With this, Mazda has achieved a 10% reduction in engine weight, together with 30% less internal friction and 15% more torque in the lower- and mid-range RPMs. When coupled to the new lighter and improved manual & automatic transmissions, you can really notice the difference. The vehicles feel quicker, and yet run much smoother while the shorter throws on the new 6-speed manual are almost MX-5-class. In fact, unless you’re one to spend each morning and evening crawling in downtown traffic, I’d recommend the stick shift over the automatic.
The SKYACTIV underbody improvements (redesigned suspension with lighter components) were a tad harder to detect. However, it is my view that these will become more apparent once the new models come to market on a genuine vehicle.
All in all, the new SKYACTIV-G-powered vehicles surpassed the current generation more than I would have thought possible, but then this new technology is coming from the brand known for Zoom…Zoom!
SKYACTIV-D (Diesel)
Yes, I know that we’ve yet to see a diesel-powered Mazda in North America, but trust me, they are in the pipeline, and we were given the opportunity to evaluate the upcoming SKYACTIV-D with the models currently sold in other markets worldwide.
Now it’s no secret that I like diesels. However, this new SKYACTIV-D could be set to alter the minds of a lot of drivers when it comes to their impression of oil-burners. Forget what you’ve ever heard of diesel powerplants in the past, because this is the new face of diesel technology.
Mazda’s new 2.2L diesel engine boasts an incredibly low 14:1 compression ratio. Yes, you read that right, gasoline engines normally run with lower compression ratios and diesels typically run higher numbers. However, just like the rise of compression figures for the SKYACTIV-G is groundbreaking, Mazda is trend-setting the diesel market by actually lowering the ratio on its engines.
Using this approach, together with some rather clever weight-saving innovations, the company has managed to improve the fuel consumption figures by 20% over its current world diesel engine (obviously not sold here in North America).
However, we are going to be seeing the new SKYACTIV-D here soon (No date is set, but you can probably expect to start seeing them appear in about 12 months time).
What I will tell you, is that this is perhaps the best diesel powerplant of its size that I have ever experienced. It’s a real sweetheart of a motor, with a pleasant sound and oodles of available power. The engine revs up to 5,200 RPM, which is high for a diesel, and the torque created is just phenomenal, considering its size.
Together with a group of fellow journalists, I spent a day jumping from one vehicle to another, testing gas against diesel, and auto against stick, and I don’t mind telling you that the diesel & stick shift combo won hands down.
In fact, I can probably sum this up really well by quoting one of my colleagues during the after-test question period. His question was simply, “why did you bother with the gas engines?”
Yes, this new diesel is that good, but unfortunately you’ll have to wait for a while to test it out for yourselves. But when you do, just remember who put you onto it, because I’m going to be looking for a little commission from all that money you’ll be saving on gas. After all, I do have two Eco-friendly horses to maintain!
The SKYACTIV underbody improvements (redesigned suspension with lighter components) were a tad harder to detect. However, it is my view that these will become more apparent once the new models come to market on a genuine vehicle.
All in all, the new SKYACTIV-G-powered vehicles surpassed the current generation more than I would have thought possible, but then this new technology is coming from the brand known for Zoom…Zoom!
SKYACTIV-D (Diesel)
Yes, I know that we’ve yet to see a diesel-powered Mazda in North America, but trust me, they are in the pipeline, and we were given the opportunity to evaluate the upcoming SKYACTIV-D with the models currently sold in other markets worldwide.
Now it’s no secret that I like diesels. However, this new SKYACTIV-D could be set to alter the minds of a lot of drivers when it comes to their impression of oil-burners. Forget what you’ve ever heard of diesel powerplants in the past, because this is the new face of diesel technology.
Mazda’s new 2.2L diesel engine boasts an incredibly low 14:1 compression ratio. Yes, you read that right, gasoline engines normally run with lower compression ratios and diesels typically run higher numbers. However, just like the rise of compression figures for the SKYACTIV-G is groundbreaking, Mazda is trend-setting the diesel market by actually lowering the ratio on its engines.
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| Photo: Mazda |
Using this approach, together with some rather clever weight-saving innovations, the company has managed to improve the fuel consumption figures by 20% over its current world diesel engine (obviously not sold here in North America).
However, we are going to be seeing the new SKYACTIV-D here soon (No date is set, but you can probably expect to start seeing them appear in about 12 months time).
What I will tell you, is that this is perhaps the best diesel powerplant of its size that I have ever experienced. It’s a real sweetheart of a motor, with a pleasant sound and oodles of available power. The engine revs up to 5,200 RPM, which is high for a diesel, and the torque created is just phenomenal, considering its size.
Together with a group of fellow journalists, I spent a day jumping from one vehicle to another, testing gas against diesel, and auto against stick, and I don’t mind telling you that the diesel & stick shift combo won hands down.
In fact, I can probably sum this up really well by quoting one of my colleagues during the after-test question period. His question was simply, “why did you bother with the gas engines?”
Yes, this new diesel is that good, but unfortunately you’ll have to wait for a while to test it out for yourselves. But when you do, just remember who put you onto it, because I’m going to be looking for a little commission from all that money you’ll be saving on gas. After all, I do have two Eco-friendly horses to maintain!