They say good things come in threes, and that will certainly be the case with the 2012 Mazda3. The best-selling model in the Mazda lineup was significantly refreshed for the new model year, with the lineup adding the automaker’s breakthrough Skyactiv powertrain technology while removing hundreds of dollars from its starting price.

It all starts with the Mazda3 i SV sedan, with an MSRP of $15,200—$600 less than the 2011 model.

Introducing the new look of the Mazda3 roster, the car is thoroughly restyled inside and out, with a revised front fascia and grille, new cloth seats, and a bold, black cabin. Upgrading to the Mazda3 i Sport sedan, with remote start and other athletic enhancements, brings a starting price of $16,845. Both sedans holster Mazda’s proven MZR 2.0-liter I4 engine.

The Mazda3 i Touring models start at $18,450 for the sedan and $18,950 for the five-door hatchback—a starting point that’s more than $1,000 lower than the least-expensive 2011 five-door. More importantly, Mazda’s Skyactiv powertrain makes its U.S. debut—as standard equipment—on this pair of 3’s. This innovative gas-only I4 can be mated to one of two Skyactiv transmissions, either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, to produce up to 5 percent more horsepower, 10 percent more peak torque, and 15 percent more low- to mid-range torque than the similarly sized MSR engine. Yet at the same time, it delivers more than 20 percent better fuel efficiency: The sedan is expected to reach 40 mpg highway, with the hatchback achieving 39 mpg.

Moving up to the Grand Touring trim level, the Mazda3 i sedan and hatchback have MSRPs of $22,300 and $22,800, respectively, as well as even more uplevel amenities. Here, standard equipment includes a moonroof and 10-speaker Bose Surround Sound audio setup, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and a full-color navigation system. Also available: The segment’s only blind-spot monitoring system.

The Mazda3 s Touring and Grand Touring configurations, featuring a 167-hp MZR 2.5-liter engine as well as new 17-inch wheels, push-button start, dual-zone climate controls and more, are priced from $21,300 for the sedan and $21,800 for the hatchback.

“The Mazda3 is the core of the Mazda line-up and continues to be the standard by which all other compact cars are measured,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “Because of the importance of this critical vehicle to Mazda sales success, we chose to debut our revolutionary Skyactiv Technology in Mazda3, as well as bring the i SV model to market at a lower starting MSRP than the previous year.”