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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/2012_Mazda_3i_DSF.jpg

MSRP: $19,300
Destination: $795

Options Pricing:

6-speed AT - $850
SiriusXM Satellite Radio with free 4-month subscription - $430
Fog Lights - $350
Auto dimming mirror with Compass and Homelink - $200
Crystal White Pearl Mica Paint - $200
Interior Lighting Kit - $200
All-Weather Floor Mats - $100 (Carpeted Floor Mats are Standard)
Rear Bumper Step Plate - $60
Wheel Locks - $55
PZEV Emissions - $0

Engineering:

Engine Type: In-Line 4-Cylinder
Engine Block/Cylinder Head: Aluminum-Alloy
Displacement (cc):1,998
Horsepower @ rpm: 154@6000 RPM (Non-PZEV = 155 HP)
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): 148@4,100
Redline (rpm): 6,500
Bore and Stroke (mm): 83.5x91.2
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Valvetrain: 16-valve VVT
Direct Injection
Drive-by-Wire Throttle System
Front-Wheel Drive
CARB Emissions Rating: PZEV
Federal Emissions: Tier II/Bin5
Direct Ignition System

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/2012_Mazda_3i_Engine_Bay.jpg

Transmissions:

Gear Ratios

6-Speed Manual Transmission

1st: 3.363 2nd: 1.947 3rd: 1.300 4th: 0.971 5th: 0.795 6th: 0.645
Final Drive: 4.105
Reverse: 3.385

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (available)

1st: 3.552 2nd: 2.022 3rd: 1.452 4th: 1.000 5th: 0.708 6th: 0.599
Final Drive: 3.893
Reverse: TBA

Calculated RPM@ 60 mph (MT/AT): 2,136/1,881

Body/Suspension/Chassis:

Unit-Body Construction
MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
Independaqnt Multi-link Rear Suspension
Stabilizer Bar (mm., front/rear): TBA/TBA
Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assisted Steering (EHPAS)
Steering Wheel Turns, Lock-to-Lock: 2.94
Steering Ratio: 16.2:1
Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (ft.): 35.8 ft.
Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Solid Rear Disc Brakes (in.): 10.94/10.43
Wheels: 16x6.5
All-Season Tires: Bridgestone P205/55 R16
Temporary Mini Spare Tire

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/2012_Mazda_3i_Int.jpg

Interior Measurements:

Headroom (in., front/rear): 38.9/38.0
Legroom (in., front/rear): 42.0/36.2
Shoulder Room (in., front/rear): 54.9/54.0
Hiproom (in., front/rear): 53.7/53.2
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.): 94.6
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.): 17 (42.8 with rear seats down)
Seating Capacity: 5

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/2012_Mazda_3i_Int_Rear_Hatch.jpg

Exterior Measurements:

Wheelbase (in.): 103.9
Length (in.): 177.4
Height (in.): 57.9
Width (in.): 69.1
Track (in., front/rear): 60.4/59.8
Curb Weight (lbs. MT/AT): 2,896/2,969
Weight Distribution (%, front/rear, MT and AT): 60/40
Cd: 0.29

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/2012_Mazda_3i_Int_aFCD.jpg

EPA Mileage Estimates/Capacities:

5-Speed Manual (City/Highway): 27/38
5-Speed Automatic (City/Highway): 28/39
Crankcase (qt.): 4.2 without out filter chance and 4.4 with
Coolant System (gal. MT/AT): 7.8/8.7
Fuel (gal.): 14.5
Required Fuel: Regular Unleaded

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/2012_Mazda_3i_DSR.jpg

Passenger Volume (cu. ft.): 94.6
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.): 17

So it is a midsized car and gets 39mpg with an AT.. not bad.

I'd hardly call it midsize. It's firmly in the Compact segment. I think the high roofline and hatch are skewing the numbers. The head, hip, shoulder and legroom numbers are compact class.

Yeah, the hatch space skews the numbers.. just like a Prius and other true hatchbacks..

The fact that one of the best handling cars in the class is now near the top in mileage as well... is OUTSTANDING!

I'd hardly call it midsize. It's firmly in the Compact segment. I think the high roofline and hatch are skewing the numbers. The head, hip, shoulder and legroom numbers are compact class.

+1. Though it's an '06 model, my Mom's 3 is on the smaller side of compact when it comes to passenger space - front and back are relatively tight. The current 3 (I have driven the sedan for work) is not much better. The 5-door's cargo space is quite adequate, however. Taken as a whole package, the 3 is great in 5-door form, less so in sedan form.