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Mazda launches updated e-Skyactiv X powertrain 

New 2.0-litre engine is available in the Mazda3 and CX-30 with promises of improved efficiency over the old Skyactiv X unit

Mazda e-Skyactiv

Mazda has updated its 2.0-litre four-cylinder mild-hybrid Skyactiv-X petrol engine, adding a little more power allied with a handful of new efficiency tweaks. 

Buyers can opt for the new revised e-Skyactiv X powertrain in the CX-30 crossover now, with prices starting from £26,300. The updated Mazda3 will be available to order from April, although prices are yet to be confirmed.

Upgrades for the e-Skyactiv X engine include modified pistons, a reflashed ECU, a slightly higher compression ratio and revised intake valve timing. The result is an extra 6bhp and 16Nm of torque, bumping up the unit’s maximum output to 183bhp and 240Nm.

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The 2.0-litre engine’s belt-driven starter generator also features new software which increases responsiveness and enables smoother power delivery.

As well as the extra power, Mazda says its revisions have made the e-Skyactiv X engine more efficient than its predecessor. For example, the four-wheel drive CX-30 GT Sport emits 11g/km less CO2 than before, with a 2.4mpg improvement in fuel economy.

Mazda also says that, depending on specification, CO2 emissions for the range-topping e-Skyactiv X engine have dropped by between five and 11g/km across the Mazda3 and CX-30 line-ups. Like the old model, buyers will also have their choice of either a manual or automatic gearbox and either front- or four-wheel drive.

The CX-30 is offered in a choice of four trim-levels – SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech. Standard equipment for the base-model includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a reversing camera, dual zone climate control, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.8-inch infotainment system.

Prices for the mid-range CX-30 Sport e-Skyactiv X start from £27,840. Upgrades over the base model include 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, rear privacy glass and a power-operated tailgate.

The GT Sport e-Skyactiv X starts from £29,600 and adds black leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system. The flagship GT Sport Tech e-Skyactiv X adds a 360-degree camera, front cross traffic alert and a driver monitoring system. Prices start from £30,500.

Mazda’s entry-level 120bhp 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine has received a similar range of upgrades, which have dropped its CO2 emissions by 7–8g/km across the Mazda3 and CX-30 line-ups. Mazda has also renamed the unit e-Skyactiv G to match the range-topping engine’s branding.

Now read our review of the Mazda CX-30. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below…

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