2012 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Trims and Specs

Early 2012 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Touring trims, produced before August 2011, carry the R Production designation, indicating a slightly different list of standard features and exterior design components than trims produced after August '11. Power for the MAZDASPEED3 Touring w/ R Production comes from a 2.3-liter MZR DISI turbocharged 4-cylinder powerplant, which pumps out 263 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The engine mates to a 6-speed manual transmission with a close-ratio short-throw shifter. Fuel economy numbers check in at 18 mpg city/25 highway. Premium fuel is required. The sport-tuned suspension features stiff coil springs and high damping rates, ensuring a tight, stable feel. Standard safety features include Dynamic Stability Control, traction control and 4-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, as well as 6 airbags.

Unique interior features for the MAZDASPEED3 Touring w/ R Production include black leather upholstery with red cloth inserts, aluminum pedals, Mazdaspeed scuff plates and black floor mats. Red stitching on the 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift lever, parking brake handle, center armrest and door trim also give the cabin a unique appearance. Dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, interior ambient lighting, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry and an audio system with a CD player and Bluetooth are among the other standard features. An optional Tech Package adds a navigation system with a compact 5.8-inch color touchscreen and push-button start, among other features. Outside, the MAZDASPEED3 Touring w/ R Production displays a metallic-black grille, round foglights, a lower air dam and a hood-mounted intercooler scoop, as well as sculpted side skirts and a roof-mounted rear wing. Black power side mirrors with integrated turn signals and dual exhaust tips are also included. The MAZDASPEED3 Touring w/ R Production rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels.

The 2012 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Touring delivers stellar driving dynamics, a functional design and a good overall value. Power continues to come from a 2.3-liter MZR DISI turbocharged 4-cylinder powerplant, which produces 263 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. That's good enough to propel the front-wheel-drive MAZDASPEED3 Touring from 0-60 in as little as 5.4 seconds, though the official number clocks in at around 6.3 seconds. The turbo engine links to a 6-speed manual transmission with a close-ratio short-throw shifter. The engine, which requires premium fuel, posts fuel economy numbers of 18 mpg city/25 highway. The sport-tuned suspension, with stiff coil springs and high damping rates, ensures a tight, stable feel. Standard safety features include Dynamic Stability Control, traction control and 4-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, as well as 6 airbags.

Inside the 5-passenger cabin, new standard features for 2012 include a 10-speaker, 265-watt Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound audio system with a CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth and an auxiliary input jack. In addition, Mazda updates the instrument cluster, which now displays black gauges with white lettering and red accents. The black-and-red theme continues with black leather upholstery with red cloth inserts and red stitching on the 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift lever, parking brake handle, center armrest and door trim. Aluminum pedals, Mazdaspeed scuff plates and unique floor mats also give the cabin a unique appearance. Dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, interior ambient lighting, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry and a multi-information display are among the other standard features. An optional Tech Package adds a navigation system with a compact 5.8-inch color touchscreen, push-button start and a new blind-spot monitoring system. Outside, the MAZDASPEED3 Touring displays an aggressive front fascia with a metallic-black grille, round foglights and a lower air dam, as well as sculpted side skirts and a roof-mounted rear wing. An intercooler scoop on the hood channels air into the engine compartment. Black power side mirrors with integrated turn signals and large dual exhaust tips are among the other standard exterior features. The MAZDASPEED3 Touring rides on unique 18-inch aluminum wheels with wide, high-grip Dunlop Sport performance tires.