Mazda unveils SKYACTIV tech (photos)
 

I hope like hell that's a typo. A 40 highway diesel will never sell.

40 mpg for SkyActiv D ??!?!?!?!?!

I really hope they mean SkyActiv-G, even for the G that's not so "good" in today's standard ...

40 MPG is great for a non hybrid gasoline engine... diesel... not so much.

With 340 lb-ft of tq (if not more in production form), I think it is quite good in comparison to a 2.0 TDI. Figures from the 2.0 TDI Jetta is rated 40 hwy with 235lb-ft of tq. Not to mention the modified Mazda 6 platform they used to test the Skyactiv - D is a prototype and is bigger than a Jetta.

EPA ratings are known to understate the gas mileage of diesels. A friend of mine owns a 2010 Jetta TDI sedan that regularly gets 40+ average MPG. That is in NYC. I expect the Skyactiv - D to get above rated also.

Also take into consideration that the BMW 335d has 425lb-ft of tq and gets 23 city/36 hwy. The same friend who owns the TDI has a 2011 335d. Properly quick car. WIth some romping every now and then, he can easily get 35 MPG mixed.


Here is a video I post a few days ago in another thread if anyone missed it. Same Canadian media preview gallery:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNRRJxjMisg

don't get me wrong, 40 MPG is not bad, but it's not super great either, consider Hyundai already got 40 mpg for their Elantra, and Elantra has the same target market as Mazda3 Sedan and hatch.

Mazda's SkyActiv is not getting the best performance in USA/Canada anyway, thanks to our unstable garbage gas, we will only 13.5:1 ratio. We can probably get a few more mpg if we can get 14:1

Close enough, Hyundai already have 13:1 compression ratio. and they're getting about the same performance.

but we will not know for sure until the car is actually "here".

One more thing to notice is that we might/might not get the i-Stop.

we know EPA's rating is full of shit, so Let's hope SkyActiv-D can get much more than 40 mpg.

If they're talking about the CX5 getting 40MPG, well then that's stellar. If they're talking about the 3, they might as well not bother. (I can't watch the video right now because Flash isnt working for some reason)

It is a modified Mazda 6 platform, which is larger than the Mazda 3 and CX-5.

larger than the 3. yes I agreed

don't know about CX-5. as Mazda6, Japanese version or US. is not that much bigger than the 3. the CX-5 is probably about the same size as the Mazda6.

I hope they get more mpg for the 3 platform ... cuz Mazda3 is Mazda's "hot cake" and that's where most of the money came from (Mazda sold 3 Million Mazda3 since it's 2003 launch)

I can't wait, give us what we want already, Mazda !!! :)

Mazda has already got EPA ratings on the Skyactiv 3 I believe at 40mpg highway. None of it's competition achieve the same with equivalent hp and torque. Mazda's Skyactiv technology allows them to use a 2.0L while everyone else is squeezing a 1.8 to achieve that mileage or in Ford's case, not achieve that mileage and still fall short in power.

Mazda has them beaten :rock:.

Paul Thomas

Skyactiv representative :)

rofl. well, that is true but, most buyers often pay attention to the "XX MPG" more than the engine's displacement. and that's one of the reason why I got the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid over a Mazda6 with their i4 ... even tho I like Mazda 6 better.

I mean it is a big jump from current Mazda's lineup, My Mazda3 now has like what 22/29 MPG rating? real lilfe is about 18-19 (sad)

so If I get the SkyActiv-G Mazda3, I expect the real life mpg to be something in the 28-32 range. pretty good, about the same as my Hybrid.

What I'm really waiting for is their SkyActiv-D. too bad it won't be out for another year. :(

Al..actually the link above has the engine pic 'descriptions' incorrect...
the SA D is the Gasoline SA Engine and the SA G is the Diesel engine.

Just sayin...:)

I'm not the author or the editor.
I guess that's what happens when a tech news group tries to write about cars.

I know bud...all good..I was not calling you out or anything :)

I did not know either until I just looked closely at latest Mazda EPC on the 2.0 SA G engine.

https://www.rx8club.com/general-automotive-49/mazda-2-0-skyactiv-pe-engine-parts-details-here-221919/

EPA ratings are known to understate the gas mileage of diesels. A friend of mine owns a 2010 Jetta TDI sedan that regularly gets 40+ average MPG. That is in NYC. I expect the Skyactiv - D to get above rated also.

somebody needs to show the rep in the vid how to pronounce Mazda

I was looking at an article recently posted by mazda's facebook page. One thing I noticed, and that they mentioned, was that the position of the cat is so awkward that simple modifications may be difficult. I guess the cat sits sideways across the header, which is a 4-2-1 design. Looks like they took a page out of the older Civic DX/LX models where the Cat was actually part of the header and there weren't any simple exhaust modifications available because of that.

But I guess it hasn't really been established that the SA engines are the ones you want if you want to consider modding.

More info on the Aussie Spec Mazda 3 with 2.0 SA engine with i-stop...Only AUTO...here.

Paul...as you confirmed you guys are getting the Mazda 3 with SA 2.0 in a Manual Trans and Auto trans, but NO i-Stop..

As the GoAuto article says...no manual is available with this engine...

I am thinking that perhaps the US are not getting the i-stop system because there is no Manual Trans with i-stop in SA yet??

There is an i-stop Manual coming here from what I can see in EPC , but only with MZR engine.

Impressive Fuel Economy stats...

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...257918001DA2F1

You mean everyone else has it right except some Yankee's...;)

Marzda...indeed.
Neesarn...
Fi-art.
Subru..

It's actually pronounced, mat-su-da or mats-da, in Japanese.

Having been through Hiroshima factory a few times I can assure you the Japanese (Mazda) do not pronounce it that way at all..

Mr Jujiro Matsuda was actually the founding family owner/president of Toyo (Cork) Kogyo Co Ltd

Much later Kouhei Matsuda became the modern president

they pronounce it like "Maaaa-sss-tsu-daaa" Which is really the way Matsuda sound.

but people outside of Japan might have a hard time to read the word "Matsuda", so they just changed it to Mazda.

Skyavtiv-g compression?
 

Okay, what's the deal with the 14:1 compression? Has Mazda done it again? Has the marketing arm jumped the gun? We were told the US was getting 13:1 to accommodate our 87 octane petrol.

Both Mazda Japan and Mazda Australia show 12:1 for the Axela and Mazda USA don't as yet show the 3 on their site at all. Could it be that Mazda North American Operations is trying to keep out of further screw ups and is verifying specs before releasing bogus number?

This is my first Skyactiv disappointment. I hope I'm misunderstanding something.

Paul.

Japanese 2 alphabet sets are syllabic.
Mazda is written with 3 characters (3 syllables) in Japanese - ma tsu da.
'u' sound sometimes disappears depending on speaker, ie, 'desu' or 'dess' at the end of sentences. The 'ts' sound sometimes becomes slurred into 'tz' depending on speaker.

@00:58 you can hear the fully enunciated version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cST7atvUrrw

Correction
 

Now that I stopped freaking out, I saw that Mazda has always said it was 12:1 on the 3 due to the lack of room for the sophisticated exhaust that will arrive in the CX-5.

http://www.autoweek.com/article/2011...IEWS/110809919

Paul.

SKYACTIV-G 2.0 models
All FWD 2.0-liter models deliver satisfying performance, enhanced torque across the full range, and linear response thanks to the new, highly-efficient SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gasoline engine. High efficiency is achieved with new engine technologies such as multi-hole injectors, cavity pistons, dual sequential-valve timing (S-VT) and reduced friction and pumping losses.

SKYACTIV-G 2.0 engine specifications
Type: water-cooled inline 4-cyliner DOHC 16-valve
Displacement: 1.997 liters
Bore x stroke: 83.5mm x 91.2mm
Compression ratio: 12.0:1
Max. power (net): 113kW (154ps) @6,000rpm
Max. torque (net): 194Nm (19.8 kgf/m) @4,100 rpm
Fuel delivery: in-cylinder direct injection
Fuel: regular gasoline

The newly-developed SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic transmission adds an extra gear and increases the lock-up range (the time when the clutch is mechanically locked) from 49 percent to 82 percent (driving under the JC08 mode test cycle). This provides a direct shift feel similar to a manual transmission and smooth, powerful acceleration
SKYACTIV-DRIVE features a mechatronics module built into the shift control CPU that realizes exceptionally smooth gear changes
The combination of the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 engine with SKYACTIV-DRIVE provides smoother response to the driver's application of the accelerator pedal

http://www.media.mazda.com/Access/ma.../P1J05054s.jpg

http://www.media.mazda.com/Access/ma.../P1J05052s.jpg

3. Outstanding environmental performance
Best-in-class fuel economy of 20km/L under the 10-15 mode test cycle (17.6km/L or 17.2km/L under the JC08 test cycle) achieved by most models with the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 engine. Mazda's innovative idling stop system, i-stop, now uses less fuel at restart and operates with greater frequency, contributing to better than ever fuel savings.

SKYACTIV-G 2.0 models
The combination of the highly-efficient SKYACTIV-G engine and SKYACTIV-DRIVE transmission, together with a new undercover, aerodynamic silencer and low rolling-resistance tires (15-inch wheels), achieves outstanding fuel efficiency of 20km/L Fuel economy of SKYACTIV-G 2.0 model grades

Body type Grade Tires Fuel economy
10-15 mode JC08 mode
Sport 20S-SKYACTIV 16-inch 18.8km/L 16.2km/L
20C-SKYACTIV 15-inch 20.0km/L 17.2km/L
Sedan 20E-SKYACTIV 15-inch 20.0km/L 17.6km/L
20C-SKYACTIV 15-inch 20.0km/L 17.6km/L

To encourage an eco-friendly diving style, an i-stop activation log is added to the multi-information display (MID) located at the top of the instrumental panel
The 20S-SKYACTIV, 20E-SKYACTIV and 20C-SKYACTIV grades meet Japan's 2010 fuel economy standards plus 25 percent, and qualify for the government's eco-car tax reduction program

All models
The 15S, 15C and 20E (4WD) model grades feature an eco-gauge in the center of the meter panel to encourage a fuel-efficient driving style
All model grades qualify as Super-Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (SU-LEV), achieving exhaust emissions that are at least 75 percent lower than the levels required by the Japanese government's 2005 exhaust emissions standard
The 15S and 15C grades meet Japan's 2010 fuel economy standards plus 15 percent, and qualify the government's eco-car tax reduction program
Mazda records and analyses the vehicle data necessary to perform a vehicle Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The facelifted Mazda Axela will produce five percent less carbon dioxide (CO2), three percent less nitrous oxide (NOx), two percent fewer non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), two percent less sulphur oxide (SOx), and three percent less particulate matter over its lifetime than the previous model

4. Enhanced safety features
The facelifted Mazda Axela was developed with a strong focus on active safety technology. Improved visibility, control layout, and a more linear driving performance provide enhanced peace of mind. The range of models equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as standard equipment has been expanded to include the 15S model grade.
Additionally, the following safety features are carried over from the previous model:
Mazda's Adaptive Front Lighting System, which enhances visibility when cornering at night, is equipped on some model grades
The Rear Vehicle Monitoring system, which detects vehicles approaching from behind and alerts the driver, is equipped on some model grades
The Emergency Signal System, which rapidly flashes the hazard warning lights during emergency braking to alert following drivers, is standard equipment on all model grades

Manufacturer's suggested retail prices
* Price of the model in the photo
Body type Drive Grade Engine Transmission Price (yen)
(with tax) (without tax)
Sport FWD 15C MZR 1.5L CVT
(Activematic) 1,660,000 1,580,953
15S 1,790,000 1,704,762
20C-SKYACTIV SKYACTIV-G 2.0 SKYACTIV-DRIVE
6-speed EC-AT 1,900,000 1,809,524
20S-SKYACTIV 2,150,000* 2,047,619
MAZDASPEED
AXELA MZR2.3L
DISI Turbo 6-speed MT 2,678,000 2,550,477
4WD 20E (4WD) 2.0L DOHC 4-speed EC-AT 2,100,000 2,000,000
Sedan FWD 15C MZR 1.5L CVT
(Activematic) 1,660,000 1,580,953
20C-SKYACTIV SKYACTIV-G 2.0 SKYACTIV-DRIVE
6-speed EC-AT 1,900,000 1,809,524
20E-SKYACTIV 2,050,000 1,952,381
4WD 20E (4WD) 2.0L DOHC 4-speed EC-AT 2,100,000 2,000,000
- If the special body color Crystal White Pearl Mica is selected, the price increases by 31,500 yen (including tax).

The JAPAN DRIVE Fest
To coincide with the launch of the facelifted Mazda Axela, Mazda will commence the JAPAN DRIVE Fest, a unique marketing campaign, at Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout Japan on October 8, 2011. The campaign is intended to encourage customers to test drive models with Mazda's breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY.
The JAPAN DRIVE Fest uses the scoring function of Mazda's innovative intelligent-Drive Master (i-DM) technology, which effectively supports enjoyable driving, a comfortable ride for passengers, and enhanced fuel economy. Customers who test drive a vehicle equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY will be invited to compete nationwide by submitting their i-DM score.

Don't be disappointed, Paul, like SA JDM Demio , the JDM Axela (wich is the first SA model that go export) don't have the special 4-2-1 exhaust manifold or a manifold in the same size/course that we've seen in SA CX-5 in Frankfurt.

the full 100% Skyactiv machine that have that big, patented manifold is ONLY CX-5.

IMHO.

for full performances we need to wait CX-5, euro-CX5 is rated at 14:1 compression

EDIT: i'v just read you auto-quote .sorry...

I would like to play with some headers for the Skyactiv 3. I would think it would allow a little more ignition timing perhaps.

Paul.

The first half of page 1 of this thread cracks me up. We've got people who drive RX-8's arguing that a 40mpg car isn't efficient enough!

lol !

well, it is true cuz my Sonata Hybird can get 40 mpg, and Elantra which is the same class as Mazda 3 gets 40 mpg too.

So Mazda is already "late" to the game.

It always cracks me up when I read of American's so concerned about Fuel Economy, when it was not that long ago that 10-20 MPG was the norm...well 25 years ago...lol

I don't get why the US does not get i-stop (starting to penny pinch) well get used to it...we have been suffering this penny pinching production crap for bloody years with Mazda here and we pay twice the price than you guys for less..

For once we get a feature that the US does not have (i-stop), but we don't the the SA manuals..yet.

As I mentioned before, what makes Skyactiv-G special is mpg/hp. Nothing in the class that is capable of 40mpg has the torque or hp of the Skyactiv3 plus running on 87 octane does not hurt at all. The Elantra is a 1.6 I believe which is part of achieving the mileage.

Paul.

Mazda US want to advertise the better MPG it provides but they are prohibited from doing so by the EPA rating whose test doesnt allow for stop start tech. They are lobbying for that to be changed and it looks like they have others on board now. Plus I think it was part of the deal they made with the White House to be seen as an automaker going along with the new efficiency standards. so it will happen.

thre was an article mentioning that KIA is using it in a new car http://content.usatoday.com/communit...ch-to-masses/1 despite the extra cost and not being allowed to actually advertise it. funny- looks like they got the USA today to do the advertising for them....

note to Mazda USA- should have been first in this! quit being so timid

lol...ain't that right!

Australia at this stage does not get the new SA Manual Transmission in the Mazda 3, I have no idea why, perhaps i-stop does not work with a SA manual yet being the foot Brake as the ON/OFF trigger.?..but my Aussie EPC show the 2011 (2012 MY) 3 manual with i-stop but only with MZR engine/transmission??

And with existing Grille (no Kodo) from what I can determine.

Here only SA Auto has the new Grille....perhaps it is also a "marketing" thing by Mazda Australia?

Looks like I may see the Mazda 3 SA Auto here in the family, my older sister who has been a KIA stick owner (on #3) likes the SA idea and fuel economy, but dislikes Mazda's because I am on about them all the time...:)

I think she is coming around, as today she asked "when" are they for sale and is looking to flick here Kia Cerato Hatch..

I will post some pics and review IF she gets one..;)

I will have to keep annoying her!:naughty:

Should not be hard.....

Mazda3 completes 100,000 km test with flying colours
 

Best Score for Mazda3 on Auto Bild Endurance

Mazda3 completes 100,000 km test with flying colours
Test
• Mazda the only brand with three models in the top 3 on Auto Bild’s endurance test rankings
• Publication calls Mazda3 a “worry-free automobile”
• Only one insignificant defect after 100,000 km

Leverkusen, Germany, 30 September 2011.

Mazda continues to triumph on the Auto Bild endurance test. After Mazda6 and Mazda5, now the Mazda3 has passed the magazine’s 100,000 km (60,000 mile) endurance test with flying colours. Its score is further proof of the high product quality, reliability and durability of Mazda vehicles.

Mazda’s compact best-seller had only one, insignificant defect point after the long-term, two-year test drive – a defective plastic clip in the luggage compartment cover. This means Mazda3 achieved the top score and is now the third Mazda model ranked among the top 3 cars on Auto Bild’s tough endurance test – something no other carmaker has ever accomplished. Mazda3’s result also put it in second place on the list of compact cars tested. “Mazda is a prime address for anyone looking for a worry-free automobile,” Auto Bild editors wrote in their conclusion. They went on to add “That legendary Japanese reliability is still alive and kicking here.” The latest endurance test results of the Mazda3 were published in today’s German-language edition of Auto Bild.

The current compact is the second-generation Mazda3 introduced in 2009. A facelift version, with updated technology and design, will roll into showrooms beginning in October, with launch-premier events planned for potential customers at authorized dealerships throughout Europe. The facelift model is now even easier to use and more appealing with a newly-designed front face, along with new materials and colours on
the inside for higher quality-feel. And facelift engineers have improved interior comfort by lowering cabin noise levels even further.

An MZR 1.6-litre petrol version with Activematic automatic transmission is introduced for the first time across Europe with the facelift. It joins a line-up that offers customers a choice of eight different powertrains. The car’s already long list of equipment is expanded and now includes (among other new features) a gear-shift indicator for especially fuel-efficient driving and an affordable, integrated 5.8-inch touch screen Mazda navigation, based on TomTom® technology.

Mazda3 facelift offers the same comprehensive active and passive safety package of the current model – including Mazda’s rear-vehicle monitoring (RVM) system for safe lane-change that recently won a Euro-NCAP “Advanced Award” at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

World First (Outside of Japan) release of Mazda 3 Skyactiv In Australia..
 

Well, I always thought the new face-lifted Mazda 3 was being launched here in Australia at the start of October...media this week said November, 2011!

This morning I drove past my Mazda Dealer and out the front parked on display was indeed the all new Mazda 3 Skyactiv Hatch (SP20)...in the launch Blue colour.

I could not stop, but, the launch BLUE is slightly more grayer-silver than the previous blues in the Mazda 3.

The new front Grille looks WAY better...

Later today we had our Australian Rules Football Grand Final, and Mazda Australia ran a few TV slots with the new Mazda 3 Skyactiv commercial....yes they even mentioned Skyactiv Engine.

Zoom Zoom!:ylsuper:

damn thing has broken twice in our Mazda 5

The Australian TV Ad for new SA Mazda 3..

Matt and Paul...

Done some EPC checking and confirmed, Europe gets the same Mazda 3 setups as launched in Australia last week.

So, in the Europe Mazda 3, SKYACTIV is Only in the Automatic with i-stop...everything else in 3 line up is update MZR (Ford) with i-stop.

Europe don't get the SA manual trans like the North America's are, but NA don't have i-stop.
http://www.mazda.com.au/Vehicles/Mazda3.aspx

And Mazda North America still lists nothing skyactiv regarding 2012 Mazda 3 on the spec sheet. They state "Up to 33 mpg" and then show 2011 model info when you click on 2012 specs.

http://mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action

Paul.

interesting news, there is NO adverting communication about SA+Mazda3.
remember that we have the DISI+i-stop MANUAL Mazda3 that yankees never had....

here in Eu Skyactiv communication is strictly linked to cx-5, nothing about 3 or 2 until today....

Hey Matt...
I worked out the Skyactiv information from my live Mazda Europe EPC, so it is official information, and is the same as the Australian Mazda 3 just released..

http://www.mazda.com.au/Vehicles/Mazda3.aspx

i'm pretty sure that your infos are correct, but AT TODAY no official info about SA Mazda3 here in EU.

my 2 cents: they are waiting the proper launch in EU of revised Mazda3 and full listings

What a Mazda Europe EPC is not "official", is that what you are saying?..

It will be same as Oz..UK RHD version anyway..as I see it.

So when is your launch...have you heard?...I guess you are going into Winter...not a great time to launch a new car I guess??

Must be soon..

Mazda is still holding back for a little while here Ash as several brands from the VW group are mass advertising their new products. Same goes for BMW and Mercedes.

You can't really compete against them from a mass advertising\brand image point of view here, german cars are the best... you know :(

What happens if you launch a new car here before said brands? People wait for them. There's no battle if you launch your lineup at the same time either so waiting turns out to be the best option.

Yep, we got our Mazda 3 SA here fast and first for a few reasons.

1. Mazda 3 could be the #1 Selling car here for this year knocking off GM and Toyota, Ford, Korea.
(Even though Mazda Australia won't admit it).
2. Mazda 3 is already the #1 privately owned car.
3. We are moving into summer and peak car sales time.

Not bad when you consider MA sells very few to Government and Fleet Buyers..very few, not even 1% of sales...up to 35% of GM's, Ford, Korean and Toyota are.

No, i say that at today there's no official communication from this official site. BTW EPC don't lie.

www.mazda-news.eu