(February 19, 2011) TORONTO — The sky’s the limit at Mazda's display at the 2011 Canadian International AutoShow.  Making its debut is the 2012 Mazda3, which, in addition to receiving a facelift, will also offer the option of Mazda’s new SkyActiv-G gasoline engine and SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission when it is launched later this fall. 

The new Mazda3 will offer as an option what Mazda now calls the SkyActiv-G engine and SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission. The company provided few details or specifications of the new optional SkyActiv-G engine — it didn't give the displacement of the engine in question — and did not cite any fuel consumption data.

The new engine cuts fuel use and emissions thanks to direct injection and other tweaks that optimize the combustion cycle, including a remarkably high combustion ratio of 14:1. The transmission comes into the picture to utilize the higher torque at lower rpms produced by the engine. Then, gradually, electrical devices such as idle-stop, regenerative braking and hybrid systems will be introduced to further improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.

Mazda has stated that its goal is to improve fuel efficiency by 30 percent by 2015 (compared to 2008 levels). 

In addition to the new engine and transmission offerings, the 2012 Mazda3 will receive new front and rear bumpers with a redesigned front grill, fog bezels and front headlamps.  New 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels complete the 2012 exterior updates.

Mazda has discussed its new line of far more efficient gasoline and diesel engines since 2009. Its new generation of powertrains includes two new engines and an advanced automatic transmission.