Mazda’s eco revolution

02nd October 2009

MAZDA is set to keep it clean at this month’s Tokyo Motor Show.

The Japanese firm will display its futuristic Kiyora on home soil for the first time, plus reveal several neweco-friendly engines.

The stylish city car remains a study, but it features a number of key design cues set to appear on future Mazda models.

With everything from a hi-tech solar roof to power the cabin to a rainwater cleansing system which makes it fit to drink, the concept is one of the firm’s most forward-thinking models ever.

Also being showcased is a new SKY-G 1.3-litre petrol engine. When combined with Mazda’s stop-start technology, regenerative braking and slippery aerodynamics, this can deliver 75mpg. A new SKY-D clean diesel unit will be on show, too.

It incorporates a freshly designed block that reduces mechanical friction, unique piezo injectors, a two-stage turbocharger and a raft of other fuel-saving technologies. Fuel economy is claimed to be 20 per cent better than on the firm’s current 2.2-litre oil-burner.

The final part of the new ‘SKY’ technology at Mazda is the next-generation SKY-DRIVE automatic transmission. It also reduces mechanical friction, plus employs a revised torque converter and clutch which combine to deliver five per cent better fuel economy and punchier gearchanges.

Other vehicles on display on the Mazda stand include the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid, which the company started leasing to Japanese government agencies earlier this year.

This features a unique hybrid system consisting of a hydrogen-burning rotary engine – from the RX-8 coupé – paired to a generator which powers an electric motor.

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