2012 Mazda 3 Sedan Review

Mazda March 2012 he made his American debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. Makeover with an exterior and refined interior, the 2012 Mazda 3 is the first application in North America Mazda SKYACTIV innovative technologies and fuel economy results oriented, achieving 40 mpg on the road. The Mazda 3 is the model of Mazda's best-selling worldwide and accounts for nearly half of all Mazda sales in the U.S., which makes the vehicle an ideal candidate for the introduction of SKYACTIV consumers looking for dynamic performance together with high energy efficiency.

"SKYACTIV is not only the engine is the next generation of advanced vehicle performance and efficiency," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "SKYACTIV Mazda is the philosophy of technology only to vehicles that are fun to drive, a pleasure to own and environmentally responsible, there is no better vehicle in the Mazda 3 starts, one of the most exciting sport compact cars on the road."


Redesigned for model year 2010, the freshened 2012 Mazda 3 is the first application of the technology SKYACTIV Mazda North America, get a new gasoline engine SKYACTIV-G and the transmission of new SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic-new-MT SKYACTIV six-speed manual transmission. It has also improved the sporty driving dynamics, handling and a comfortable cabin space. The exterior design has been refined to express a more daring, with new interiors to create additional functionality without sacrificing the feel and quality feel. Additional security features complete the package.


Mazda 3, SKYACTIV reach new heights

Besides driving the Mazda 3 MZR 2.0-liter current dual overhead cam head, 16-valve four-cylinder is the new highly efficient direct injection SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine of 2.0 liters. Mated to a standard-MT SKYACTIV six-speed manual or optional six-disc SKYACTIV-speed automatic transmission SKYACTIV be available in sedan or hatchback. The MZR 2.0-liter engine will continue to be available with the current five-speed as standard equipment. MZR 2.0-liter models will also be available equipped with the power transmission five-speed automatic optional.

About 4.4 pounds less than the current MZR 2.0-liter engine, the 2.0-liter SKYACTIV approves multi-hole injectors improve fuel characteristics as well as developed the piston cavity mode, which ensures a quick time to prevent burning and the effects of power and torque of the engine knock. The pumping losses are reduced by using two sequential valve timing (S-VT).


Mazda March 2012 reached a high 12.0:1 compression ratio and delivers 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 4100 rpm. (The PZEV version of this engine are sold in California and other states produce hp at 6000 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 4100 rpm, 154).

Compared to the current Mazda MZR engine 3 2.0 liters, the maximum power SKYACTIV equipped Mazda 3 2012 has increased by about five per cent (from 148 hp at 6500 rpm) and torque has increased by about 10 cent (from £ 135 - ft to 4,500 rpm). With improved torque control system with a drive that uses the coordinated control of combinations of engines and transmission, Mazda 3s excel with technology SKYACTIV dynamic response, more sustainable Zoom-Zoom concept of unity between car and driver.

Fuel economy will also boost SKYACTIV combination of engine and transmission. When equipped with a gasoline engine and a G-SKYACTIV SKYACTIV optional six-speed-drive automatic transmission, 2012 Mazda 3 sedan to get the EPA rated 40 mpg on the highway, about 21 per cent improvement in the current MZR 2.0-liter engine has an optional five-speed automatic transmission. When the fuel tank 14.5 liters, 2012 Mazda 3 sedan with SKYACTIV has the potential to 540 km away, yet a gallon of fuel left. mpg City and a sedan will also improve by 17 per cent 28 mpg. If equipped with manual transmission-MT SKYACTIV six-speed sedan is rated at an estimated fuel economy of 27 city/39 highway.

Mazda 3 sedan with the MZR 2.0-liter engine EPA fuel economy rating of 25 city/33 highway standard five-speed manual transmission and 24 city/33 highway optional five-speed automatic transmission.

In addition, previously only available with 2.5-liter MZR engine, the model Mazda 3 five-door hatchback is now available in the U.S. with the engine SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline. This Mazda 3 is estimated to deliver 27 city/38 highway (SKYACTIV-MT) and 28 city/38 highway (SKYACTIV Drive-AT). Highway estimates slightly lower rate can be attributed to the different aerodynamic and weight-highest among the sedan and hatchback. But driving the car is still impressive, with over 500 miles of pipe in the tank the same size as the sedan. The MZR 2.0-liter will not be available in hatchback.

The highest fuel economy of Mazda 2012 3 SKYACTIV features is the direct result of combining the best features of technology in today's transmissions. To SKYACTIV-Drive, the main advantages of a conventional automatic transmission, continuously variable transmission (CVT) and dual clutch transmission (DCT) have been integrated. In addition, a torque converter lock-up clutch has been developed to ensure minimal decrease in fuel consumption and an increase in the direct sense.

For SKYACTIV-MT, the objective was to achieve a sense of discrepancy that is sporty, fresh and responsive to the driver. To attain this goal not only the race change lever shortened by about 10 percent of the current six-speed manual (available only in models with the MZR 2.5-liter MZR 2.3-liter or Spark Ignition Direct Injection turbo engine), but other technologies have been used as well: a guy down the system synchronizer ball lock type canceller moving the workload, slides, ball bearings and second and third place speed on a common shaft. By reconfiguring the gearbox six-speed manual current, its weight is reduced by approximately 4.4 pounds because of the need for fewer components, while providing a more rapid change and strong impression. Call it a little "MX-5 Miata-ness" in the third Mazda

Also available on 2012 Mazda 3 is the popular Mazda MZR 2.5-liter engine. Meanwhile SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter, 2.5 MZR is a technology leader as well. It offers an aluminum block with a cylinder sleeves-molybdenum alloy steel provides strength and rigidity not normally seen in the large-displacement engines with four cylinders. A forged steel crankshaft provides strength at high speed, but the rigidity of guaranteeing low NVH characteristics. Additionally, two balance shafts located in the sump eliminates noise and the second order vibrations. The deep-skirt block is designed for extra rigidity and main bearing caps are part of a capital gain of a ladder type below. To minimize noise and vibration typically found on larger displacement engines with four cylinders, the shock front of the crankshaft is fitted with two masses to listen. At the end end. As a flexible flywheel to slow NVH

The fuel is delivered to the ports of entry by a sequential injection system with electronic control. ignition coils are modular units placed directly on top of candles. Shim-less maintenance-buttons. lightweight pistons are coated with a special blend of anti-friction bearing rings and low voltage for fuel efficiency. Sintered metal powder lighter rods and pins, full floating alternative minimum weight.

Provided 167 hp at 6000 rpm and 168 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm, the 2.5-liter MZR engine is available with a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed electronically controlled transmission automatic with manual control. (The PZEV version of this engine sold in California and other states produces 165 hp at 6,000 rpm and 167 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm). The MZR 2.5-liter reached EPA figures of 20 city and 28 highway with a manual transmission and 22 city and 29 highway with automatic transmission.

The dynamics

Mazda 3 earned a good reputation for its treatment sporty and exciting, offering a pleasant driving experience with emphasis on the consistency of the driver's expectations and your car answers. Inheriting this pedigree, updated 2012 Mazda 3, except to further strengthen this sense of unity between driver and car, but also offers a comfortable driving experience, that all passengers can feel and enjoy a variety of driving situations.

Referred to the effect Toitsukan, linear and uniform is more specifically in the establishment of a smooth transition between acceleration, deceleration and lateral G forces in response to the fundamentals of driving, turning and stopping. This idea is not simply to give a strong response to the operations of the accelerator and steering for sporty driving, but rather to provide a linear view of the car all the answers to the control of driver operations. Toitsukan extends to make driving enjoyable and instill the driver a sense of excitement and control while giving passengers a comfortable journey created by the movement smooth and steady.

Concentrated efforts have been made to ensure this is achieved Toitsukan general characteristics of the vehicle, which also led to a stronger body, including the adoption of the electro-hydraulic assisted (EHPAS) and optimize the adjustment of the front and rear shock absorbers . Mazda EHPAS system uses a new framework for the flow characteristics of the pump that allows easy handling at low speed, while achieving more positive response and better road feel thanks to medium to high speed range. The overall result of the current model is lighter, more agile steering feels.

In short: Turn the wheel a little, see a slight change of direction, turn the wheel a lot, have lots of change management. It seems so easy, but so few manufacturers seem able to achieve this level of intuition.

Mazda 3 body 2012 also has been enhanced for greater rigidity, improved the current model and stellar agile handling and stability. This is partly achieved by increasing the number of welds used to attach the suspension of relations (where the front and rear suspensions are mounted) areas of armed force. The use of stronger materials for reinforcements led to better disperse entry through the suspension is mounted on the body, thus greatly improving the overall stiffness of the body. Moreover, the two reinforcing bars in the center of the floor of the current Mazda 3 has been replaced by a new single brace which is both stronger and more rigid. Using this sheet reinforcing material suppresses the deformation of the body from front to back. This update applies only to models equipped with the G-SKYACTIV MZR 2.0-liter or 2.5 liter engines.

In addition, models with petrol engines SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter equipped with a control system that controls the production of a pair of maintaining a harmonious balance between engine power and transmission gear. Scheduled to determine the acceleration as it applies in relation to the amount of the share of the accelerator pedal, the system provides the right amount of torque generated is a request for acceleration. This gives the driver a feeling of confidence that the vehicle responds in a precise and predictable. lead to the desired speed can be achieved without a heavy foot on the accelerator, thus less wasted fuel.

Engaging, effective Exterior

This change in the mid-generation Mazda 3 also extends to its exterior. rich expression of the current position and bold model has been updated to provide a well-toned appearance that expresses a higher quality and attractiveness. improved aerodynamics and features stylized Mazda 2012 3 give a more sophisticated look, perfectly in harmony with function.

external appearance of the 2012 Mazda 3 has finally printing more time with a new front fascia and updated the opening of five points for the sedan and hatchback styles network. The new design features include more finely sculptured shapes of the openings around the outer edge of the front bumper and round fog lamps (changed from the horizontal scale version of the current model).

Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback equipped with gasoline engines SKYACTIV-G will be distinguished with unique features such as an engine cover back finished deep blue metallic paint with black areas along each side, equipped with a projector units transparent blue ring from the lens center to highlight the distinctiveness of the vehicle and an identification card with a "SKYACTIV" logo on a blue background.

Aerodynamics played a strong footprint of a vehicle. Improved aerodynamic performance yields higher fuel consumption and further reduce CO2 emissions, contributing to the stability of leadership. In this spirit, the front bumper has been optimized, as well as parts of the base, more effectively facilitate the flow of air circulating underground. The shape of the bottom of the front bumper have been redesigned to project forward and under the wings were bigger. This adjustment effectively distributes the air flow hitting the engine compartment and the front tire deflector turbulence in the elimination of engine cooling, as well as along the sides.

Other aerodynamic aids to further streamline the flow of air through and around the vehicle includes widening and flattening of the hood (on models equipped with an engine SKYACTIV-G), raising the floor under the blankets, with about 10 percent and eliminate the vertical grooves for a smooth design, increase the rigidity of the front tire deflectors to prevent distortion and create a good balance between the cooling of the brakes, aerodynamics and handling, stability, and a silent extra-shaped shell to sit at angles to the road surface.

The devil is really in detail, and the Mazda engineers did not lose one. The end result is 0.27 Cd Saloon (SKYACTIV equipped model), around seven per cent better than the current models of Cd 0.29. Hatchback version is 0.29 Cd (SKYACTIV equipped model), of which about seven percent more than the 0.31 Cd of the current models.

Updated and the layout was made all the new 16 - and 17-inch aluminum wheels wheel designs. 16-inch wheels (all models SKYACTIV) now includes 10 twisted spokes Area, rose to the current model for seven-spoke wheel, and a 17-inch wheels (2.5-liter S model) is characterized by enlarged openings between the races, trying to add a lighter more dynamic feel. steel wheels 16-inch models and 18-inch alloy wheels will remain unchanged.

High quality, Intuitive Interiors

The interior is no less re-imagined as outside the vehicle, and was developed with the objectives of the end of an inviting cabin and feel superior. Beginning with the scoreboard - the largest interior landscape of the cab - black is now used throughout the center console and door movement to provide an even more audacious. In addition, silver, shiny satin details were added to areas often used by consumers, such as outer rings of the three switches the climate control knob and the audio control panel and vents on central panel. Besides creating a sense of refinement above, the pattern of silver on a black background emphasizes the location of these common controls and switches, which increases visibility and reduces the amount of time drivers take their eyes off the road by Thus, reducing operational errors.

Multi Information Display (MID) and liquid crystal display (LCD) were also adjustments in color from red text and graphics from the current model to a white easier to read. 2012-A also affects MAZDASPEED3 money to replace existing graphics accented red and silver decoration on top of shift knob has been deleted. The entire shift knob is leather-wrapped MAZDASPEED3. The button handbrake is also wrapped in genuine leather, the establishment of a cockpit Joint Coordinating appropriate air and gives even sportier MAZDASPEED3 interior refinement extra.

The sporty two meters from the control panel itself is unchanged, but highlights new, still graphic white light meters, which offer better readability, even in daylight hours. The background color will also vary by model: black standard and high dynamic finish and a gradation of red MAZDASPEED3. SKYACTIV panels equipped vehicles will have a light blue and white graphic counter degraded. Also available is a satin-wrapped shift lever style decorated with the cover on the bottom and a silver ring, surrounded SKYACTIV-plate with logo on top.

It shows that even half of the refresh cycle, the engineers really sweat the details of the number of forward projection of the crown of the head SKYACTIV-drive models have increased by about 0.16 inches during the current model, which gives a better grip, feel and smooth change of direction in the front and rear left-right.

improve the visual design have also found their place in the comfortable and cozy seating and create a strong impression of the size of the patterns of new tissue in three dimensions. In the seats of the models are not black leather, gray son-conservatives have been added to enhance the contrast and create a feeling of casual comfort. Duna brightly colored seats and receive both the cons dark threads to create a calm, mature inside. Higher trim levels (Touring and Grand Touring), received another type of tissue of the security model in three dimensions to create a richer expression of the quality of black fabric.

Other security features

All Mazda 3 models and MAZDASPEED3 will continue to be equipped with a high level of standard safety features. One option available for models 2012-is a new Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system. BSM system helps drivers avoid accidents that occur often in difficult situations spaced, like brushing against another vehicle during lane changes and merging traffic. 24GHz radar sensors located at the rear of the vehicle designed to detect vehicles approaching within 13 meters left or right, and within 26 feet from the rear. When a vehicle is detected in the area of ​​the blind spot, the direction indicator lamps housed in the door mirrors light. If a turn signal is activated when the lights are on, they blink and a beep is an additional warning. Also available is an optional Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling bi-xenon headlights.

AFS offers a wider range of vision when cornering, which increases the driver's eyes away and visible point, taking into account both steering angle and vehicle speed to change the focus at an angle.

All Mazda 3s, regardless of the finish or a choice of engines that Mazda will continue to own rigid body structure that incorporates security deformable outer areas that absorb impact energy, and Mazda's Triple H design, which reinforcements is H-shaped on the floor, and roof rails to remove cabin deformation and to minimize the risk of injury in a collision. For 2012 models, the B-pillar reinforcement was extended for more than seven inches and high-strength steel has been added to further increase the rigidity of the body.

Advanced standard safety features include six airbags (dual front advanced, front seat-mounted full length curtain and a half) has improved the dual chamber side airbags, antilock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist , Electronic Stability Control (DSC) and traction control system (TCS), front and rear stabilizer bar, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), "dashed", brake and accelerator pedals and a collapsible steering column, seat belts three points in all seating positions, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters, and the Lower Anchors and tethers for children (LATCH). It 's the Mazda 3, the security is not simply an option.
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