2012 Mazda3 joins the 40 mpg club, but does it have enough chances to succeed?

The 2012 Mazda3, which will start selling in late summer, is the first model from the carmaker that offers 40-mpg. It is powered by a new 2.0-liter gasoline direct-injection engine and new transmission. The new powertrain is included in Mazda's upcoming family of SkyActiv technologies that are meant
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Whelan - 4/29/2011 7:56:13 AM

+1 Boost

I was hoping for a little more refinement, but they have not done much to quell that huge smile other than give it a gum line now. Puffy gums are frowned upon by dentists and they should be for cars as well.

Too bad that the next generation will come out after I've picked up my Focus ST. I was curious to see what Mazda was going to do with the MS3. But I'm sure I'll have more refinement and appointments in the Focus anyways.

internationalmanofmystery - 4/29/2011 9:04:51 AM

+2 Boost

"...Mazda3 joins the 40 mpg club, but does it have enough chances to succeed?"

Yes! Good club to be a member of!

LACMAN - 4/29/2011 9:28:13 AM

+2 Boost

Seriously. I work in corporate America. I would love a Mazda for its "fun to drive" part but I cant see myself walking out of the office and to one of these in my shirt and tie. I will PASS as well...

kussimek - 4/29/2011 9:35:30 AM

+1 Boost

I hated that smile when it first came out but it has grown on me, and the model with the better exterior (S 2.5 that has the spoiler and dual exhaust) model looks great. It's just weird that the Mazda3 will get better gas mileage than the 100hp Mazda2.