2nd Place – 2012 Mazda3 Sport GS-Sky
    2012 Mazda3 Sport GS-Sky. Click image to enlarge |
Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. That is how the Mazda3 GS-Sky must feel right now. For the second straight compact comparison test the Mazda3 has finished second; and again by just one point. Why? Well, it is the subtle nuances that have kept the Mazda3 from winning one of these comparison tests. The 3 has the worst rear seat entry angle, wheels that look out of date and a ride that some found to be too harsh for this vehicle segment.
The interior drew mixed reviews as to whether it was functional and modern, or cheap and drab. The materials used inside are a mix of soft and hard touch materials but the fit and finish seemed the worst in the group. Yes, a Japanese car has been out-qualitied by a Korean and American one; welcome to 2012. The stereo, on the other hand, sounds great and the front seats offer as much comfort as the Elantra GT’s.
The Hyundai and Mazda take two different approaches with the back half of their vehicles The Mazda3 offers less rear seat legroom, but more cargo depth than the Elantra GT. However, despite this, the Mazda3 was still rated as the most comfortable rear seat for both 2 or 3 full-grown passengers, thanks to a wider cabin.
On the road the Mazda3 is the sports car of the group. The shifter, handling, and steering feel were unmatched by the other two in this comparison. The trade-off for this handling prowess is the afore-mentioned rough ride, but NVH and suspension clunks are kept to a minimum. Even with 205/55R16 tires, the Mazda grips the corners beyond what you’d expect considering its efficient persona, giving you a vehicle with a dual purpose.
At the core of the Mazda3 GS-SkyActiv is the 2.0L four-cylinder engine. Featuring the most engine displacement of the group, and making the most power, 155 hp, the Mazda3 should be the drag strip champion as it weighs in at only 1,318 kg. However it did not feel this way. It always feels a little short on power, much like the Elantra GT. If the 2.0L engine is really wrung out in the higher rpms, power is there for the taking. But running around at 5,000 rpm defeats the real purpose of this vehicle, efficiency.
Here, the Mazda3 excels. It slaughtered the other two by averaging 7.3 L/100 km during our mostly city testing loops. In fact, it was the only vehicle to not only come close to its official NRCan fuel economy numbers but actually land between them: 7.6 L/100 km city and 5.1 L/100 km highway. But in the end, the Mazda3 just couldn’t match up to the Elantra GT as an overall package. If fuel mileage is your number one concern, however, stop reading now; this Mazda is your vehicle.
Pricing: 2012 Mazda3 GS-SkyActiv
Base price: $20,345
Options: Moonroof ($895)
A/C tax: $100
Freight: $1,695
Price as tested: $23,035
