Why So Serious? Mazda3 Gets A Grin-ectomy

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

For 2012, the Mazda3 does away with its grin-grille, by rounding off the corners of its front fascia and beefing up its front “bumper” element. The effect? The 3 looks less like it’s forcing a smile, less like it took a razor to the corners of its mouth in a twisted bid for affection. We’d call it an improvement. The funny part: between this, the death of the “Nagare” look, and the new “Shinari” direction, Mazda’s stylists are finally giving us something to smile about. Now, about that next-generation Mazda3


Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Ciddyguy Ciddyguy on Feb 20, 2011

    As for the current Mazda 3's general looks it's never been bad, although looking at the 2004-2006 iteration, it's pretty pedestrian looking these days about the front clip but back then, it was quite the stylish vehicle in its own way However, that said, this current front clip with the oversized grin is just too much and kind of reminds me of Pokemon. The bit smaller version wasn't bad as it was more in the proper scale of the rest of the car, but not this big grin which just looks out of place. I've noticed the taillight treatment in the back is a common design language used by Mazda on most models in some variant, even the Miata. I find the Miata not as nice looking as some of the earlier iterations, especially the first generation and the second. The concept linked to here for the new design direction, Um, I"m not sure I like this new potential direction AT ALL. It

  • Bytor Bytor on Feb 21, 2011

    Inside line has specs: http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011/02/2012-mazda-3-gets-158-hp-sky-g-engine-on-sale-this-fall.html "Said engine will make 158 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 151 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm while running on North American-grade 87 octane. That's with a 13:1 compression ratio." I know some will complain about it being detuned a bit, but really we are talking about a few HP. I would much rather have the savings from running on cheaper fuel. Lower compression may even increase longevity as the block will be engineered for higher compression. One thing I am not happy about is the initial lack of manual transmission.

  • MaintenanceCosts It's not a Benz or a Jag / it's a 5-0 with a rag /And I don't wanna brag / but I could never be stag
  • 3-On-The-Tree Son has a 2016 Mustang GT 5.0 and I have a 2009 C6 Corvette LS3 6spd. And on paper they are pretty close.
  • 3-On-The-Tree Same as the Land Cruiser, emissions. I have a 1985 FJ60 Land Cruiser and it’s a beast off-roading.
  • CanadaCraig I would like for this anniversary special to be a bare-bones Plain-Jane model offered in Dynasty Green and Vintage Burgundy.
  • ToolGuy Ford is good at drifting all right... 😉
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