Mazda has released pictures of the facelifted 2012 Mazda 3 sedan and 5 door. These will first be shown at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto this Week and then make their big US debut at the New York Auto Show Auto Show in April



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Car and Driver is reporting some of the specs and performance numbers of the 3 with SkyActive tech.

It is a 2.0 liter SkyActive gasoline engine. 163 HP and 155 T. That sits right in the middle of the current 2.0-liter, which puts out 148 hp and 135 lb-ft, and the optional 2.5-liter, which produces 167 hp and 168 lb-ft.

In combination with the new 6 speed AT fuel mileage in testing(not yet certified) has been rated at 30mpg city and 40 mpg highway.

There will be a 6speed manual available but the MPG with that has not been revealed yet. They dont mention if that is the new SkyActive MT or the current MT.

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car...ngine-car_news













The 2012 Mazda 3 will be the to arrive with Mazda's new Skyactive gasoline engine and new Tranny

 

ill fix the pics later and do some side by side's with the current model later. gotta get the kiddo to school

 

yes, side by sides please!!!

can't tell much of a difference, the front end does look a bit neater and more agressive, especially that kick-out on the sides of the lower front fascia.

still can't stand the trunk decklid and taillights. it's just off.

in addition to the sky engines, they're supposed to get a new auto tranny too, right?

 

from mazdausamedia.com


Press Release




Refreshed 2012 Mazda3 Goes on Sale in Fall of 2011

(Toronto, ON): The sky’s the limit at Mazda's display at the 2011 Canadian International AutoShow. Making its debut is the 2012 Mazda3, which, in addition to receiving a facelift, will also offer the option of Mazda’s new SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine and SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission when it is launched later this fall. This initial application of Mazda’s SKYACTIV engine and transmission technologies – the first time they will be employed in a production vehicle – will realize higher torque at low- and mid-range engine speeds resulting in better drivability with less fuel consumption in everyday driving.

Mazda Motor Corporation has been developing its new technologies under the SKYACTIV concept and they include completely new gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions and vehicle architectures. Mazda’s SKYACTIV technologies will be launched successively beginning with the new gasoline engine and automatic transmission in 2011.

Mazda has stated that its goal is to improve fuel efficiency by 30 percent by 2015 (compared to 2008 levels). This will be accomplished through SKYACTIV technologies, which focus on improving the efficiency of internal combustion core technologies in association with vehicle weight reduction. Then, gradually, electrical devices such as idle-stop, regenerative braking and hybrid systems will be introduced to further improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.

In addition to the new SKYACTIV engine and transmission offerings, the 2012 Mazda3 will receive new front and rear bumpers with a redesigned front grill, fog bezels and front headlamps. New 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels complete the 2012 exterior updates.

Another vehicle making its first appearance in Toronto is the new 2012 Mazda5 multi-activity vehicle. Since its introduction as a 2006 model, the Mazda5 has redefined the concept of compact transportation by offering seating for up to six people in three easily configurable rows, as well as with unique styling and driving dynamics not typical in vehicles of this type. Over 50,000 Mazda5s have been sold since its introduction to Canada and it is the second best selling nameplate in Mazda Canada’s line-up.

The 2012 Mazda5, on sale now across Canada, incorporates motifs from Mazda’s “Nagare” design language which, inspired by the beauty of nature, presents an elegant look not found in any existing vehicle today. Changes run deep under the skin too, as the vehicle is now powered by a 157-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and can be paired with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Outstanding fuel economy and unexpected driveability are carried over from the previous model, as are the vehicle’s sliding rear doors and flexible seating for up to six people. The 2012 Mazda5 is available in two trim grades with a starting price of $21,795.

Rounding out the Mazda display is the full line-up of 2011 models, including the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6, MX-5, RX-8, Tribute, CX-9 and, of special note, the 2011 CX-7, which is now being offered with leather seating, or all-wheel-drive, below the $30,000 price point.

Mazda Canada Inc. is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer service and parts support of Mazda vehicles in Canada. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Mazda Canada has a nationwide network of 168 dealerships. For additional information visit Mazda Canada’s media website at www.media.mazda.ca.

link @ pics...(too big)

http://www.mazdausamedia.com/files/m...kyactiv_08.jpg

 

Charlie, close my thread please...sorry....

 

still the stupid black plastic smile....I can't stand that.

 

they changed the front a bit, not as a big "smile" as the current model.

the side has a few lines changed

the rear a bit of change, mostly at the light.

This is coming from the guy who owns a "current" 2010 Model

Ahh Sky Activ ... Grrr ... if I knew they gonna have it so soon I would've wait

 

no figures yet....

the "skyactiv" logo resembles the "pure drive" EU nissan logo.....

here's Nissan Logo in EU for some model (low-Co2 emission versions)

 

I like the aggressive new front ends but I strongly dislike the wheels. I hope they ditch the Ford rear suspension soon if not on this car.

Paul.

 

The smile has definitely been toned down slightly smaller and the corners (Top Outer) are more rounded not as as a sharp a point or corner, I would have thought Mazda would have made it a little more smaller.

But again I say, this is what designers (everyone) have to contend with, particularly Small cars to pass passenger, crash, pedestrian and rear end crash regulations the US has forced onto the motoring world, we have these LARGE fronts, sides and FAT asses...thank YOU USA!.

Can anyone point to a another make in the Mazda 3 class that looks better than the 3 and made/designed in that past 2 Years??

 

I thought Nagare was done for?

Or is this maybe a kind of in-between until a full-on Kodo redesign?

Either way, I'm not stoked until the diesels get here.

I'd say the Mk6 Golf looks leaps and bounds better than the Nagare Mazda 3.

 

seeing wheels and tyres that car have a small displacement (small for US standards ) engine under the hood

2.0 OR LESS.

 

yeah man this is just a refresh...a slight adjustment. it won't be redone w/ all new design for a few more years.

 

Yeah it's probably a strategic business move, now that I think about it... Right now a lot of other brands are pimping "40MPG non-hybrid" compacts, so Mazda needs to throw their hat in the ring. They can't afford to wait 2+ more years for a full redo to introduce the SKY-G.

 

Uhhh, this IS a little more than a re-fresh....!?

All new Engines, ALL new Transmissions and a Face-lift, interior improvements, what do you want, this car has only been out for just under 2 years.

They are not gong to dump and do another generational chance when a car like this is still very new, and in fact Mazda's biggest selling car...EVER..

The number of ALL new product coming out of Mazda in the next 2-3 years will have your head spinning again...very soon..

 

yes

 

NO

I do not see any Kodo in this...at all..

Edit..I guess the side black air dam thingies are, and front lower splitter skirt are Kodo, but the Grille is still Nagare, similar to the Series 2 RX-8.

 

I think you misunderstood me here.

By "in-between" I meant that Mazda has made some slight changes to the exterior (obviously they have listened to the abundance of Nagare hate over the past 2 years) and are simply making some cosmetic changes, while pimping their new fuel-efficient engine and transmission. The PR didn't mention any interior changes.

I'd call this a "version 2.5" whereas the Kodo models will be the true "version 3." Those won't look anything like this, I'm sure.

 

Here is a better frontal pic...

 

as ash stated the grill is smaller and rounded on the upper corners. the plastic is also gone around the "oil cooler" openings and they are scooped deeper and the corners there are rounded as well.
the paint continues around the bottom of the grill now where as before the opening went right to the bottom of the fascia.

overall a nice change

 

 

tail lights are the same here where as they are slightly different on the 5 door. however the plate area is different.

 

The 5 door's rear is butt ugly

 

^yeah, and with those wheels, from that angle it looks like a minivan

 

I'm guessing that the 2.5 is gone from North America since Sky G 2.0 will probably make close enough horsepower and equal torque. I noticed single exhaust tips on all the display models which was an indication of the 2.0 in the past. I'm looking forward to driving one. Did I mention I hate the wheels?

Paul.