2012 Mazda 3 LT LTZ

The 2012 Mazda 3 gets freshened styling and a new engine option. These compact cars come in 4-door sedan and 4-door hatchback body styles, all with front-wheel drive. The 3 returns in "i" and "s" versions. The i SV and i Sport come only as sedans. The s Touring and Grand Touring are available in both body styles. New for 2012 is the Mazda 3 SKYACTIV. These versions carry the i Touring and i Grand Touring monikers and are offered as hatchbacks and sedans. At the top of the range is the high-performance MazdaSpeed 3 hatchback. Mazda 3 i SV and i Sport versions have a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. All s variants have a 167-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. The i Touring and i Grand Touring have a 155-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. 148-hosrepower models use either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. 2.5-liter versions are mated to a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. SKYACTIV models have a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. The MazdaSpeed 3 reprises its turbocharged 263-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder and mandatory 6-speed manual transmission. Safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a navigation system are standard on Grand Touring models. Blind-spot alert, rain-sensing wipers, and steering-linked bi-xenon headlights are optional on Grand Tourings.