Auto Countdown: 2012 Cars That Were Good Drives
3. Mazda 3 SkyActiv-G 2.0
The Mazda 3 is not a bad car. When I drove it, I drove a Mazda 3 five-door hatchback with a 2.0L I4 engine with Skyactiv technology. Mazda says that Skyactiv technology increases fuel economy and engine output. The 2.0L I4 engine with Skyactiv technology produces 155 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. The end results is an average driving experience. The was not much excitement when I pressed the accelerator pedal. The Mazda 3 skyactiv has a 0-60 mph time of 8.9 seconds, which is not that quick. The did not feel that quick. There is adequate room for the driver and passenger. It is a compact hatchback, so there is a little bit of leg room and good head room. The Mazda 3 is also available with a 2.5L I4 engine that produces 167 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. For those who want more power, there is a Mazda SPEED3, which has a turbocharged 2.3L I4 engine that produces 263 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, but it is only available was a manual transmission. The Mazda 3 SkyActiv-G 2.0 is a decent car. But go with the 2.5L engine if you want a Mazda 3.
2. Chrysler 200 Limited with V6
The Chrysler 200 is the successor to the Chrysler Sebring as Chrysler's
entry in the mid-size car segment. The 200 comes with two different
engines. It is available with either a 2.4L I4 engine that produces 173
hp and 166 lb-ft of torque and a 3.6L V6 engine that produces 283 hp and
260 lb-ft of torque. Mid-size cars have more room and tend to be more
luxurious than compact car. Compact cars are weigh less and get away
with I4 engines that produce 165 hp or more. Mid-size cars need more
power since they weigh more. There is a significant difference in
acceleration between the 2.4L 200 and the 3.6L 200. The 2.4L 200 has a
0-60 mph time of 9.3 seconds. The 3.6L 200 has a 0-60 mph time of 6.2
seconds. I drove the 200 Limited that was very luxurious and roomy. I
had leather seats, navigation, and a rear-view camera. The car was very
comfortable to sit in and it was drove smoothly along the roads. With
the V6 engine, the 200 has great acceleration for a midsize car. Without
the V6 engine, the 200 would be a comfortable car with a dull driving
experience. The Chrysler 200 is a good car, but not as big of a pleasant
surprise as the Dodge Dart.
