The big news for 2012 is the introduction of Mazda's new Skyactiv engine technology.
The big news for 2012 is the introduction of Mazda's new Skyactiv engine technology. Eschewing the forced-induction route that many of its competitors are starting to roll out, Mazda is trying to squeeze the most out of a naturally aspirated internal combustion engine with already-known technology. The new Skyactiv 2.0-liter takes advantage of direct injection, a high compression ratio, and weight reduction to help the compact 3 hit that all-important 40 mpg number. From behind the wheel, it's still clear that this is a small-displacement four-cylinder making at most 155 hp, but the six-speed automatic, which is also new, does wonders to make the 3 feel peppier off the line. The transmission's upshifts are Lexus-creamy, and its downshifts are relatively non-intrusive, especially if you use the manu-matic shift gate. That said, the gearbox stays in the highest ratio possible at all times, often requiring a double-downshift under acceleration. The brakes on the updated 2012 model seem to be taking a page from the sportier Mazdaspeed3 with their strong stopping power, but the pedal comes off as video game-like, being too stiff and fairly uncommunicative. That said, the Mazda 3 is still one of the best cars to drive in the compact class, and with the new engine, compact-car buyers can have fuel efficiency without giving up the fun factor.
Photo Gallery: 2012 Mazda3 I Grand Touring Skyactiv-G Sedan - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine
No comments:
Post a Comment