Hello, I'm looking for a long distance commuter car and the 2013 Mazda 3 with the Skyactiv engine is on my shortlist to replace my 2003 Nissan Sentra Spec V
if the thing dies. I really like my current car and I'll hate to replace it but it's coming on 170,000 miles. I hope to stay with the Spec V for another two years so I can pass it on to my son but having to spend recently 2000.00 for some work on it, I'm trying to compile a short list of replacements if and when it comes. Anyway I have some questions:
1. What are folks getting for MPG with their Skyactiv's at speeds around 75 to 80 mph? Preferably with a 6 speed manual transmission.
2. Confirming the motor uses chains to drive the cams?
3. I perform my oil changes myself, where is the oil filter located? The last question is the primary bummer I had with the car I drove before the Spec V. It was a 2001 Protoge that came off a rental lot. It had the 1.6 Lt. motor and a 4 speed automatic. I liked the car but hated the auto and the darn thing had the oil filter high on the block between firewall. My Spec V's oil filter is on the bottom of the block and has been the easiest oil change on any vehicle I've owned.
4. Confirming you can use regular gas?
Thanks for your help. Nissan really peeved me when they stopped offering real transmissions (manuals)on their Sentras.

 

Average is 36-39 at these speeds for my 6 speed manual. I also get 26-28 in city driving and typically 40 at speeds 55-65.
Yes
Oil filter is at the bottom of the block close to the drain plug. Plastic cover needs to be removed to reveal both. Very easy to access
Yes, the american model uses regular, while the Euro uses premium. The American compression ratio has been reduced from the 14:1 to 12:1 to allow for regular gas.

Definitely, go test drive one and see what you think. It's a pretty fun car that gets good mileage in my opinion. It's definitely not a track star though as the Skyactiv was purpose built for fuel economy. Don't get me wrong, it isn't a total dud either. Test drive is the best approach though. Take it on the highway and you can watch the mpg display to see what you get.

 

Thank you irvinfitness

 

Have had my skyactive 3 with a 6 speed manual for a year. It has 40,000 miles on it. Most of the driving is highway with a little back country 2 lane blacktop thrown in. It consistantly gets over 40 mpg. Keep you rpm's as close to 2 grand as possible and coast when you can and you will be rewarded