IRVINE, CA - Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announced pricing for its refreshed 2012-MY Mazda3 compact. The new model is available as a sedan or hatchback. The Mazda3 i SV sedan starts at a MSRP of $15,200, which is a price drop from the previous model year, according to Mazda. 

The Mazda3 I SV sedan features updated styling, with a revised front fascia and a five-point grille opening.  Inside, the vehicle features new cloth seats and a black color scheme in the cabin. The Mazda3 I SV comes with the MZR 2.0L engine.

Moving up to the Mazda3 i Sport, the 2012 model sees the addition of remote keyless entry as standard equipment. The Mazda3 i Sport sedan starts at $16,845 MSRP and is optionally available with the five-speed Sport automatic transmission.  Mazda3 i SV and Sport trims are not available on five-door models.

Next, the Mazda3 i Touring model features the all-new SKYACTIV-G 2.0L gasoline engine, which is EPA-rated to achieve 40 mpg on the highway.  MSRP for the sedan model starts at $18,450. The new SKYACTIV engine produces 155 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque. Mazda said its all-new engine offers 5 percent more horsepower than the standard MZR 2.0L engine, 10 percent more peak torque, 15 percent more low- to mid-range torque, and up to 21-percent better fuel economy. 

In addition, Mazda said the hatchback model will be available for the first time in the U.S. with a 2.0L engine. Priced from $18,950 for the Mazda3 i Touring hatchback with SKYACTIV-G, this model provides an EPA-rated 39 mpg on the highway. All i Touring and Grand Touring models are available with the all-new SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or the all-new SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission

Available in Touring and Grand Touring trims, Mazda3 s models are equipped with an MZR 2.5-liter engine that boasts 167 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque.  Starting at $21,300 MSRP for the sedan and $21,800 for the hatchback, new standard features for s models are all-new 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System with push-button start, a moonroof, a dual zone automatic climate control system and a Bose® Centerpoint® 10-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®.  Navigation is now standard on all s Grand Touring models.

In terms of options, the automaker is offering a MAZDASPEED3 Technology Package, an MSRP of $2,135. It adds features such as navigation, Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System, Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), self-leveling bi-xenon headlights, automatic headlights, Sirius satellite radio, a perimeter alarm, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System with push-button start.