2012 Mazda MAZDA3

At a Glance

Pricing $16,700 - $25,150
Drive Types FWD
Engines 2.0l I4, 2.5l I4
Transmissions A5, A6, M5, M6
Fuel Economy 20-28 (city), 28-40 (highway)

The Mazda3 is one of the best examples of the compact segment. To succeed in this segment, it takes a combination of style, value and fuel economy. Fortunately, the Mazda3 delivers on all three. Offered in both 4-door sedan and 5-door wagon body styles the Mazda3 has models ranging from the basic to the high-performance Mazdaspeed3. A new 2.0l four-cylinder engine introduced midway through the 2012 model year produces 155-bhp while turning in fuel-economy estimates of 28/40 (city / highway). Also available with a large-displacement 2.5l four cylinder power increases to 167-bhp, but fuel economy drops to 22/29 (city/highway). The ultimate Mazda3 is the Mazdaspeed3 5-door which manages to put the power from a 263-bhp 2.3l turbocharged four cylinder to the road through the front wheels. Although the SV and Sport models (sedan only) are aimed at budget conscious buyers, the Touring and Grand Touring models are well equipped and competitively priced.

Model/Trim/Package Engine Original MSRP
MAZDA3 i SV 2.0l I4 (148-bhp) M5 FWD $16,700
MAZDA3 i SV 2.0l I4 (148-bhp) A5 FWD $17,550
MAZDA3 i Sport 2.0l I4 (155-bhp) M6 FWD $18,375
MAZDA3 i Sport 2.0l I4 (155-bhp) A6 FWD $19,225
MAZDA3 i Touring 2.0l I4 (155-bhp) M6 FWD $19,500
MAZDA3 i Touring 2.0l I4 (155-bhp) A6 FWD $20,350
MAZDA3 i Grand Touring 2.0l I4 (155-bhp) M6 FWD $22,800
MAZDA3 i Grand Touring 2.0l I4 (155-bhp) A6 FWD $23,650
MAZDA3 s Grand Touring 2.5l I4 (167-bhp) M6 FWD $24,350
MAZDA3 s Grand Touring 2.5l I4 (167-bhp) A5 FWD $25,150