Test Drive: 2012 Mazda3 Sport GS-Sky

The SkyActiv engine has more torque which allows it to stay in higher gears longer while ascending slight grades. However, this is partly because the SkyActiv automatic transmission is programmed to stay in higher gears to save fuel – except when descending a hill when it will downshift automatically for engine braking purposes (with the fuel injectors shut off). The new SkyActiv six-speed automatic has manual shift capability using the floor lever – push forwards to shift down, pull back to shift up – but there are no paddle shifters.

2012 Mazda3 Sport GS-Sky. Click image to enlarge

As before, the Mazda3 offers crisp handling and steering when compared to most other compact cars, particularly the steering, and it is an enjoyable car to drive. My car was shod with Bridgestone Turanza EL 400 205/55R16-inch all-season tires which proved surprisingly quiet on the freeway and grippy in wet weather cornering. Four disc brakes, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, traction control and stability control are all standard to help keep the shiny side up.

The Mazda3 Sport’s hatchback design offers a roomier cabin and a larger, more accessible cargo area than the sedan. There’s adequate headroom and legroom for four adults with notably generous rear headroom and footroom. The front seats are nicely contoured for comfort and support with prominent thigh and side bolsters, and seat heaters that heat the cushion and backrest are standard in GS-Sky models. The optional GS-L package includes leather upholstery and a power driver’s seat with power height and recline adjustments, but no lumbar adjustment. Still, I didn’t find the driver’s seat lacked lower back support. The front passenger seat is manually operated. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes too.

The dash controls are easy to reach and the steering wheel spokes include Bluetooth, audio and cruise buttons. The large centre dial on the dash is a bit confusing at first: it’s for tuning radio and CD tracks. The smaller dial on the left is the on/off and volume.

In the GS-Sky, the information display on the top of the dash shows a clock, outside temperature and audio functions but in GT models with the GT-E package, that location is used for a navigation system and a colour screen with additional driver information such as average fuel economy and trip computer functions.

Storage areas in the GS include a centre bin under the armrest that features an auxiliary input and 12-volt powerpoint, an open bin under the centre stack with a 12-volt outlet, and a coin storage slot to the left of the steering wheel. There are two cupholders under a cover between the front seats, and a rear centre rear armrest that folds down to reveal two more cupholders.

Standard safety features include six airbags, three-point seat belts for all five seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters, rear ISOFIX child seat tether anchors, crushable brake and accelerator pedal assembly, and collapsible steering column. And unique in this class is an optional blind spot warning system and swivelling headlamps, but they’re available only on the GT models.

The Mazda3 Sport’s split rear seats fold down flat, but first the rear head restraints must be flipped forwards by pulling a strap, and then the seatbacks can be folded down by pushing a button – a simple process. The roomy cargo area is fully lined and includes a removable privacy cover. The lightweight rear hatch lifts up easily revealing a low liftover height, however the exposed body-coloured bumper can be scratched by heavy items that may rest on it.

For its price, the 2012 Mazda3 Sport GS-Sky offers an almost unbeatable combination of power, fuel efficiency, comfort and utility, and it was achieved using conventional gasoline-fueled powertrain technology rather than alternative technology such as hybrid, diesel or electric. It appears that the internal combustion engine is still a long way from being mothballed.