 from? '11 to '12? Or GX to GS?

If it's the latter I presume you get some extra features along with the new engine. If I were buying a 3 it would have to have the SkyActiv engine.

I'm not sure how I got 1700 either.

Maybe I mistakenly selected MT instead of AT. Anyway, the difference is actually $500 (GS with Luxury pkg).

nohup · « **Reply #4 on:** November 16, 2011, 03:42:49 pm »

Quote from: bridgecity on November 16, 2011, 03:26:41 pm

I'm jealous. You're entering a great time for buying a compact hatch. Mazda 3, Focus, Forte5, Impreza, Fit, Golf, etc. Can't go wrong with any of them. Have fun on your search.

There is definitely a lot of selection... now to try to pick just one!

DKaz · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2011, 03:52:54 pm »

Yah a GS-SKY is $500 more than a regular GS.

I think they should've pulled a Focus and made the new Skyactiv engine standard on the GX, GS, and GT, keeping the 2.5 as an option for those who want a bit more power and don't mind using a bit more gas. They probably will for 2013 once the old 2.0 sales fall off the cliff, aside from those who may be happy with a base GX.

tortoise · « **Reply #6 on:** November 16, 2011, 04:18:20 pm »

Wow. I thought all GS's had the new 2.0.

I understand having the old engine in the GX so they can advertise a super low price (like the Jetta). But I think the new Skyactiv should be available in the GS and GT. That way people who want the economical engine can get the features of the GT.

2latecrew · « **Reply #7 on:** November 16, 2011, 05:31:53 pm »

If I do actually break down and buy a new (not used) car the Skyactive Sport 6 speed is on the top of my list.

You basically get the GS/luxury package with the Skyactive engine and just as important to me is the 6 speed vs 5 speed manual. Not only do you get the 6th gear (which unlike many other manufactures appears to be a decently deep overdrive 2700 rpm at 120 kph) but they have tweaked it to be closer to an MX5/Miata in shift feel and we all know that's a great gearbox.

MSRP for the manual is 19,999. The 6 speed for sure tips the balance for me over a Focus. It appears the Skyactiv is able to deliver on its Highway fuel economy also which is excellent.

I do wish you could get 17s on it even if it was an inexpensive option like the Focus but you can always go aftermarket. The only really big item that I wish you could get on the Skyactiv is Hids. I can't blame them but that's one factory option that I would wish I had on any of my cars.

I'd definitely spend the extra $ for the Skyactiv over the regular GS

1TSX · « **Reply #8 on:** November 16, 2011, 06:33:01 pm »

Its definitely worth the extra $500. A bit more power and better fuel economy.

OliverD · « **Reply #9 on:** November 22, 2011, 03:50:16 pm »

Quote from: tortoise on November 16, 2011, 04:18:20 pm

I understand having the old engine in the GX so they can advertise a super low price (like the Jetta). But I think the new Skyactiv should be available in the GS and GT. That way people who want the economical engine can get the features of the GT.

Agree 100%. It's annoying that you can't get the GT features with the new motor.

gord_boyd · « **Reply #10 on:** November 22, 2011, 04:24:09 pm »

From all the studies I've read about investing in new technology,
I ignore #1 (which is wait for 2nd year) due mainly to
#2 buy a car for it's resale value down the road (SKYACTIV will have less depreciation--
the highest car ownership factor.

I bought the Audi A7 and ignored #2 because of very long ownership plan
and "I just fell in love with it."

Ice · « **Reply #11 on:** November 22, 2011, 06:00:08 pm »

If it was me I'd definitely be giving SkyActiv a good solid look. Added power and performance plus a fairly large boost in fuel efficiency. It comes at a good time as the older Mazda 2.0L and 2.5L were starting to fall a bit behind on the curve although by no means were they poor engines. I'm actually impressed that the new 2.0L SkyActiv gets very impressive economy with similar power to the older 2.3L MZR engine. That is pretty cool as the 2.3L was no slouch.

mmorriso · « **Reply #12 on:** November 22, 2011, 07:19:54 pm »

cash rebates of 3000-3500 on 2011s if you can find one...where are you located?

saskman · « **Reply #13 on:** December 09, 2011, 02:40:56 pm »

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to bump the thread as I am in the same boat as the original poster. I have a 2002 Mazda Protege 5 and I wanted to replace it with something similar in size and functionality.

At this point I have boiled things down to either the Focus or the Mazda 3 SkyActiv. There are tons of rebates/incentives at this point of the year but I am most interested in purchasing the car that leaves a little bit of a smile on my face. I really do enjoy driving my Mazda but I was impressed with the build quality of the Focus (I was originally drawn by the MyFord Touch system and despite all of the controversy I did enjoy driving the car). As a note, I am planning on test driving the GS-SKY with GS-L this weekend and maybe that will satisfy what is the best course of action.

Am I just wasting my time with the Focus and should I be comparing another car within this class?

Thanks!

Thanks!

aquadorhj · « **Reply #14 on:** December 09, 2011, 03:24:28 pm »

Saskman, welcome to the forum.

Secondly, yes focus is pretty good. But you have to keep in mind, the rear room in the focus is really bad.
And also, if you go with dual clutch auto on the focus, it does feel somewhat different than conventional auto.

I have not driven the sky active Mazda but by all account it's a solid car.
Good luck and have fun shopping!!!!

Ice · « **Reply #15 on:** December 09, 2011, 10:44:36 pm »

Quote from: saskman on December 09, 2011, 02:40:56 pm

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to bump the thread as I am in the same boat as the original poster. I have a 2002 Mazda Protege 5 and I wanted to replace it with something similar in size and functionality.

At this point I have boiled things down to either the Focus or the Mazda 3 SkyActiv. There are tons of rebates/incentives at this point of the year but I am most interested in purchasing the car that leaves a little bit of a smile on my face. I really do enjoy driving my Mazda but I was impressed with the build quality of the Focus (I was originally drawn by the MyFord Touch system and despite all of the controversy I did enjoy driving the car). As a note, I am planning on test driving the GS-SKY with GS-L this weekend and maybe that will satisfy what is the best course of action.

Am I just wasting my time with the Focus and should I be comparing another car within this class?

Thanks!

Thanks!

Both Mazda3 and Focus are riding on what amounts to the same platform. Tuning is different and the Mazda, by all accounts that I know of, is probably slightly higher on the fun to drive side of things but I would give both a solid look and see which one works better for you. If the Protege5 is your starting point then both are definitely in the right range of car that you would be looking at.

safristi · « **Reply #16 on:** December 10, 2011, 07:58:39 am »

Welcome SASMAN...are ya related to ASSMAN by any chance....

My suggestion is have a ride in the Veloster "for comparative purposes ONLY"...I have a ~~slightly used~~ one available...........seriously check one out....... and just how ACTIVE is yer SKY in Saskatchewan..............Snowy with a hint of ICE

DomD · « **Reply #17 on:** February 08, 2012, 09:44:29 am »

I am also looking at replacing my 2002 Protege 5. Drove the Mazda 3 GX, Mazda 3 GS-SKY, and Ford Focus SE, last night, all with manual transmissions. All felt great to drive and the Ford has lots features packed into it, but the small back seat has all but eliminated it.

Now I'm trying to decide if the Skyactiv engine and 6-speed transmission are worth the extra $2260 (after tax). I know the GS trim has a few extra things, like heated seats and leather wrapped steering wheel, but they are nothing I really need, just nice to have. And the savings on fuel are really not that that big. I'm also a bit worried getting the new engine in the first year of life in case there are glitches with it that have not come to light yet. Anyway I will have to drive them both again to see how they "feel".

Anyone have any other thoughts.

mmorriso · « **Reply #18 on:** February 08, 2012, 11:47:47 am »

i drove a skyactive 3 last week and am happy to keep my p5 for at least a few more years. it has better visibility, more comfortable seats, nicer interior, better (low) clutch engagement height, better steering feel and handling etc...

although the 6 speed manual tranny of the new 3 was quite nice, short easy shifts.

happy shopping!

Jaeger · « **Reply #19 on:** February 08, 2012, 11:57:41 am »

Based on looks alone, I'd take the Focus 10 times out of 10. The Focus looks like an upscale Euro hatch. The Mazda looks like a perpetually-grinning, developmentally-challenged Guppy.

Jaeger