Mazda begins production of Mazda CX-5 with SKYACTIV-D diesel engine; Japan and Europe first markets

26 January 2012

The CX-5. Click to enlarge.

Mazda Motor Corporation has begun production of the all-new Mazda CX-5 with its new-generation SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter diesel engine (earlier post) at its Ujina Plant near Mazda’s headquarters in Hiroshima. The CX-5 will be the first model of the company’s new-generation products that adopts SKYACTIV Technology throughout the vehicle (earlier post), in the powertrain, body and chassis, while fully embracing Mazda’s new design theme, “KODO - Soul of Motion.”

Mazda will start introducing the Mazda CX-5 this spring in Japan and Europe, followed by other markets around the world. The debut of the CX-5 with a diesel engine marks a new push on clean diesels in Japan market for Mazda. (Earlier post.)

Mazda says that the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine is the first diesel engine—based on its data—to comply with global exhaust gas regulations, including Japan’s Post New Long-Term Regulations and Europe’s Euro6, without the need for an expensive nitrogen oxide (NO_x) aftertreatment system, such as the urea selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system or Lean NO_x Trap (LNT) catalyst.

By precisely controlling fuel injection and improving the exhaust valve’s opening and closing mechanism, the SKYACTIV-D diesel engine has achieved breakthroughs to resolve longstanding issues encountered in low compression ratio engines, such as poor start capability and lower combustion stability when the engine is cold.

These improvements helped to achieve the lowest compression ratio of 14.0:1 for a diesel engine for mass production vehicles.

In November 2011, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) unveiled the 2013 CX-5 compact SUV with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine at the Los Angeles Auto Show. (Earlier post.) With its 4-2-1 exhaust system, the 2013 CX-5 delivers 155 hp (116 kW) at 6,000 rpm; torque is measured at 150 lb-ft (203 N·m) at 4,000 rpm and redline is reached at 6500 rpm. The CX-5 offers a choice of transmissions in either the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic, a 2,000-pound towing capacity and an optional all-wheel drive.