2012 Mazda 3 SkyActiv Drive and Review

( www.TFLcar.com ) The 2012 Mazda 3 SkyActiv takes the internal combustion engine to a new level by making it lighter, more powerful, and more fuel efficient. It represents Mazda's road to more fuel efficient cars at a time when gasoline prices are certainly going up. So how does this newest Mazda compare to other manufacturers cars that use electricity in the form of a hybrid car or smaller engines with turbos, or even diesel to achieve the similar results? Check out this first drive and review of the 2012 Mazda 3 SkyActiv to find out.

[@NPSurvival]

I like that you said that you personally didn't like the car, yet still gave it a balanced review and pointed out that other people might like certain features.

[@dinocracchiolo996]

That was one of the worst car reviews I have ever seen

[@wibuwe]

When I first saw these, I thought these looked goofy. But 11 years later, I think they've aged quite well - or maybe I am just getting old.

[@couldntthinkofagoodnamesoi8357]

So this fuel-efficient compact doesn't measure up, because it's small and doesn't have a turbo. Got it.

[@Michael-li3id]

agree. not the most comprehensive of reviews. Prius is significantly slower, doesn't handle well, and only returns 20% better fuel economy. Jetta is in the standard car class, with passenger volume rivaling the camry, accord, etc and should not be compared to this. This car handled every bit as good as my G35 did. Super fun in corners and I averaged 40+Mpg out of a handful of tanks w/ conservative driving.

[@dinocracchiolo996]

The worst car review I have ever see.

[@nickgrossman2385]

where I see a mediocre review others might see a brilliant review.

[@SKYWOLF8858]

I've learned that you like turbo, big car, and you love to complain what you dislike. Guess what? I DON'T CARE! Try not to be self-center next time.

[@plasticbleach4004]

He's addressed the fact that it's just his own opinion several times.

[@AdamHaXoRz7]

It is a great car, especially for the price. It gets great milage and is a blast to drive. We have the 5-door hatchback and you get a ton of space with the seats folded flat. I'm 5'11" and with the seat adjusted for me I have just enough leg room in the back. It has a little trouble in first gear but once you hit second it moves pretty well. I have also found that, with the automatic, if you shift it in manual mode the acceleration is a little more responsive.

[@acdchase]

i just got my 2012 mazda 3i touring about a month ago, it is an automatic and 0-60 took me just over 7 seconds, i did use the slapshift but even still without the turbo it accelerates quite well, and especially taking it through more winding roads, with no lag in the acceleration and such a great turn radius it can fly. i am also 6'1 and find it an extremely comfortable drive. overall i am extremely pleased with my car and find this review very biased

[@reconsilver5961]

I got 7.8 seconds on mine. I feel like he didn't push it to make the car seemed slower because he doesn't like it

[@elliotbrink6179]

Yes it is much faster than he says in the video

[@hilarytg]

I bought a 2013 mazda 3i touring in velocity red mica love the car and everything about it.

[@CountingMareep]

I own this car and i love everything about it. I even like the front. It's different.

[@larryschofield4839]

I just bought a used 2012 Mazda 3 S Touring 2.5 with 67,000 miles. I admit I'm still learning all the features. The online PDF owner's manual has over 500 pages!

[@whispermason8052]

My 2012 Mazda 3 is now at 170,000 miles. I've not replaced anything that isn't a regular maintenance part. It still gets 40mpg when driving the speed limit. One tip, Good Year Tires. That's it. If you got it at 67K, you got another 100K minimum in it.

[@BillParrow]

There's no way that was an accurate 0-60 test.

[@oreocakester4307]

no 0-60 test is accurate on this channel

[@elliotbrink6179]

It wasn't, it should be much faster

[@peppatheoof]

it is so crazy, 10 years later watching this video thinking i recognised the roads hes driving, then realised I drive there all the time when I'm bored and is my go to cruise spot i thought i was going insane for a second

[@victorzang8836]

Biased review

[@TFLcar]

@pedrof830 We're not sure that is so true today. We agree that in the past turbos and the higher compression they required made them unreliable after a 100K, but today's engine technology has advanced to where turbos no longer blowup themselves or the engines they are strapped on. We'll have a video tomorrow about the new Abarth's turbo that I think you'll enjoy. Please stay tuned.

[@TFLcar]

@gene978 Thanks, always great to read you thoughtful comments. Please stay tuned for a fun Mashup this week as Nathan and I get really muddy.

[@01Conductor]

Had a 2005 2.0L..thing saved my life...might look cheap...but that frame is super strong. Nimble little car...handles good. Manual transmission was responsive as well. Great cars I'd suggest one to anyone. Not a big fan of this body style. Test drove a 2012...car still handled good, manual (now 6 spd) trans felt good. But super ugly and didn't like where the start engine button was. Interior was different from my 05 and felt more "familyish" and not as basic as the 2005 model. Speed 3's are nice if your a hatchback person looking from some extra power. After a 626, miata and the mazda 3...always been a mazda fan. One trend I have noticed between them all? They all handled really good...all had really sporty feel. Now ...if they only made the speed 3 in a sedan model..

[@jraposo]

no sir, that's not just your opinion, that's a fact, reality, true, don't humble up your reasonable comments with a "my opinion" tag. you are absolutely right, period.

[@05Forenza]

I love the concept that your 0-60 numbers are what I deal with everyday. Living here near Boulder points out that everyday numbers are actually far less that what you read online due to our elevation.

[@TandemDawgBMG]

He's like one of those middle aged parents that thinks he's trying to be 'hip' by saying "i like turbos." over and over again

[@TFLcar]

@guilhermemavignier I'm big, the Mazda is small. I live at one mile above sea level the Mazda 3 does not have a turbo (like other cars in its class) that compensate for the powerless at altitude. We try to be honest and objective about all the cars we review. If it sucked, we'd say so. While this car may be great for someone in Miami, it doesn't work for me in Denver. That's pretty straightforward and fair.

[@mgray999]

240k miles on mine.

[@importcarenthusiast]

I think the Mazda 3 and the Ford Focus are the two best car in the class. I have a 2012 Mazda 3. When Im at work (I work at a Ford dealership), I really wish I would have ordered a brand new Focus, but when Im just driving around, I love my Mazda. its a hard choice between those two. If i had to do it over again, I have no idea which one Id buy.

[@suprman5100]

Did Mazda refuse to sponsor you or something? Not liking the car is one thing but the entire review sounded like a passive aggressive jab towards the car. I've seen your stuff you can do better.

[@Games4Days912]

I know right for a car that gets 40 mpg on the highway and still fun to drive and had some speed. I have a black one. just got it a couple days ago my 3rd Mazda 3. had a 2006 2008 and now 2012 I absolutely love this car. the black is so sharp the smile is cut in half which actually looks really good now imo I hated the 2010 lol. but the interior is so nice. the way it drives is amazing fast fun eats corners for breakfast lunch and dinner and this is the review it deserves From you guys?! bs unsubscribed

[@moniquesolis6739]

Games 4 Days did you like the way the 2010 drove?

[@bigboyisback3889]

My man over here trying to act cool In front of a Mazda 3

[@carlobi]

Almost sounds as if a competitor paid you to review this car

[@TFLcar]

@m1sterfan OK, here you go here's why I'd pick the Jetta TDI...can't fit all this in the video. 1) New updated Civic isn't new or updated. Corolla is reliable but soooo boring. Elantra offers exceptional value lots of cool stuff but steering is numb to dead. Focus offers the most power but no turbo.

[@unbelievablyshifty]

I LIKE TURTLES

[@atr1982]

This car is awesome but the only thing I would add is some fog lights in the front... instead of that fishy look!

[@gorak1212]

Dude, congrats on the nomination for best video!

[@MuhammadUsmanAdil-l8f]

if you dont care about mazda, you shouldnt be reviewing this car

[@TFLcar]

@stratusboy1212 Everywhere else they are not testing the car at one mile above sea level. Less air, less power, less speed.

[@camshaft53149]

just bought my 3 and i love it. Roman, i respect your opinion but to me i think the mazda has an awsome interior for the price and the look is nice. However its all personal opinion. love the mpg, the fun but then again i fit because im only 5'10''!

[@SuperChrissy2012]

Yeah I'am waiting for the 2014 Mazda 3 to come out it looks really nice.

[@NathanDAdlen]

@m1sterfan There's another TFLCar review on the Mazda3 Skyactive. We live at high altitude and normally aspirated cars tend to be very sluggish. Only the Focus has a turbocharger option (well, it will) and I think Roman is still disappointed with the packaging and quality. I like the car, especially with a manual. Thanks for watching.

[@miatageekscott]

I'm getting one of these for free with only 30K miles...long story, but I gotta wait till the title gets here in 10 business days! I'm getting the 6 speed manual version!

[@Mbrace818]

How did you get one for free?! My family helped me get a 2011 Mazda 3 and put $10,000 down. I'm paying for the rest (it's $14,000).

[@miatageekscott]

I needed a new car bad, my Civic was was falling apart, so I sold it, and my sister was having trouble selling theirs( her and her husband) so, my parents helped her out by paying off the loan and me by signing the car over to me,

[@blindreaper27]

Good for a first car?

[@oreocakester4307]

All of these hate comments but hes sharing both his opinion and reality... But I will be fair he is complaining a lot about a budget compact sedan.

[@lffit]

Australia's top selling car, cannot see why? I rented a Mazda 2 recently and it was rock hard to the point the glovebox and dash shaked, even though otherwise it was nice.. instead I bought a Ford Fiesta!

[@Farreach]

i love mine and even years later i feel it is a great car....it has a turbo that can get to 60 pretty quickly around 7 seconds i believe ..

[@johnnyponny4]

Mazda fanboys, you have to realize that these guys test drive cars in Colorado, which has a high altitude with less oxygen. So the 7.9 second 0-60 time was probably done somewhere in lower altitude California. (Motor trend got 7.8 seconds for 0-60 time btw) The reason why the manual takes about 8 seconds to 60 mph is because car red lines in 2nd gear at just under 60 mph, and the shift to third gear takes a few milliseconds longer. No sports car, but pretty good all around fun little car.

[@jraposo]

just got my itouring skyactiv for 18.5k, down from 20.4K MSRP , i did my homework, trust me this was the best car for this price, also, I see how unfairly you compared fully equipped mazda3 price with a basic prius which could go up 10k over the 3 if fully equipped as well.

[@TravvyG]

I wouldn't be surprised if Mazda is working on a Performance orientated Skyactiv engine to replace their 2.3l Turbo for the MPS (Speed3) and 2.5l engine's for the SP25 but i suppose we will all find out with in the next couple of months when they will announce hopefully a complete refresh from bumper to bumper inside and out on all 3 models for 2013

[@94navin]

its because he above sea level

[@stevenarseneault1972]

This video should never have been released.

[@weelgunny]

Try a manual gear box.

[@FuelSniffer]

If you are already biased toward a turbo engine why review the car? You said turbo about 20x in the video.......

[@Halisonan]

At least the hurricane loves the car.

[@somanymods]

you are right but 0-60 in colorado is going to be much slower with the altitude and I'm pretty sure 7.9 is with a 6 speed manual.

[@disbsam333]

Forgot the Cruze Eco. That has a turbo, is 21k, and gets 42mpg on regular fuel.

[@matthieudeborbe2542]

So, this review is mainly about you not liking the car. Bad faith culminates with a biased 0-60 time where you start timing it before even pressing the gas, and don't rev it at all prior to take off. Funny how you got 12 secs where the other journalists got 8 secs on that same test. I do love my Mazda3 Sky of that same model year. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree based simply on personnal taste.

[@BrettWae]

Whats your background with the car? I never experienced that. I've only taken it for a test drive, but with driving on rough and smooth roads.

[@SubaruHyena]

I notice a lot of people are saying their turbo cars blew up...but also these cars are German. I used to have a BMW 750iL and that had no turbos and it was the most unreliable vehicle I've ever owned. Going on the German theme..why the Jetta over the Impreza? especially in Denver/Colorado. In the Jetta the plastics are all hard and here in the pacific northwest they have a reputation for leaking (went to test drive a jetta and a golf, 3 out of 5 cars were leaking through doors or sunroof.)

[@TFLcar]

Why not? We take the car maker at it's word and assume that Mazda didn't put the SkyActiv badge on the car just for grins. Indeed the 2012 Mazda 3 has both the new Syy G 2.0 engine and 6-speed transmission.

[@polaris911]

How did it take you 12.7 seconds to reach 60? My 07' 2.3L takes 8.5 and it's automatic too .. also what annoying editing for this video, seemed out of sequence

[@yianarobioureyes2517]

La marca mazda es la mejor mi papa tiene la mazda 3 y corre muchisisimo😍😍😍😍

[@nismofury]

This is a great car. Drives better than anything else in its class. They just need an update on the styling. Get rid of that goofy grin. However if you get it in black it doesnt really show. Fun car to drive. True 40mpg+ hwy. Prius is not fun to drive. Like to see this as a coupe.

[@CasaDeGomez]

Hey Roman. What about now testing the new CX-5

[@Elijah-fc3ex]

How is this channel so consistently wrong?

[@daxterreid]

i don't understand why you keep saying you like turbos. Ok we get it this is a compact car not a ferrari. It doesn't have to hit 0-60 in 3.5 seconds because it isnt made for that.

[@VPoje]

Ford Focus has a 2.0 direct injection with 160hp with no Turbo btw... Chevrolet Cruze has a 1.4 Turbo.

[@mkratos17]

Great review and all but the last VW i bought a Jetta 2003 and lasted 60,000 before it quit on me not a reliable vehicle. Was thinking of getting this car is there huge difference in performance between a Jetta and this mazda 3

[@PhoPhucLai02]

Even though you were bias at least you admitted your bias and not forcibly steer your audience to Ford turbo cars.

[@MrCodythegreat]

first off i dont know why anybody would take a vw over anything they are the most expancive cars to repair. that being said this is the only video of a bad review towards the new skyactiv 3 iv seen they are not as pepy as the older 2.3s or the retired 2.5 but they are still the most fun to drive, and i am a big guy 6 foot 290 lb and i find the 3 very very comfortable. i have the 5 door hatch with a manual transmission and me my wife and my folks are comfortable in it and taking it across canada

[@daxterreid]

why would you compare it to the prius , the mazda 3 is trying to be fuel efficient yea but not trying to be hybrid

[@fatboy19831]

I think the Base 20k car with a stick is a good value. Fun to drive and efficient. load it up to 25k and their are 15 cars that are better (the Prius not being one of them). The Jetta TDi is 4k more than the Sky active. It is a better car in most ways reliability not being one of them.

[@aaronbehindbars]

Roman, your perspective is interesting. No point in arguing over the styling, but performance and comfort deserve some debate. No doubt that 6K ft elevation kills power in a N.A. 4 banger. Only Jetta and Cruz offer a turbo. Is it fair to compare this to a diesel? Does the Cruz run that much better? At 6'-1-1/2", I find the front seats roomy w/ ample headroom despite the sunroof. Rear legroom is tight, but no worse than Focus or Civic. My HB rear headroom is better than the sedan.

[@camshaft53149]

i love the mazda 3. i want one so bad.

[@Bicloptic]

Very nice and well balanced review. Thanks.

[@MrChevybaja]

aesthetically, i still prefer the first gen 3.

[@climberanderson]

I just drove the 6 speed manual skyactiv and it is way way better! Much quicker and funner to drive

[@conlazymeo]

good review man

[@simpleplanfan1919]

true i do love mazda as much as vw, but vw is expansive when it breaks (cuz its rarely break) but it can still drive half broken :) which most cars cant

[@docjekyll2002]

12 sec 0-60? that's the same in my mom's 2000 mazda mpv. At least the mpv's engine had a growlier noise than my 3's

[@bmwmsport11]

I would pick the Honda civic, especially the SI. 12.7 0-60 is ok when your getting 40mpg. I don't like mazdas alot. The interior styling seems "missing".

[@Dsas21]

Wtf was this

[@chicago2370]

Diego Aparicio my reaction too lol

[@Thespecialtugboat]

But it's so HAPPY :D

[@markk8248]

Turbos are no good I’m glad they didn’t put them on these.

[@techdude6693]

I think its a nice car, however for me its pretty gutless. To get out of my neighborhood, I need to turn right into traffic going 55MPH from a stop sign (cross traffic doesn't have a stop sign) so It simply doesn't have the extra grunt. The 2.5L one does, however, it can get pretty expensive quickly

[@gene978]

That wasn't a very thoughtful comment as I am not really a Mazda 3 Fan either. My mama always told me. If ya ain't got nothin good to say......oh whom I kidding. The front end is childish the interior for this 6'2" frame weighing in at almost 200 is cramped, and back seat is of for humans over the age of 12. Of a fan of the dash layout either. I was just researching this car when I came across your new Vid here. Looking forward to the next Mashup. Now I won't be able to sleep. :)

[@mnguevarra]

Like i said, my 2008 corolla gets 40mpg. They don't have the 155 hp but skyactiv came in too late for Mazda. Its already 2012. Would be great if they could get 40+.

[@KManX1011]

the 0-60 time was lol because there a mile above see level. at sea level it is in the mid to high 7 second range

[@pedrof830]

Doesn't anybody put hood insulation in non-luxury cars anymore? BTW CR seems to like this car more than you.

[@nmende00]

Because they weren't testing it at a mile above sea level.

[@gcab1000]

I agree.

[@sage11x]

Biggest fault of this car is the styling-- previous version and the protege before that we're MUCH better looking. Seriously, though, recommending the Jetta over this is laughably reckless. The Jetta is NOT a good car and has none of the poise or fun that this car has when traversing a twisty road. Pair this car with the insanely smooth skyactive 6 spd man gearbox and you've got the recipe for cheap and frugal thrills.

[@zdy3w]

did he even shift manually when doing 0-60?!

[@trehsu]

You can definitely get a car for well under 20K.

[@EddieV19]

I timed mine at 8 seconds flat

[@maremacd]

Eddie V This is probably a stupid question but can you play music from your phone on the 2012 radio? Via an aux input?

[@RickStylus]

Windy day huh? that's why it takes ages to reach 60 mph; why you didn't test the car under a normal weather?

[@gooberfive]

I agree I test drove one, I'm 6'4 and found this thing tiny.....not for tall guys.

[@melvinconrad3509]

If the guy wants a turbo go get a Mazdaspeed3 then. Mazda3 with a turbo there ya go.

[@kadzricafort4352]

if you want a turbo you should get a mazda speed3

[@reededwards6670]

i love my skyactiv

[@094340]

Some people might say this is an obnoxious and biased review, and some people might say they're right.

[@pedrof830]

Turbos require more care and end up going bad and being unreliable, OK if you trade in every 3 or 4 yrs that's fine otherwise you're better off staying away from turbos.

[@notengousername2]

if you do 12 seconds in a 150hp car.. you need to re think your carreer mate. My 105cv mazda 3 does it in 11 seconds... you could do 8 seconds all day long in the 2.0skyactiv.

[@t5e2]

i thinks you not like Subaru BRZ or Scion FR-S, because NOT turbo!

[@TFLcar]

TFL is a TFC (Troll Free Channel) Please note that our community has ZERO interested in mean-spirited name calling or comments. You have been warned. Next time you will be banned!

[@jonajs98]

Great review, I liked your explanations.