Before Mazda gives an extreme makeover and come up with an all-new model, they refreshed the current lineup of the hatch and sedan with a very subtle facelift so it’s good for at least another year of presence in the market. It also gets SKYACTIV technologies.

2012 Mazda3 will offer the option of Mazda’s new SKYACTIV-G petrol engine and SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission. As Mazda explains SKYACTIV drivetrain results in higher torque at low- and mid-range engine speeds resulting in better drivability with less fuel consumption in everyday driving. Even if the performance remains the same, there’s no objection since Mazda3 always had great powertrains.

Mazda also has plans to introduce idle-stop, regenerative braking and hybrid systems will be introduced to further improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions, in order to achieve 30 percent improvement by 2015.

As for the looks, the 2012 Mazda3 will receive new front and rear bumpers with a redesigned front grill, fog bezels and front headlamps. The changes at front are more noticeable and gives the car a more elegant look, but it has that smiley face! The new model also gets new-design 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels.