2012 Mazda3 with Modest Styling Tweaks and New Skyactive-G Engine Debuts in Toronto

Mazda has dropped the first photos and details on its 2012 model year Mazda3 sedan and five-door hatchback models that are making their world premiere at this week's 2011 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. In addition to receiving a cosmetic pick-me-up, the refreshed Mazda3 gains the Japanese firm's new Skyactiv-G gasoline engine and Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission.

The automaker has not yet released specific details on the new powertrain, but said that this is the first application of its Skyactive engine and transmission technologies in a production vehicle. All we know for now is that the engine will feature direct-injection tech and a high compression ratio, while the transmission is said to be compact in size and light in weight, with both contributing to an improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.

In addition to the new powertrain updates, the 2012 Mazda3 receives reworked front and rear bumpers with a redesigned front grill, fog bezels and front headlamps. Newly designed 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels round off the cosmetic changes for the 2012 model.

The 2012 Mazda3 will arrive in U.S. showrooms this fall.

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Aussies get New Mazda MX-5 Special Edition with Bilstein-tuned Suspension

A new special edition version of the MX-5 with some very minor styling and suspension upgrades has been added to Mazda's vehicle range in Australia. A total of 200 MX-5 Special Editions are being brought into the country with Mazda announcing that the upgrades are being added at no additional cost.

However, this should not comfort Australian buyers as the list price of the limited edition model is a hefty AUS$47,200 (~US$47,800), or roughly the same as a 430HP 2011 Corvette Coupe (US$48,950) in the U.S. We understand that prices between different markets are not comparable for a variety of reasons, but close to $50 grand for an MX-5?

The highlight of the special edition model is the addition of a Bilstein-tuned suspension, which promises to further improve the roadster's handling. A bright painted strut tower bar is also part of the suspension package.

On the outside, the MX-5 Special Edition gets new bright painted 17-inch alloy wheels and the choice of two new colors, Dolphin Grey Mica and Sparkling Black Mica, along with an Aluminium Metallic finish.

Inside, the driver and passenger are greeted by unique grey colored leather seats which are complemented by a leather steering wheel and handbrake both featuring grey highlight stitching, while the chrome meter rings and air vent bezels complete the look.

Mazda Australia marketing manager, Alastair Doak, said "The Mazda MX-5 is an iconic car with enthusiasts across the world making it the best-selling two seater roadster of all-time. Offering a limited number of MX-5 Special Editions to Australian consumers will ensure it appeals to the enthusiasts out there who are seeking something a little different."

New Mazda MX-5 Special Edition Comes to the States, will Debut in Chicago

Earlier today, we told you about the Australian market Mazda MX-5 Special Edition featuring a sports suspension kit and some exclusive styling touches. Well, we now learn that the same model will be offered in the States in a limited run of 750 units, albeit at a much lower price as the U.S. version starts at $30,925 with a manual transmission, and $31,525 when equipped with the six-speed Sport AT automatic. That's compared to US$47,800 for the Aussie market model.

The Special Edition is based off of a fully-equipped Grand Touring model with the retractable hard top, and is available only in two new colors, Sparkling Black Mica or Dolphin Gray Mica. It rides on 17-inch Bright Finish aluminum alloy wheels.

Inside, the limited run version of the MX-5 gets gray door trim and heated leather seats with gray stitching, a black leather-wrapped parking brake and steering wheel with contrasting gray stitching, chrome treatments to the air vents and instrument cluster, plus aluminum pedals when equipped with a manual gearbox.

The most important addition is the Suspension package, which is optional on the Touring and Grand Touring model, and includes Bilstein shocks, a limited slip differential (LSD) and a sport-tuned suspension.

Power for the Limited Edition comes from the standard 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four with 167-horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque.

Mazda has not yet released a launch date for the limited edition MX-5, but we assume that it will be available shortly after its debut at this week's Chicago Auto Show.

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA pictures

For amusement, it is no picnic to overpower the 2010 Mazda Miata. With its tight guiding and condensed fling shifter, the auto is a driver's dream, and it had us giggling maniacally as we slung it down each curvy road we would be able to observe.

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

Anyhow Miata fans will howl at this survey, as the Miata's tech, from lodge to under the hood, is just middle. Our Grand Touring trim auto was about tantamount to it works toward getting, fitted with Bose sound and a Bluetooth phone framework.

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA pictures

For amusement, it is no picnic to overpower the 2010 Mazda Miata. With its tight guiding and condensed fling shifter, the auto is a driver's dream, and it had us giggling maniacally as we slung it down each curvy road we would be able to observe.

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

Anyhow Miata fans will howl at this survey, as the Miata's tech, from lodge to under the hood, is just middle. Our Grand Touring trim auto was about tantamount to it works toward getting, fitted with Bose sound and a Bluetooth phone framework.

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA pictures

For amusement, it is no picnic to overpower the 2010 Mazda Miata. With its tight guiding and condensed fling shifter, the auto is a driver's dream, and it had us giggling maniacally as we slung it down each curvy road we would be able to observe.

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

2010 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

Anyhow Miata fans will howl at this survey, as the Miata's tech, from lodge to under the hood, is just middle. Our Grand Touring trim auto was about tantamount to it works toward getting, fitted with Bose sound and a Bluetooth phone framework.