Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda announces specs for new SkyActiv-X engine

Mazda has revealed more details on its supercharged compression ignition SkyActiv-X engine, including performance and economy

Mazda 3 - front

Mazda has announced its new 2.0-litre SkyActiv-X engine will return up to 52.3mpg and emits 96g/km of CO2. The Japanese brand had claimed the engine would return diesel levels of economy from a petrol engine.

The four-cylinder engine is the world’s first commercially-available petrol engine with compression ignition. Under normal running conditions, the fuel-air mixture is ignited through intense pressure, being compressed by the piston as it would in a diesel engine.

Advertisement - Article continues below

• New 2019 Mazda 3 review

However, the engine uses its spark plugs to ignite the mixture when under heavy load, using Mazda’s own Spark Controlled Compression Ignition system to seamlessly transition between compression and spark ignition.

The Japanese brand’s new SkyActiv-X engine produces 178bhp and 224Nm of torque. In the new Mazda 3 hatchback (fitted with the standard 16-inch alloy wheels), economy and emissions figures are a claimed 52.3mpg and 96g/km of CO2. With larger 18-inch alloys fitted, these figures fall to 50.4mpg and 102g/km of CO2 respectively.

To achieve such figures, Mazda has also fitted the SkyActiv-X unit with a 24-volt mild-hybrid system, which recovers electrical energy from the drivetrain under deceleration and uses it to power an electric motor which assists the engine.

The engine will be available in both the Mazda 3 hatchback and saloon, with buyers given the choice of either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Now read our review of the new Mazda 3 hatchback. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below…

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Mazda CX-6e revealed: striking electric SUV will rival Tesla and Audi
Mazda EZ-60/CX-6e - front 3/4 static

New Mazda CX-6e revealed: striking electric SUV will rival Tesla and Audi

The new era of Mazdas built in collaboration with Changan looks set to continue
News
10 Apr 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
8 Apr 2025
The best ever Japanese kei cars: lightweight, lovable and back in vogue
Best kei cars - header image

The best ever Japanese kei cars: lightweight, lovable and back in vogue

Car weight has become a big issue with the rise of EVs, but Japanese kei cars have had the problem solved for years. These are the best…
Best cars & vans
30 Jan 2025
Tokyo Auto Salon 2025: all the highlights and exciting new cars
Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 header image

Tokyo Auto Salon 2025: all the highlights and exciting new cars

TAS 2025 highlighted the latest in tuning, off-road accessories, and new cars...
News
14 Jan 2025

Most Popular

New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring
Baby Nissan Juke exclusive image - rear

New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring

Nissan to fast-track development of new battery-powered city car to take on forthcoming Volkswagen ID.1, and our exclusive images preview how it could…
News
18 Apr 2025
Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans
Future of Nissan in the UK - header with Phil McNamara

Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans

Nissan is about to go from building the Qashqai hybrid to three fresh EVs in the UK over the next three years – all powered by a new gigafactory
Features
19 Apr 2025
Best SUVs to buy 2025
Best SUVs - header image

Best SUVs to buy 2025

There are plenty of great SUVs to choose from, so we’ve picked out the very best
Best cars & vans
17 Apr 2025