Photo Gallery: 2012 Mazda3 facelift

Mazda has announced that the reworked 3 compact will be the first model to receive the firm's new SkyActiv-G 4-cylinder petrol engine and new transmission. The car bowed at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) and will go on sale in late 2011.

The mechanical revisions will not only improve fuel economy but should more mid-range punch. The SkyActiv-G features a petrol-fed direct-injection with a low-friction block to minimise mechanical fiction.

Apart from the mechanical changes, the new model obtains modified bumpers and a range of new 16” and 17” alloy wheels. For the European model, we expect the new SkyActiv-D diesel engine to be included in the changes.

Press Release:

Making its debut is the 2012 Mazda3, which, in addition to receiving a facelift, will also offer the option of Mazda's new SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine and SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission when it is launched later this fall. This initial application of Mazda's SKYACTIV engine and transmission technologies – the first time they will be employed in a production vehicle – will realize higher torque at low- and mid-range engine speeds resulting in better drivability with less fuel consumption in everyday driving.

Mazda Motor Corporation has been developing its new technologies under the SKYACTIV concept and they include completely new gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions and vehicle architectures. Mazda's SKYACTIV technologies will be launched successively beginning with the new gasoline engine and automatic transmission in 2011.

Mazda has stated that its goal is to improve fuel efficiency by 30 percent by 2015 (compared to 2008 levels). This will be accomplished through SKYACTIV technologies, which focus on improving the efficiency of internal combustion core technologies in association with vehicle weight reduction. Then, gradually, electrical devices such as idle-stop, regenerative braking and hybrid systems will be introduced to further improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.

In addition to the new SKYACTIV engine and transmission offerings, the 2012 Mazda3 will receive new front and rear bumpers with a redesigned front grill, fog bezels and front headlamps. New 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels complete the 2012 exterior updates.