In 2012, Mazda 3 made its U.S. debut at the Salon of 2011 New York International Auto. Face-lifted with a more refined exterior and interior, the Mazda 3 2012 is also the first application in North America by Mazda SKYACTIV innovative technology to fuel economy and performance oriented that achieve 40 mpg on the highway. Mazda 3 model is best-selling Mazda vehicles worldwide and accounts for almost half the sales of Mazda in the U.S., which makes the car a perfect candidate to introduce SKYACTIV consumers who are looking for dynamic performance combined with high efficiency of fuel.
"SKYACTIV not just the engine, is the next generation of advanced vehicle performance and efficiency," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "SKYACTIV reflects Mazda's design philosophy of only those vehicles that are fun to drive, a pleasure, and its eco-friendly and there is no better vehicle in the Mazda 3 starts, one of the exciting compact sports cars on the road."
Redesigned for model year 2010, the freshened 2012 Mazda 3 is the first application of the technology SKYACTIV Mazda North America, get a new gasoline engine SKYACTIV-G and the new SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission and the new-MT SKYACTIV six-speed manual transmission. It also enhanced the sporty driving dynamics, handling and a comfortable cabin space. The exterior design has been refined to express a bolder, with new interiors to create additional features without sacrificing the feel and sense of quality. Additional security features complete the package.
Mazda 3 SKYACTIV reach new heights
In addition to the Mazda 3 MZR current 2.0-liter twin-head-cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine is completely new high-powered direct injection SKYACTIV-G, 2.0-liter gasoline. Coupled with the standard six-speed manual MT-SKYACTIV SKYACTIV-drive or the optional six-speed automatic transmission, SKYACTIV is available in sedan or station wagon models. MZR 2.0-liter is still available in the current manual five series. MZR 2.0-liter-equipped models are also available in the current five-speed automatic optional.
Approximately 4.4 pounds less than the current MZR 2.0-liter, 2.0-liter multi-hole injectors endorse SKYACTIV to improve the characteristics of fuel sprays, and developed the piston cavity mode, which provide a longer burn time short and prevents the effect of power and torque of the engine knocking. Pumping losses also decreased by using two sequential valve timing (S-VT).
Mazda March 2012 reached a high compression ratio of 12.0:1 and provides 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. (The PZEV version of this engine are sold in California and other states produces 154 hp at 6000 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 4100 rpm).
Compared to current 2.0-liter Mazda 3 liter engine, the maximum effect of SKYACTIV equipped Mazda 3 2012 has increased by about five percent (of 148 horsepower at 6500 rpm) and torque has increased by about 10 percent (from 135 lb.-ft. at 4500 rpm). With an improved torque coupled with a drive control, using the coordinated control of engine and transmission. Mazda 3s with technology excels SKYACTIV dynamic response, future maintenance of the Zoom-Zoom concept of unity between car and driver
Fuel economy also gets a combination SKYACTIV thrust engine and transmission. If equipped with a G-SKYACTIV gasoline engine and an optional six-speed SKYACTIV-drive automatic 2012 Mazda 3 sedan to reach the score EPA 40 mpg on the highway, about 21 percent improvement of the current MZR 2.0 liters is equipped with the optional five-speed automatic. With a fuel capacity of 14.5 liters, 2012 Mazda 3 sedan with the SKYACTIV is a potential area of 540 km, which is still a gallon of fuel remaining. Mpg sedan version will also improve the city 17 percent of 28 mpg. If equipped with an MT-SKYACTIV six-speed manual, sedan is rated at an estimated fuel economy of 27 city/39 highway.
Mazda 3 sedan with the MZR 2.0-liter engine is EPA fuel economy of 25 city/33 highway grade standard five-speed manual and 24 city/33 highway with the optional five-speed automatic.
The previously available only in 2.5-liter MZR, Mazda 3 five-door hatchback will now be offered in the United States, where SKYACTIV-G, 2.0-liter gasoline. This is the Mazda 3 sedan is expected to deliver 27 city/38 highway (SKYACTIV-MT), and 28 city/38 highway (SKYACTIV Drive). Estimates slightly lower than the street can be considered as the aerodynamics and different weight ratio greater than a sedan and wagon. However, the sedan has a driving range of well over 500 km of driving the same tank size sedan. MZR 2.0-liter is not available in the sedan.
Greater fuel efficiency comes with a Mazda 2012 3 SKYACTIV is a direct result of combining all the best features of today's electronic technology. For SKYACTIV Drive, the main advantages of a conventional automatic transmission, continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) have been combined. In addition, torque converter lock-up clutch has been developed to ensure a minimum reduction of fuel economy and the growth of direct feeling.
For SKYACTIV-MT, the objective was to achieve a sense of discrepancy that is sporty, fast and responsive to the driver. To achieve this goal, it was not only leverage the race shortened by about 10 percent of the current six-speed manual (only available in models equipped with 2.5-liter engine or 2.3-liter l-liter direct injection turbo engine ignition ignition), but other technologies have been used as: a type of system down, synchronization ball lock type, change annihilator workload levels and location two and the third gear on a common shaft. By reconfiguring the gearbox six-speed manual today, had its weight reduced by about 4.4 pounds because of the need for fewer components while providing a feeling of moving faster and sharper. Call it a little "MX-5 Miata-ness" in the third Mazda
Also available on the 2012-liter Mazda 3 is the acclaimed Mazda 2.5-liter engine. Meanwhile SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter, 2.5 liter power plant technology as well. It has an aluminum block with cylinder liners were made of a molybdenum-alloy steel that provides strength and stiffness generally not seen in the larger displacement four-cylinder engines. A forged steel crankshaft provides resistance at high speed, but to ensure rigidity low NVH characteristics. In addition, double balance shafts located in the crankcase to cancel second-order noise and vibration. The deep skirt block is designed for added stiffness and bearing caps are built with a ladder-type reinforcement down the block. To minimize noise and vibration typically found on larger displacement four-cylinder engine, the damper at the front of the crankshaft has two masses listening. At the end also end a flexible drive NVH borders.
Fuel is supplied to the intake ports with an electronic control system Sequential fuel injection. Ignition coils are modular units located directly above the candles. Push Shim-less maintenance free. Lightweight pistons are coated with a special anti-friction fabric and equipped with low voltage rings for better gas consumption. Sintered powdered metal connecting rods and lighter full floating wrist pins minimize reciprocating weight.
Providing 167 hp at 6000 rpm and 168 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm, the MZR 2.5-liter is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed electronically controlled automatic with manual change. (The PZEV version of this engine sold in California and other states produces 165 hp at 6000 rpm and 167 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm). The MZR 2.5-liter engine has EPA figures of 20 city and 28 highway with a manual transmission and the city on 22 and 29 highway with automatic transmission.
Engaging, effective external
This mid-generation development of the Mazda 3 also extends to his appearance. The current pattern of expression of the rich and courageous has been updated to provide well-toned seems that the transmission of superior quality and curb appeal. Increased aerodynamics, and features a stylized 2012 Mazda 3 will be more sophisticated, blending perfectly with the functionality.
The exterior of the Mazda 3 2012, finally has a more tense atmosphere with a new front fascia and updated five-point grille opening, both sedan and hatchback styles. The new design features include delicately sculpted forms around openings in the outer edge of the front bumper and a rounded shape of the fog lamp (changed from the version of the horizontal scale of the current model).
Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback models with gasoline engines will continue SKYACTIV-G awarded exclusive items like a new engine cover to deep metallic blue with black sections along each side of the headlamps equipped with ring transparent blue around the central lens to emphasize the distinctiveness of the vehicle, and a badge with "SKYACTIV" logo on a blue background.
Aerodynamics plays strongly to the carbon footprint of a vehicle. Improve aerodynamic performance provides greater fuel economy and further reducing CO2 emissions while contributing to the stability of operation. In this sense, the front bumper has been optimized as part of the base, more effectively facilitate the flow of air that travels under the ground. The shape of the bottom of the front bumper has been redesigned to overcome the front and the wings were made under the greatest. This setting allows you to distribute the airflow hitting the engine compartment and the tires front baffle, which eliminates the turbulence in the engine cooling as well as along the sides.
Other help more air through the rationalization around the vehicle aerodynamics and includes the widening and flattening of the cap (on models with engine SKYACTIV-G), which increases the floor under a blanket 10 per cent and elimination of vertical grooves for a smooth design and increased rigidity of the front tire deflectors to prevent warping and establishing a balance between the cooling of the brakes, aerodynamic performance and stability for handling and quiet, added a shell that sits on the corner of the road surface.
The devil is truly in the details, and Mazda engineers have not missed a single. The end result is a CD 0.27 for the sedan (SKYACTIV equipped model), an improvement of about seven percent compared to 0.29 Cd of the current models. The hatchback version has a CD 0.29 (SKYACTIV equipped model), also an increase of about seven percent compared to 0.31 Cd of the current models.
The exterior look is completed by day new 16 - and 17-inch alloy wheels designs. The 16-inch wheels (on all models SKYACTIV) now has 10 twisted spokes flat, increasing the current model, seven-spoke design and 17-inch wheels (2.5-liter S models) is characterized by enlarged openings between each department, creating a look that adds to a lighter brand even more dynamic. Design for steel wheels and 16-inch alloy wheels of 18 inches remains unchanged.
High quality, intuitive Interior
Inside was a re-imagined as an exterior of a vehicle, and was developed in the cabin end of attractive targets and a feeling of superior quality. From the cluster - the largest cabin of the landscape - black, and is now used throughout the center console and door turn to give an even tougher. Including silver, satin detail has been added to areas often work as consumers, as the outer rings of the three climate control switches and the audio control panel and the center air vents of the panel. In addition to creating a greater sense of refinement, the silver-black color scheme is aggravated by the position of these common controls and switches, which increases the readability and reduces the time the drivers take their eyes off the road, thereby reducing errors operation.
The Multi-Information Display (MID) and liquid crystal display (LCD) were also adjustments of colors, from red text and graphics of the current model of an easier target to read. The 2012 MAZDASPEED3, the key money also replace the current graphic red and silver decorative accents the top of the shifter is removed. The shifter for all skin MAZDASPEED3 is wrapped. Parking brake is also leather-wrapped button to establish a unified coordination that gives the interior an even more sporting and gives the most sophisticated MAZDASPEED3 interior.
The sporty two meters from the design of the instrument cluster itself remains unchanged, but it is stressed in new meters continuously lit white graphics, which offers better readability even in bright daylight. The backlight color also varies depending on the model: gray dynamic and high standard equipment levels and a red MAZDASPEED3 modulation. SKYACTIV vehicles include a light blue gradient background and panel meters white graphics. Will be offered a style shift knob decorated with satin-polish veneer on the lower section and a silver ring with logo surrounded SKYACTIV plate on top.
That shows that even a mid-cycle refresh, engineers really sweat the details, the amount of forward projection of the gear head on models equipped SKYACTIV-Drive has increased by about 0.16 inch in current model, resulting in better grip and feel of the smooth movement in both directions, forward, backward and left-right.
Improved visual designs have also found their way into the comfortable seats comfortable and create a strong sense of the dimension of the new three-dimensional models of the fabric. In black leather seats, no models, gray son of the Cross have been added to enhance the contrast and create a sense of casual comfort. Seats dunes are bright and dark color cross threads to create a quiet interior matures. Higher trim levels (Touring and Grand Touring) received another three-dimensional model of the seat fabric to create a richer expression of quality in black fabric.
