The truth about cars today is that, frankly, most of them are pretty darn good. Yes, some are better than others, but it’s pretty rare that something is truly awful, or for that matter truly brilliant. But on the brilliant side, we’d have to give the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan the nod.
Styling
We certainly like the looks. This is a handsome, crisp looking little sedan, definitely a little less swoopy than its sibling 5-door hatchback, and maybe the better for it. An all-new Mazda 3 was introduced for 2010, and at that time it got the new corporate smiley face grille that has polarized some buyers. For 2012, Mazda has tamed the design a little. Now the car just looks happy, not bordering on deranged.
Performance and Mileage
It will be much harder to wipe the smile off your face though, as this is a great car to drive. Whether you choose to sing along with the Zoom-Zoom commercials or not, Mazda knows how to build exciting driver’s cars, and the Mazda 3 is no exception. Our top-of-the-line Grand Touring tester featured a 167-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder (lesser models get a less-powerful but thriftier 2.0-liter four) that just loves to run, with good low-end power and a nice Miata-like surge as it gets to redline.
The gearing on the slick-shifting 6-speed manual is near-perfect, and you just make quick, steady progress as you zip up easily to speed. The Mazda 3 sedan isn’t rocket fast, but quick and responsive enough to goad you into driving fun. While it does seem to turn a fair amount of RPM at freeway speeds, it is a quiet and relaxed motor, so it doesn’t bother you. And the side benefit is that you have plenty of oomph without having to downshift to get around slower traffic.
With all our lead-footing, we still managed about 24 mpg average. (If you’re after the super-stingy economy, we’d hold off for the new 2.0-liter SkyActiv motor Mazda is bringing out soon, said to return up to 40 mpg highway.) Hopefully your journey will take you to some twisty roads, as the Mazda 3 is a light and agile handler, with notably precise steering and a ride that is a perfect blend of sporty and comfortable.
Interior
The interior is a perfect partner to car’s dynamic qualities. The interior is tasteful, with high-quality materials and large handsome gauges. Our Mazda 3 tester’s leather looked (and smelled) fantastic, and the support of the front bucket seats (featuring five heat settings) was excellent. Our loaded tester included Mazda’s navigation system, which is smaller than the large-screen systems we’ve seen on competitors, but Mazda keeps the price small too, making this an excellent alternative to an aftermarket navi.
Pricing
Speaking of price, Mazda has a 3 for just about any budget. Your most basic Mazda 3i SV starts at $15,800 and builds from there. Our Grand Touring model started at $22,270 and was very nicely equipped, with leather, power moonroof, dual-zone climate control, 8-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and Bose audio system. That’s impressive bang for the buck. Our tester also had the $2,135 Technology package that includes the navigation system, HID headlights, keyless entry with pushbutton ignition (you will be spoiled), satellite radio, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and more.
We recently tested the new Hyundai Elantra and came away impressed with its great value and style, but it really wasn’t a car for the driving enthusiast. For the buyer in this price range who wants style, loads of features, and a great driving experience, there’s nothing better than the Mazda 3. We were sorry to have to give it back.