2012 Mazda 3i Grand Touring With Skyactiv Technology

Ok, I know what you’re saying…what the heck is Skyactiv technology? Well simply put, Mazda’s engineers have tweaked the internal combustion engine and made it more efficient. They’ve taken all those pesky inefficiencies inherent in the gas engine and found inventive solutions to get around them. The result is an engine that can hit the 40 mpg mark without all the gimmicky illusions the other car makers use, which generally mean less power for the consumer. The new Skyactiv engine achieves its 40 mpg honestly using better technology without losing any of the zoom-zoom.

The 3i Grand Touring model I drove comes equipped with the Skyactive-G engine, cruise control, Bluetooth capability, 16-inch alloy wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift, six-speaker Bose sound system, sunroof, heated front seats, and my favorite accessory of Mazda a blind-spot monitoring system. If you have your turn signal on this system alerts you to other vehicles in your blind-spot. I think this is one of the most important safety features to come along in quite a while.

The Mazda 3 is a bit cramped for those with long legs (I don’t have that problem so I always need to find volunteers) and the head room with the sunroof is diminished.

I have heard complaints about the steering mounted navigation controls but I like them. I find them so much easier to use than the dash mounted ones. A toggle allows you to click through the alphabet and then push for the letter of your choice. I find I make fewer mistakes with the Mazda design and am a lot less frustrated.

Driving around town in the Mazda 3 is a pleasure. Its ride is smooth and steering responsive. The 2.0 liter engine equipped in the Grand Touring allows for quick acceleration when needed and shines in fuel economy. The automatic transmission isn’t shabby either with smooth, quick and responsive shifting.

At an MSRP of just under $25,000.00 and highway mileage of 40 mpg the Mazda 3i Grand Touring should be on your short-list if you are in the economy-vehicle market.