Mazda's SkyActiv-X engine driven
Monday, 21 September 2020
Mazda’s pioneering SkyActiv-X compression ignition petrol engine is playing its debut role powering new premium grade versions of the Mazda3 hatchback and CX-30 compact SUV.
The 2.0-litre engine powering Takami specification models has been launched in New Zealand.
The new models further widen the choice of Takami grade cars which are already offered as flagship models for the Mazda6, CX-3, CX-5, CX-8 and CX-9 line-ups.
The new engine and specification grade are additional to GSX, GTX and Limited models which are powered by Mazda’s 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre direct injection SkyActiv-G engines.
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The new models will go on sale from mid-October and Mazda is looking for the Takami models to gain about 15 per cent of the sales mix.
The Mazda3 Takami is only offered in hatchback body style and is priced at $51,995 - a $3200 premium above 2.5-litre Limited models but includes the addition of 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, a heated steering and 360-degree camera.
The CX-30 Takami is $4000 more than the Limited model at $54,990 but along with similar upgrades to its hatchback sibling there is also a powered tailgate.
The headline news is that Mazda has developed the first production engine to operate with Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition characteristics – effectively blending attributes of both petrol and diesel engines.
Speaking at the press launch, Mazda New Zealand managing director David Hodge described the new Spark Plug Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) engine as; “A piece of magic. Mazda has overcome all the barriers that have stopped others creating a compression ignition engine.’’
It’s a quiet revolution. The only exterior visual clues for cars with the pioneering engine are the subtle SkyActiv-X badges, the unique wheel styles and larger exhaust outlets.
Open the bonnet and the engine can’t be seen - it’s entirely shrouded in a “capsule’’ that assists in temperature and noise control.
Driving a Mazda3 Takami at Friday’s press launch there are no obvious clues to there being a ground-breaking engine under the bonnet.
There is a lively and rewarding level of 2.0-litre performance with the linear throttle response of a happy-revving petrol supported by the mid-range muscle typical of a diesel.
The engine develops 132kW at 6000rpm and has 224Nm of torque at 3000rpm – the peak arriving 1000rpm earlier than in SkyActiv-G engines.
Mazda estimates the engine runs in compression ignition mode in about 90 per cent of driving situations – operating in spark-ignition mode at cold start and under high load.
A ‘Combustion Mode’ display on the MZD Connect centre screen illuminates an SPCCI symbol when compression ignition is being used as well as illustrating the flow of energy in the 24-volt mild hybrid system.
In most highway and rural back road running the car was in SPCCI mode and stayed there on uphill gradients and overtaking.
There’s actually more obvious driver feedback from the M-Hybrid system.
Mazda already offers one of the more refined auto stop-start systems with its i-Stop technology.
M-Hybrid assistance makes slow speed stop-start progress noticeably smoother and eliminates that awkward moment of hesitation when the engine stops and is then asked to restart again immediately – usually as you eye a gap in the traffic.
The gearing of the six-speed automatic transmission is slightly different in Takami models with a shorter final drive ratio. At 100km/h the Mazda3 Takami is using 2200rpm in sixth gear.
Mazda advises the new engine requires 95-octane fuel but there are no special servicing requirements. The standard Mazdacare warranty provides 5-year/100,000km free scheduled servicing along with a 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and roadside assist package.