Mazda 3 Getting Facelift for 2012

Originally introduced in 2004 and updated in 2008, the second-generation Mazda 3 is getting a makeover. While it was a fine looking car to begin with, it is always good to see automakers keeping up with progress. 

The revised 2012 Mazda 3 has a redesigned exterior with revised fascia, a mildly changed interior, and big changes to the mechanicals including a revised suspension and new engines. 

The wide smile of the previous Mazda 3 is gone and is now closer to a grin. Larger air inlets to cool the brakes and round fog lights compliment the new front fascia. The rear bumper is 30mm shorter and the tail lights protrude out of the sides giving the new car a tighter, wider appearance. The revision also gives the car a suite of new wheels in both 16 and 17 inches. 

The interior is only slightly changed. The lower dashboard is now black, which Mazda says reduces eye movement in the cabin. The chrome rings around the dial controls are brighter to allow drivers to find them easier when driving. 

Mazda's big work to the car has actually come to the mechanicals. The body shell has been stiffened, it has a lighter suspension and the electric power steering has been retuned for more feedback. The stiffened shell also lowers sound in the cabin. 

The revised Mazda 3 also gets a new 1.6 liter, petrol engine option that comes exclusively with an automatic transmission. All but two of its other engines have also been improved for better fuel economy and lower emissions. 

The 1.6 with Activematic is Mazda's debuts Mazda's new transmission and is available only with the 1.6 liter,  105hp four-cylinder. It is a four-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode tuned specifically for that engine. Mazda says that it has been tuned to provide linear power and a sporty drive. 

The diesel engines have also been improved with about 3% improvements on fuel economy and emissions for both of them. 

The engine improvement that boosts fuel economy and emissions is Mazda's i-stop system, which positions the pistons and valves in a manner so that when the engine stops, it can restart itself using a minimum of electricity. The system drops fuel consumption by 0.1l/100km and 2g/km of CO2 for most models. 

The revised Mazda 3 will be available soon, but Mazda did not if there would be any changes in price for the updated model.