2012 Mazda MAZDA3: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2012 Mazda3 is a mid-cycle refresh led by a more efficient 2.0-liter powertrain for upper i trims. Mazda also revised the exterior and cabin, adjusted the trim lineup, and expanded equipment on higher trims.

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About the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3

2nd generation Mazda3 (2010-2013), mid-cycle refresh year.

Mazda positions the 2012 Mazda3 as the compact car for people who still care about how a car feels on the road. Its main appeal is sharper steering and handling than many small-car rivals, offered with either sedan or hatchback practicality and a wide range of trim personalities. Compared with competitors, the Mazda3 leans less on maximum cabin space and more on making everyday driving feel more responsive and engaging.

The 2012 lineup stretches from the basic, manual-only i SV sedan to the comfort-focused i Grand Touring with leather, heated seats, Bose audio, and navigation. The MAZDASPEED3 Touring is the performance standout, combining a 263-hp turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission with hatchback practicality.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

Upper i trims received a more efficient 2.0-liter engine and transmission setup, and six-speed transmissions joined this part of the range. The base 2.0-liter engine, 2.5-liter engine, and turbocharged MAZDASPEED3 engine otherwise carried over.

Styling

Mazda revised the front end and lower bumper, along with selected wheel and lighting details. Updated gauges, trim, and cabin detailing gave the interior a cleaner look.

Safety

Blind Spot Monitoring joined select upper trims and equipment packages, but it was not standard across the lineup.

Tech

The new i Grand Touring brought leather, heated seats, Bose audio, and navigation to an upper i model. Navigation and push-button start became standard on the s Grand Touring, while the i Sport gained standard remote keyless entry.

Structural

Mazda kept the same basic platform but revised the ride and handling tuning for better response and refinement.

2012 Mazda MAZDA3 specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Mazda MAZDA3i SV0 in stock	2012 Mazda MAZDA3i Sport1 in stock	2012 Mazda MAZDA3i Touring1 in stock	2012 Mazda MAZDA3s Touring1 in stock	2012 Mazda MAZDA3i Grand Touring0 in stock	2012 Mazda MAZDA3s Grand Touring0 in stock	2012 Mazda MAZDA3MAZDASPEED3 Touring0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0L	4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0L	4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.3 Liter
Transmission	Manual, 5-Spd	Auto 5-Spd w/Manual Mode	Auto 5-Spd w/Manual Mode / Auto, 6-Spd SKYACTIV w/MM / Manual, 6-Spd SKYACTIV	Manual, 6-Spd	Auto 6-Spd SKYACTIV w/MM	Auto 5-Spd w/Manual Mode	Manual, 6-Spd
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	25 mpg	24 mpg	24–28 mpg	22 mpg	28 mpg	22 mpg	18 mpg
MPG Highway	33 mpg	33 mpg	33–40 mpg	29 mpg	39–40 mpg	29 mpg	25 mpg
Horsepower	148 hp	148 hp	148–155 hp	167 hp	155 hp	167 hp	263 hp
Torque	135 lb-ft	135 lb-ft	135–148 lb-ft	168 lb-ft	148 lb-ft	168 lb-ft	280 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	11.8 cu-ft	11.8 cu-ft	11.8–17 cu-ft	11.8–17 cu-ft	11.8–17 cu-ft	11.8–17 cu-ft	17 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	36.2 in	36.2 in	36.2 in	36.2 in	36.2 in	36.2 in	36.2 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Headlights
Alarm System
Automatic Leveling Headlights
Blindspot Sensors
Cruise Control
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Heated Mirrors
LED Tail Lights
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Comfort & Convenience
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Interior Ambient Lighting
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Power Driver Seat
Power Locks
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start
Remote Keyless Entry

How the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 compares

The biggest change for the 2013 Mazda3 is that the i Sport sedan gained the 155-hp SKYACTIV 2.0-liter engine and six-speed transmissions. This was otherwise a light final-year update before the Mazda3 was redesigned for 2014.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Mazda3 a full redesign?

No. The 2012 Mazda3 is a mid-cycle update of the second-generation model, not a full redesign. It keeps the same basic platform while receiving revised styling, cabin updates, powertrain changes, and refinement work.

What changed on the 2012 Mazda3 compared with the 2011 model?

The 2012 Mazda3 received refreshed front-end styling, updated cabin details, and a more efficient 2.0-liter powertrain setup on upper i trims. Mazda also revised the trim lineup and expanded technology and convenience equipment on several versions.

Which 2012 Mazda3 trims received the more efficient 2.0-liter powertrain?

The more efficient 2.0-liter engine and transmission setup went to upper i trims, including the i Touring and i Grand Touring. The lower i SV and i Sport retained the earlier 148-hp 2.0-liter setup.

Did the Mazda3 trim lineup change for 2012?

Yes. MAZDASPEED3 Touring, i Grand Touring, and s Touring joined the lineup, while MAZDASPEED3 Sport and s Sport were dropped. The i Touring name also expanded to the five-door hatchback.

What equipment became standard on the 2012 Mazda3 s Grand Touring?

Built-in navigation and push-button start became standard on the 2012 s Grand Touring. It also has a 167-hp 2.5-liter engine, leather-trimmed heated front seats, Bose audio, and a power moonroof.