Mazda bites back with the all-new 2012 Mazda 3

[ghosthunter]

Mazda bites back with the all-new 2012 Mazda 3
Words and photos by Christopher Kho



Since the model's first debut in 2003, the Mazda 3 instantly became one of Mazda's best-selling nameplates in the Philippines and around the globe - a title which it still holds to this day. And now there's a new successor to the throne. Welcome the all-new 2012 Mazda 3.

If you're paying enough attention and did the math, you'd quickly realize that Mazda's second generation compact is actually about three years overdue when it was launched locally at the Mazda Expo last week. In fact, the rest of the world has been enjoying its blessings since 2010. But let me assure you, the all-new Mazda 3 is as young and well-equipped as its compact competitors and doesn't show its age, not even by a bit.

Available as a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback, the all-new Mazda 3 retains the model's distinctive silhouette but now re-sculpted by the wind. It has lost its small upper grill to improve aerodynamics, while the front bumper and its signature five-point lower grill now protrudes out to suck in large volumes of air (or just about anything that stands in its way). The headlights have then been swept back and are now deeply-recessed, and two new faux air dams sit on the bumper's periphery to add to its sporty appeal. Meanwhile, its backside is reminiscent of the Mazda 6's. All in all, its one good looking package.....

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SOURCE: Mazda bites back with the all-new 2012 Mazda 3

[Bin Diesel]

about time. lungkot ka-officemate ko nito luma na agad ang bnew Mazda3 niya.

[mda]

about time. lungkot ka-officemate ko nito luma na agad ang bnew Mazda3 niya.

Well, he certainly had it coming if he knowingly bought a 2004 car in 2012.

Ok lang. Sabihan mo, 2004 era pa naman mga makina netong bago.

[Altis6453]

Looks good, but the front end looks a lot like a Mazda 2. I thought they'd be more aggressive.

[jave]

2012? More like 2009.

[metta]

new exterior but sad to say still w/the old 1.6/2.0 engine,as usual most of this car manufacturer treat us as a 3rd rate country.poor Juan de la cruz.

[renzo_d10]

Sucks that they still mated it with the underpowered 1.6L & 2.0L engine.

That would look better on OEM RX8 rims, though.

[oliver1013]

1.6? langya laos na yan ah...dapat at least 1.8

[renzo_d10]

1.6? langya laos na yan ah...dapat at least 1.8

Yep, and a 4 speed AT.

Ok lang naman 1.6L, the Altis has it. Pero hindi naman kasing weak nung nasa MZ3. Wala pang manual, so it's really slow.

[blackspeed_3]

sa US nga pinakamababa na mazda 3 is 2.3 L na. Ung bago naka 2.5 na

[blackspeed_3]

sa US ang mazda 3 naka 2.5L na

[jut703]

While I understand the hate with the 1.6 (I've tried it and it feels heavy and thirsty), I don't understand why pati yung 2.0 dinadamay. The current 2.0R isn't underpowered - sure paper specs aren't very impressive, but you'll really feel the torque in the mid-range. It also now has a 5-speed auto that's very responsive and great steering feel, making this car really fun to drive. Mahal lang talaga kasi CBU, but give it a 100k discount, this is a great car. Masikip nga lang.

[germs]

Pwede kaya itransplant itong 5-speed auto sa 1.6? Haha just wondering, para mas ok ang takbo ng 1.6L especially sa highway. Or kahit man lang sa old 2-liter?

[aargh]

Does this engine accept the regular 91/93 octane unleaded fuel o kelangan 95+?

[jut703]

Pwede ang regular unleaded dito.

[Burai]

gusto ko sanang sabihin lang na ---> "one word: FINALLY!!"
kaso hindi na lang kasi nakaka-depress ang balitang ito dahil same old engine under the 2009 body lang.

who is it to be blamed (not the harsh blame) about sa package niya na nabitbit dito sa pinas, should it be ford group ph or management ng mazda ph mismo or what?

[germs]

Well, since under same management naman sila, blame both hehe. Problem kasi dyan pakiramdam ko undecided sila sa gagawin sa planta kung san ginawa dati yung Focus/Mazda 3 na previous gen. And, sinusulit yung investment. Mahal din kasi na lagyan ng bagong tooling for new bodies yung factory eh.

[GTi]

Mainly only aesthetic changes and very few mechanical improvements with the same old engines coupled with a huge price increase making it more expensive than better packaged and more powerful competitors means this new Mazda 3 would not be biting, or smiling at many buyers. Where are the SkyActiv engines found in the CX5?!

[Burai]

yeah, dati makakabili ka na ng brand new mazda 3 within 800k price range and below, ngayon 999k na for a 1.6 variant... so much price gaps. I wouldn't be surprised if it wouldn't sell that much.

[GTi]

Tingnan niyo ba naman the 1.6 Hatch is actually more expensive than the already expensive 1.8L JDM Civic! Let alone the 1.8L Elantra or the 1.8L Cruze.