 2012 Mazda3 Sport GS-Sky. Click image to enlarge |
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Review and photos by Greg Wilson
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2012 Mazda3
In the next few years, all Mazda’s vehicles will incorporate the company’s new fuel-saving “SkyActiv” technologies which encompass significant changes to Mazda’s engines, transmissions, suspensions and body structures. These engineering upgrades are designed to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions without sacrificing performance and fun-to-drive characteristics. At least, that’s the theory!
The first vehicle to include some, but not all, of these SkyActiv upgrades is the 2012 Mazda3 Sedan and Sport (hatchback); specifically, the mid-level Mazda3 GS-Sky trim. It offers an all-new 2.0-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G engine, and newly available SkyActiv-MT six-speed manual and SkyActiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmissions. Additional SkyActiv technology upgrades to the Mazda3’s suspension and body will come in next year’s model.
The mid-level GS-Sky trim is the only Mazda3 to receive the SkyActiv improvements this year. Base Mazda3 GX and regular GS models continue to use last year’s 2.0-litre engine and five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions, while the top-of-the-line GT model continues with the larger 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with standard six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmissions.
 2012 Mazda3 Sport GS-Sky. Click image to enlarge |
The new SkyActiv 2.0-litre engine employs a number of technology advancements to improve fuel consumption while also increasing horsepower and torque slightly. Direct fuel injection with multi-hole fuel injectors for each cylinder enhances the fuel spray pattern for more efficient combustion; new piston cavity shapes shorten combustion time and reduce engine knocking; dual sequential valve timing decreases pumping losses; and a high compression ratio of 12:0:1 delivers more horsepower and torque: now 155 at 6,000 rpm and 148 lb.-ft. at 4,100 rpm vs the current engine’s 148 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 135 lb.-ft. at 4,500 rpm. The new SkyActiv 2.0-litre engine is also about two kilograms lighter than the other 2.0-litre engine.
In addition, the new SkyActiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission itself contributes to a four to seven per cent improvement in fuel economy due to a new torque converter with a lock-up clutch design, a more advanced electronic control module, and of course, the extra sixth gear. The SkyActiv-MT six-speed manual transmission also offers shorter throws, fewer components and a lighter weight.
As a result of these improvements, the fuel economy of the 2012 Mazda3 GS-Sky is at or near the top of its class. Equipped with the SkyActiv engine and automatic transmission, the 2012 Mazda3 GS-Sky sedan’s fuel economy is officially rated at a miserly 7.2 city/4.9 hwy (L/100 km). That’s a 17 per cent improvement over the 2012 GX/GS sedan with the older 2.0-litre engine and a five-speed automatic which offers 8.7 city/6.0 hwy. With the manual six-speed transmission, the 2012 GS-Sky sedan is rated at 7.6 city/5.0 hwy, a 15 per cent improvement compared to the 2012 GX/GS sedan with 8.7 city/6.0 hwy.
 2012 Mazda3 Sport GS-Sky. Click image to enlarge |
The Mazda3 Sport GS-Sky hatchback model uses slightly more fuel, but not much. The Sport GS-Sky automatic offers 7.2 city/5.1 hwy, a 10 per cent improved when compared with the Sport GX/GS automatic with 8.1 city/5.9 hwy; if you opt for the six-speed manual transmission, the Sport GS-Sky gets 7.6 city/5.1 hwy, a 14 per cent improvement over the Sport GX/GS manual with 8.7 city/6.0 hwy.
Compared to most of its competitors, the Mazda3 Sport GS-Sky offers better fuel economy. Traditional fuel misers in the hatchback category include the Toyota Matrix and Ford Focus. The Matrix with the base 1.8-litre engine and optional four-speed automatic transmission offers 8.1 city/6.3 hwy while the Ford Focus hatch with its new direct-injection 2.0-litre engine and optional six-speed automatic gets a respectable 7.3 city/5.2 hwy, just a little more than the Mazda3 GS-Sky. That leaves the Mazda3 Sport GS-Sky as the most fuel efficient compact hatchback in its class; and in its price range, the most powerful hatchback too – with the exception of the 160-hp Focus hatch.
 2012 Mazda3 Sport GS-Sky. Click image to enlarge |
Among compact sedans, the Mazda3 GS SkyActiv sedan loses the fuel economy race by a nose to the upstart Hyundai Elantra with 6.9 city/4.9 hwy and of course, the Honda Civic Hybrid sedan with 4.4 city/4.2 hwy. But save for the Focus, the Mazda3 GS SkyActiv sedan is the most powerful in its price range.
SkyActiv upgrades are not the only changes to the 2012 Mazda3. After being completely redesigned in 2010, the 2012 model has already undergone a bit of a face-lift to soften that big grin in the front bumper. The centre grille and the two smaller side grilles have been restyled, there is a stronger lip at the base of the bumper, and the rectangular fog lights are now round. The standard 16-inch alloy wheels have also been redesigned with 10 spokes instead of seven. Changes to the front bumper and underbody panels have resulted in a six per cent improvement to the Mazda3 Sport’s coefficient of drag, now 0.29, which also helps improve fuel economy.
Mazda3 SkyActiv models also include a subtle blue ring around the headlights, a blue engine cover and a SkyActiv badge on the rear hatch.
Other changes for 2012 are revised electro-hydraulic power steering that requires less effort at slow speeds and adds more feedback at higher speeds. Body rigidity has also been strengthened in SkyActiv models, improving handling and crashworthiness. In any event, all 2012 Mazda3 sedan and hatchback models are ranked “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
 2012 Mazda3 Sport GS-Sky. Click image to enlarge |
There are some changes to the 2012 Mazda3’s interior too. The information display at the top of the dash has changed from red text on a black background to white text on blue background – it’s definitely easier on the eyes. The white numerals in the speedo and tach are also illuminated with a blue glow. The lower dash, previously silver, is now all black but silver trim remains on the passenger-side dash, around the controls, gauges, air vents, and shift knob. There is also some new silver trim on the steering wheel. As well, a slightly larger shift knob provides a better grip.
The standard GX cloth seats, both black and beige, have a new cross-thread pattern while GS and GT receive a richer fabric design on black fabric. Black leather is available on GS and standard on GT models.
Our test car was a Mazda3 Sport GS-Sky ($19,995) with the optional six-speed automatic transmission ($1,200) and GS-L package ($2,195) which includes leather seats, power driver’s seat, leather-like console, fog lights and a black grille. With a Freight and PDI charge of $1,595 and a/c tax of $100, the as-tested price came to $25,085.
 2012 Mazda3 Sport GS-Sky. Click image to enlarge |
Interestingly, 2012 Mazda3 Sport GS SkyActiv models are priced lower than standard 2012 Sport GS models. The 2012 Sport GS SkyActiv base price (manual) is $19,995 while the non-SkyActiv Sport GS is $20,695. That’s even lower than in 2011 when the Sport GS was $20,965, however Mazda has increased their Freight and PDI charges by $200 this year.
The new SkyActiv engine rumbles and vibrates slightly at idle, but accelerates smoothly and is very quiet on the highway, doing only 1,800 rpm at 100 km/h in top gear (automatic). Given that the SkyActiv Mazda3 weighs less than the non-SkyActiv Mazda3 and has more horsepower and torque, it should be quicker in a straight line – probably in the eight second range from zero to 100 km/h – but I have no independent figures to prove that.
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.
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Pricing: 2012 Mazda3 Sport GS-Sky
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