The 2012 Mazda3 ranks 6 out of 41 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is
based on our analysis of 57 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda3,
and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
If
you want great performance and gas mileage, reviewers say the 2012 Mazda3 has
both. But if you want ample cargo and passenger space, competitors have
more.
Back
in the day, many speedy small cars didn’t have the highest fuel economy ratings
in the class. The Mazda3 was one of them, but this year, it is breaking that
mold with the introduction of its new Skyactiv engine that is one of the most
fuel-efficient in the class. Test drivers add that its great fuel economy
ratings don’t mean a compromise in performance.
While
reviewers say that the 2012 Mazda3 has near-perfect performance for the class,
they are disappointed that its union of efficiency and power isn’t paired with
an increase in passenger and cargo space. If the Mazda3 could gain bragging
rights as the most utilitarian, most efficient and most powerful car in the
class, the automotive press thinks the Mazda3 would be even greater than it
already is.
