2012 Mazda Atenza Review
We test drove the 2012 Mazda Atenza and were so impressed with it that we ended up spending more time in it than we had intended. Without question, this is one of the most formidable cars we've driven in a while. It has the premium quality of a German car and yet as affordable as any Japanese car. It competes with the BMW 3 series, Mercedes C200, Toyota Mark X, Subaru Legacy, VW Passat and Audi A4
Detailed Review
The Mazda Atenza is a 5-seater, midsized saloon and station that has been in production for three generations since 2002. The first generation known as the GG1 was in production from 2002 to 2008, the second generation known as GH1 was in production from 2007 to 2012 and the third generation known as the GJ1/GL has been in production from 2012 to present.
The 2012 Mazda Atenza comes with 3 engine options, these are the 2.2 Litre SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine, the 2.5 Litre SKYACTIV-G 2.5 petrol engine and the 2.0 Litre SKYACTIV-G 2.0 petrol engine. These are linked to either a 6-speed Manual Transmission or a 6-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission and only available in 2WD (front). If you want to know the right engine for the Kenyan market, refer to the Mazda Atenza Buyer’s Guide
2012 Mazda Atenza Grades
- Mazda Atenza 20S – This is the basic grade that comes with the 2.0L petrol engine, automatic transmission, 17-Inch alloy rims, Smart Start, i-stop, DVD/Radio player, manually operated seats and clothe upholstery.
- Mazda Atenza 25S L Package – This is mid luxury grade that comes with the 2.5L petrol engine, automatic transmission, 17-Inch alloy rims, DVD/Navi system with Bose audio, automatically operated seats and leather upholstery.
- Mazda Atenza XD – This grade comes with the 2.2L diesel engine, automatic or manual transmission, 17-Inch alloy rims, smart start, i-stop, DVD/Radio player with Bose audio, manually operated seats and clothe upholstery.
- Mazda Atenza XD L Package – This is the highest grade that comes with the 2.2L diesel engine, automatic transmission, 17-Inch alloy rims, smart start, i-stop, DVD/Navi system with Bose audio, automatically operated seats and leather upholstery.
Interior
Legroom & Space
The Mazda Atenza is a fairly spacious car with enough room on both rows. Being a front wheel drive, the absence of a transmission tunnel frees up more space for seating. At the first row, both seats have good legroom and can comfortably accommodate tall people. At the second row, the legroom feels somewhat tight for the station wagon but surprisingly good for the saloon.
Cabin Storage
There are several storage compartments in the cabin that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags etc. At the first row there are 4 cup-holders, door panel storage , a storage shelf below the dashboard, a glovebox and the center-box. For the second row, there’s storage on the front seat jacket pockets and door pockets.
2012 Mazda Atenza Boot Space
The boot space is good enough to carry luggage for a family of five. When extra space is required, the rear seats can be folded in a split configuration.
Other Extras: Paddle shifts, Sunroof, i-ELOOP (brake energy regeneration system)
Safety Features: SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, i-ACTIVESENSE, 3 Point ELR seat belts
Exterior
This is where the Mazda Atenza truly excels. The exterior design is magnificent – it follows a design concept Mazda calls KODO – soul of motion – that gives it a very exotic look. Add to it the well crafted multi spoke rims and the Mazda Atenza achieves near perfection.
2012 Mazda Atenza Fuel Consumption
2012 Mazda Atenza 2.0L petrol fuel consumption: 17.4 km/L
2012 Mazda Atenza 2.5L petrol fuel consumption: 15.6 km/L
2012 Mazda Atenza 2.2L diesel fuel consumption: 20.0 km/L
2012 Mazda Atenza Acceleration
2012 Mazda Atenza 2.0L petrol accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.4 sec.
2012 Mazda Atenza 2.2L diesel accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 sec.
2012 Mazda Atenza 2.5L petrol accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 sec.
2012 Mazda Atenza Fuel Tank Capacity: 62 Litres
2012 Mazda Atenza Ground Clearance
The 2012 Mazda Atenza has a ground clearance of 5.3 Inches(135mm) which is below the minimum recommended clearance of 6.5 Inches for Kenyan roads. It may be necessary to modify the ground clearance to adjust the car to Kenyan roads. Read our guidelines here on how to safely increase a vehicle’s ground clearance.
2012 Mazda Atenza Stability and Handling
Driving the Mazda Atenza feels like you’re driving a Mercedes Benz. The response is so precise – from the steering response to the quick touch of the throttle, everything feels precise. Around corners, there’s no hint of body roll and the Atenza glides like a speedboat.
Service Intervals
Minor Service – At 10,000 km for petrol and 5,000 km for diesel. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service – At 15,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil
Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
Service parts are affordable and widely available in Kenya. Body parts are expensive and only available in Nairobi. Some spare shops in Industrial Area and Kirinyaga Road stock them.
2012 Mazda Atenza Reliability
For a detailed Mazda Atenza reliability analysis, refer to the Mazda Atenza Buyer’s Guide
Resale Value: Average
Mazda Atenza Competitors: BMW 3 series, Mercedes C200, Toyota Mark X, Subaru Legacy, VW Passat and Audi A4
Cost of Ownership
See Latest Mazda Atenza Prices here
What we like about the 2012 Mazda Atenza
1. Excellent ride characteristics
2. Premium quality
3. Good fuel economy
What we don’t
Low ground clearance
Conclusion
The Mazda Atenza is without question a very outstanding car. The exterior design is fresh, the interior quality is premium and the fuel economy is good. All in all, we could hardly find a fault with it except the low ground clearance.
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