2012 Mazda3: restyled, less thirsty, more affordable

Mazda has announced the Canadian pricing for the 2012 Mazda3. The latest vintage will offer buyers better fuel economy and a fresh look - for less money.

Photo: Mazda

And this is the first North American Mazda model to benefit from the SKYACTIV technology. It'll sip just 4.9 modest litres per 100 clicks.

Mazda Canada is offering price reductions between $700 and $1,470 (or 3 and 8%) compared to the 2011 versions.

Mazda3 Sedan
2012 Mazda3 GX, 2.0-litre engine: $15,595 ($700 or 4% difference)
2012 Mazda3 GS, 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine: $18,995 ($600 or 3% difference)
2012 Mazda3 GT, 2.5-litre engine: $23,695 ($730 or 3% difference)

Mazda3 Sport (hatchback)
2012 Mazda3 GX, 2.0-litre engine: $16,595 ($900 or 5% difference)
2012 Mazda3 GS, 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine: $19,995 ($970 or 5% difference)
2012 Mazda3 GT, 2.5-litre engine: $24,695 ($730 or 3% difference)

MazdaSpeed3
2012 Mazdaspeed3, 2.3-litre turbo engine: $26,695 (no difference)

The GS versions include the new SKYACTIV gas technology working hand in hand with an optional 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive autobox or a 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission.

The Mazda3 GX sedan inherits electric door locks and keyless access, while the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback both feature heated seats and a leather-clad steering wheel and shifter. The GT and MazdaSpeed3 offer an optional 10-speaker Bose stereo system.

The outside of the 2012 Mazda3 stands out with its bolder attitude, courtesy of a revised front bumper and more aerodynamic five-point grille.

Inside, improvements ensure greater functionality without sacrificing tactile or material quality. The dash is now mainly black, with satin-finish silver inserts peppered here and there to spruce things up.

The non-SKYACTIV Mazda3 models are currently available, and the SKYACTIV variants will be introduced at the end of October.