The 2012 Mazda3 made its U.S. debut last week at the New York Auto Show. The new compact will be the first to utilize Mazda’s new SKYACTIV engine and transmission technology, which is aimed at improving fuel efficiency while maintaining strong performance.

The Mazda3 model is Mazda’s best-selling vehicle worldwide and accounts for nearly half of all Mazda sales in the United States. With its latest styling updates and improved performance, Mazda expects that the latest model will continue to be the brand’s most successful model.

“SKYACTIV is not just an engine; it is the next generation of advanced vehicle performance and efficiency,” said Jim O’Sullivan, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).  “SKYACTIV embodies Mazda’s philosophy of engineering only vehicles that are fun to drive, satisfying to own and environmentally responsible; and there is no better vehicle to start with than the Mazda3, one of the most exciting sport compact cars on the road.”

For 2012, the Mazda3 features an all-new SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine as well as the all-new SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission and all-new SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission. The automaker also improved the Mazda3’s driving dynamics, made its handling more responsive, and made the cabin even more comfortable.

Approximately 4.4 pounds lighter than the current MZR 2.0-liter engine, the SKYACTIV 2.0-liter adopts a range of technologies that improve fuel economy while retaining responsiveness. It delivers 155 horsepower 148 pound-feet of torque. The 2012 Mazda3 sedan will also achieve an EPA rating of 40 mpg on the highway, an approximately 21-percent improvement over the current model. Providing 167 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque, a MZR 2.5-liter engine is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed electronically-controlled automatic with manual shift control. A diesel is also expected to arrive in 2014.

Mazda was also determined to make the cabin more inviting with higher-quality finishes. Silver-colored, satin-polished details were added to areas frequently operated by consumers, such as the outer rings of the three climate-control dial switches and the audio control panel, as well as the ventilation louvers on the center panel. Black is now used throughout the center stack and shift gate to provide an even bolder look.

Look for the updated 2013 Mazd3 in showrooms this fall.