New Mazda Vehicles Overview
Mazda’s driver-friendly lineup of cars and crossovers are back for 2012 and continue to place a premium on handling and responsiveness, while still being practical. This year marks the return of the Mazda5 after a year off in 2011.
The smallest car in the stable is the subcompact Mazda2 which debuted last year. Only available as a four-door hatchback, the Mazda2 seats five and comes with more standard features than many other cars in this segment including keyless entry and an auxiliary audio input.
2012 brings the exciting addition of what Mazda calls SkyActiv technology to the compact Mazda3. The new technology will be available on both the sedan and four-door hatchback, and includes a new engine and a pair of new transmissions. Equipping a sedan version of the Mazda3 with the SkyActiv engine/transmission pushes highway mpg up to 40 (38 in the hatch) and makes one of the most entertaining cars in its class also one of the most efficient.
If you find that you have the need for more… well, speed, then the Mazdaspeed3 is happy to oblige you with its 263-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood that also puts out an astounding 280 pounds-feet of torque. The Mazdaspeed3 only comes as a hatchback and for 2012 adds an optional blind spot warning system.
The midsize Mazda6 also returns with your choice of four-cylinder or V-6 power.
If you need to fit more people, Mazda has brought back the Mazda5 minivan for 2012 and it features brand new styling inside and out, as well as a new engine. The Mazda5 really puts the “mini” back in minivan; it’s substantially smaller than the other minivans you’ll see on the market and seats up to six passengers in three-rows.
Remaining one of the best performance bargains on the road today, the Miata MX-5 convertible (soft-top or hardtop) offers rear-wheel drive hijinks and some of the best handling you’ll find in any production vehicle.
There is also a pair of crossovers available from Mazda, the CX-7 and the larger CX-9. The five-seat CX-7 lets you choose between a pair of four-cylinder engines (one normally aspirated, one turbocharged) and offers all-wheel drive as an option.
The CX-9 crossover pushes seating capacity up to seven across three-rows and adds features like standard three-zone automatic climate control. All-wheel drive is optional here as it is on the CX-7, but the CX-9 comes with a larger V-6 engine for extra power.
(The RX-8 and Tribute were discontinued for 2012)
Uncover Rebates & Incentives
Want to keep even more money in your pocket? Find available Rebates & Incentives in your area by entering your ZIP code above.
These additional manufacturer savings programs can help you get your best deal.*
- Cash Rebates
- Low Interest Financing
- Special Leasing Options
Some manufacturers also provide first-time buyer, military, and other programs to target specific customer segments.
*Incentive programs are subject to change at any time by the manufacturer.

