2012 Mazda3 SKYACTIV
There have been a slew of new fuel saving power train technologies in recent years from hybrids to full-electrics and even fuel cells. Still, the traditional gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine is far from obsolete, and many would argue it hasn’t come close to its full potential for efficiency, especially when combined with a new whole-vehicle approach to saving fuel. And, that’s just the point of the new Mazda3 SKYACTIV.
Mazda plans to spread its new SKYACTIV approach across the brand, but it’s the 2012 Mazda3 that is the first to bring much of the technology to market, and that’s fitting as it is Mazda’s best selling model. And one of the big reasons the Mazda3 sedan and 5-Door hatchback are so popular is because of Mazda’s zoom-zoom nature that is fully evident in the 3’s compact chassis. And while that chassis is not all-new for ’12, and therefore doesn’t get the full SKYACTIV effort, it does get an all-new power train, the heart of every fuel saving program.
The 2-liter SKYACITV-G gasoline I4 puts out 155-horsepower, up 5-percent and 148 pound feet of torque, up 10%; all thanks to both intake and exhaust variable valve timing, direct injection, and a hefty 12-to-1 compression ratio. Low-friction transmissions are new as well, and both manual and automatic are efficient 6-speeds.
All of that makes for Government Fuel Economy Ratings of 28-City and 40-Highway for our SKYACTIV-Drive automatic. That’s a solid 20% boost over the non-SKYACTIV 2.0. The manual rates slightly lower. We average 33 miles-per-gallon of Regular in real world driving. SKYACTIV also helps the Mazda3 get a very good Energy Impact Score, burning through just 10.4-barrels of the black stuff, while emitting just 4.5 tons of CO2 per year.
As to the ‘whole car’ fuel saving aspects, the updated styling also improves aerodynamics. That includes a new front fascia with redesigned grille opening for better airflow management. Additional covers under the car help keep the air moving smoothly as the new Mazda3 sedan cuts through air with 7% less drag than before. SKYACTIV models are also set apart by a transparent blue ring in the headlights, and badging. New 16-inch alloy wheels complete the package.
The transformation inside the cabin is a bit more thorough. A new instrument cluster adds blue accent lighting and there’s new satin trim throughout. The Multi-Information Display is now easier to read, and there’s a new shifter to go along with the new transmission, as well as new fabric choices for the seats. Touring trim adds Bluetooth and our GT a new 265-watt 10-speaker sound system. The Mazda3 is the only vehicle in this class to offer Blind Spot Monitoring. Rear seat legroom is among best-in-class, but we still felt cramped and the long, wide, flat floor trunk looks as if it would hold more than the 11.8 cubic-feet of cargo that it’s rated for.
While the chassis is unchanged mechanically, some additional reinforcements have been added, as well as extra body welds, which helps to give the already solid feeling Mazda3 an even more unyielding feel. Through the cones, the Electro-Hyrdraulic power steering provided good feel and quick response, and the 3 gripped our cold test track well, even with snow tires. Off the line, the fuel-efficient SKYACTIV power train stood up well. The 2-liter has adequate torque right from the get-go and reached 60 in 8.9-seconds. Power quickly levels out, and the full quarter mile passes in a leisurely 16.9-seconds at 86 miles-per-hour.
As to pricing, a well equipped Mazda3i Touring SKYACTIV 4-door begins at $19,245. That’s only $350 more than a comparable non-SKYACTIV sedan. The hatchback adds $600 more to the base price.
While every manufacturer is now shooting for 40 miles-per-gallon in the compact car segment, Mazda’s whole vehicle approach, which includes not sacrificing driving enjoyment, makes the new Mazda3 a hit with us. And as Mazda expands this approach throughout their line-up, with new lighter-weight chassis’s and even diesel engines, we look forward to getting even more SKYACTIV in the future.
Specifications
- Engine: 2-liter SKYACTIV-G I4
- Horsepower: 155
- Torque: 148 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 8.9 seconds
- 1/4 mile: 16.9 seconds @ 86 mph
- EPA: 28 mpg city/ 40 mpg highway
- Energy Impact: 10.4 barrels of oil/yr
- CO2 Emissions: 4.5 tons/yr
2025 Audi SQ7
Audi…Still Bringing The V8 Power
Like every other luxury-minded European carmaker, Audi has a full portfolio of utility vehicles to choose from, including big ones like the Q7 and big fast ones like this SQ7. 2025 brings a host of updates for this still V8-powered prestige performer, and we can’t wait to check it all out.
Audi’s largest SUV, the seven-passenger Q7, launched way back in 2007; but it wasn’t until 2020, well into its second generation, that it got the proper high-performance treatment with an SQ7 version. Well, it’s time for the 2025 model year, and while the SQ7 is still rockin’ through its second gen, Audi is cranking it up when it comes to style and tech.
All Q7s get revised styling for 2025 with modernized front and rear fascias, along with updated and now customizable LED lighting. Up front, lower aero treatments are slightly reshaped, and Audi’s Singleframe grille gets new patterns that are unique for Q7 and SQ7. In back, there’s a more aggressive looking rear diffuser that better integrates some new exhaust tips. And rounding it out are some fresh color choices and five new wheel designs. In addition to the unique grille, SQ7s feature additional aero treatments throughout, quad exhaust tips, and larger brakes behind 21-inch wheels, which can be optioned up to these 22s.
Tech updates come by way of better smartphone integration into the MultiMedia Interface, with the ability to not only use more third-party apps but download them directly to the vehicle. It’s all done through Audi’s latest MMI setup which features an in-dash infotainment touchscreen, a smaller touch panel just below for climate controls and additional functions such as handwriting recognition, and, of course, a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit for the driver.
There are some minor material upgrades throughout, and more uniqueness to coincide with trim levels; plus, some new available packages to further customize the space. All Q7s are outfitted for seven passengers with plenty of adult-size room in the second-row bench; the third row, it’s best left to the kids.
This thing is quick, like EV quick, taking off much faster than you’re expecting.
All of that is indeed great, but the star of this show remains what’s under the SQ7’s hood. Oh yeah, Audi still believes in V8s, and this is a great one, the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo engine used by Porsche and even Lamborghini in their SUVs. Here in Audi tune, it delivers 500 horsepower along with 568 lb-ft of torque. And wow this thing is quick, like EV quick, taking off much faster than you’re expecting. At Mason Dixon Dragway it hooked up easily, pounced off the line, and pulled hard the whole way down the strip. We hit 60 in a mere 3.8 seconds.
Audi keeps the Tiptronic name alive for their eight-speed automatic transmission and it slams through the first few gears quite aggressively, easing off a little in higher ones. That V8 made all the right noises throughout the quarter-mile but without being too loud. 12.4 at 111 mph was our best time.
SQ7s get a unique sport-tuned adaptive air suspension, and it almost eliminated all body roll through our handling course, helping this big utility feel more like a small sports car. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard on all Q7s but there is unique tuning here in the S, and we really had to push it hard to initiate any understeer. The brakes came on strong as soon as we started to press the pedal in our panic braking runs, stopping us from 60 in an impressive 94 feet. There was some nosedive, but absolutely no discernable fade.
For all its performance, the ride quality is sublime, never harsh, making for a very enjoyable drive home from the track. It also feels built like a tank, weighing more than 5,000 lbs., though that substantial structure allows for towing up to 7,700-lbs.
Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 15 City, 21 Highway, and 17 Combined. We averaged a good 20.1 mpg of Premium in our driving loop. As far as high-performance SUVs go, the SQ7’s starting price of $92,095 for Premium Plus trim is not unreasonable. You can upgrade to Prestige trim for $98,195.
While not exactly commonplace, high-performance SUVs have seemingly been coming at us from all sorts of brands lately, from luxury to mainstream– which is the direction of choice for Audi, bringing the premium driving experience closer to attainable levels. So, if you’re looking for high levels of luxury, combined with raucous V8 performance, in a vehicle that can still comfortably haul the family, the 2025 Audi SQ7 is eagerly waiting to deliver.
Specifications
As Tested
- Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 500
- Torque: 568 lb-ft.
- EPA: 15 City | 21 Highway | 17 Combined
- 0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 12.4 seconds at 111 mph
- Braking, 60-0 (avg.): 94 feet
- MW Fuel Economy: 20.1 MPG (Premium)