2012 Mazda Speed 3 — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2012 Mazda Speed 3 is a hatchback powered by a 2.3L 4-cyl turbo premium gasoline engine. It returns around 25 mpg (UK) / 21 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Mazda Speed 3 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Mazda Speed 3: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 25 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 95 cu ft (2,690 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 17 cu ft (481 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 25 combined / 22 urban / 30 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 21 combined / 18 city / 25 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 263 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,900 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 1 configuration for the 2012 Mazda Speed 3, all with the 2.3L 4-cyl turbo engine. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/25) | 263 | $3,900 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 95 cubic feet (about 2,690 litres) and luggage volume at 17 cubic feet (about 481 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Mazda Speed 3
Running Costs: 2012 Mazda Speed 3
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Mazda Speed 3 at 25 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,455 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Mazda Speed 3 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2012 Mazda Speed 3 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Structure (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Structure — campaign 16V644000, reported 6 September 2016. Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mazda Speed 3. The most-reported areas are Power train (3), Seats (1), Exterior lighting (1). Complaints include 1 reported crash.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Mazda Speed 3
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Body structure (1 recall campaign) — Inspect for corrosion and for subframe or body-panel damage, especially underneath.
- Transmission & drivetrain (3 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Seats (1 owner complaint) — Check seat adjusters, head restraints and seat-mounted sensors work, and confirm seat recalls were completed.
- Lighting (1 owner complaint) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Mazda models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Mazda Speed 3's 25 mpg is 9 mpg below that make average. Its 263 g/km CO₂ figure is 65 g/km higher than the 198 g/km Mazda average.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Mazda Speed 3
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Mazda Speed 3 have?
It's fitted with a 2.3L 4-cyl turbo premium gasoline engine, paired with a manual 6-spd transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Mazda Speed 3?
The most efficient configuration returns around 25 mpg (UK) combined, or 21 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2012 Mazda Speed 3 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Mazda Speed 3 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2012 Mazda Speed 3 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Structure (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Mazda Speed 3?
Among the 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Power train (3 complaints), Seats (1 complaint), Exterior lighting (1 complaint). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Mazda Speed 3 have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 95 cubic feet (about 2,690 litres) and luggage volume at 17 cubic feet (about 481 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.