Mazda Announces Pricing of 2012 Mazda3 with SKYACTIV Technology

Mazda North America announced pricing of its refreshed 2012 Mazda3 compact vehicle, including the first application of the brand's all-new fuel-efficient and performance-oriented SKYACTIV technology.

Available as both a sedan and hatchback, Mazda3 commands more than 40 percent of Mazda's year-to-date sales, and is by far the best-selling vehicle in the brand's line-up.

The Mazda3 i SV sedan starts at $15,200 MSRP, excluding $795 destination charge, which is a price drop from the previous model year.

Styling is updated with a revised front fascia and Mazda-distinctive five-point grille opening. Inside, new cloth seats and a bold, black cabin accentuates intuitive controls and panels.  Paired with the dependable 148-horsepower MZR 2.0-liter engine, the Mazda3 i SV sedan is the first stop in Mazda's performance-geared, fuel-efficient line of sporty compacts.

Moving up to the Mazda3 i Sport, the 2012 model sees the addition of remote keyless entry as standard equipment.  The Mazda3 i Sport sedan starts at $16,845 MSRP and is optionally available with the five-speed Sport automatic transmission.  Mazda3 i SV and Sport trims are not available on five-door models.

Mazda3 i Touring models swap the MZR engine for the all-new SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine, and is EPA-rated to achieve 40 mpg on the highway.  MSRP for the sedan model starts at $18,450.  SKYACTIV technology is a suite of fun-to-drive and fuel-saving technologies, debuting with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine that produces 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque.

The all-new engine offers five percent more horsepower than the standard MZR 2.0-liter engine as well as 10 percent more peak torque, 15 percent more low- to mid-range torque and up to 21 percent better fuel economy.  And, unlike competitors in the segment, the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine is available on a host of different trim levels to benefit the most customers possible.

In addition, the hatchback model will be available for the first time in the U.S. with a 2.0-liter engine, priced from $18,950 for the Mazda3 i Touring hatchback with SKYACTIV-G, and boasts an EPA-rated 39 mpg on the highway, which is best-in-class for compact five-doors.  All i Touring and Grand Touring models are available with the all-new SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or the all-new SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission (an additional $850 MSRP for either sedan or hatchback model).

Building off the Mazda3 i Touring model is the all-new i Grand Touring trim level, also available in both sedan and hatchback body styles.  Mazda3 i Grand Touring models provide class-competitive fuel efficiency as well as high-value standard features such as a power moonroof, power driver's seat, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a Bose Centerpoint 10-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot and a full-color navigation system with a multi-information display (MID).  Mazda3 i Grand Touring sedan models start at $22,300 MSRP with five-door models starting at $22,800.

Other standard equipment for i Touring and Grand Touring models are an all-new 16-inch aluminum alloy wheel design, a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel as well as a trip computer.  A Moonroof & Bose Audio Package is available for i Touring models ($1,400) while an updated Technology Package featuring rain-sensing windshield wipers, self-leveling bi-xenon headlights, automatic headlights, Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), Sirius satellite radio and a perimeter alarm. A segment-exclusive Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System is available for i Grand Touring models ($1,400).

Available in Touring and Grand Touring trims, Mazda3 s models are equipped with an MZR 2.5-liter engine that boasts 167 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque.  Starting at $21,300 MSRP for the sedan and $21,800 for the hatchback, new standard features for s models are all-new 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System with push-button start, a moonroof, a dual zone automatic climate control system and a Bose Centerpoint 10-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot.  Navigation is now standard on all s Grand Touring models.

Equipped with an MZR 2.3-liter Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) engine, the top-of-the-line MAZDASPEED3 has an output of 263 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.  The vehicle starts at $24,000 MSRP and is equipped with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a Bose Centerpoint 10-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot. Other standard MAZDASPEED-only treatments include: sport-tuned exhaust, larger front brakes, sport independent front and rear suspension, a limited slip differential with the Mazda Advanced Torque Management System, larger front and rear stabilizer bars, distinctive red and black interior styling with similar-fashioned leather-and-cloth Sport seats, scuff plates, black leather-wrapped shift knob as well as a unique front fascia, fenders and hood.

A MAZDASPEED3 Technology Package is the only packaging option with an MSRP of $2,135, and adds features such as navigation, Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System, Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), self-leveling bi-xenon headlights, automatic headlights, Sirius satellite radio, a perimeter alarm, rain-sensing windshield wipers and the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System with push-button start.