Mazda unveils new Mazda3; first production car to offer Skyactiv-X SPCCI engine with M Hybrid system
28 November 2018
In Japan, Mazda Motor Corporation hosted the world premiere of the all-new Mazda3. The fully redesigned model will be rolled out to global markets starting from North America in early 2019. The all-new Mazda3 will be on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The all-new Mazda3 adopts Mazda’s new Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture, designed to enable people to make the most of their natural sense of balance. The powertrain lineup comprises the latest Skyactiv-X (Mazda’s Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) engine, earlier post), Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-D engines, each of which provides responsive speed control in any driving situation. Mazda has enhanced the car’s fundamental driving attributes such that accelerating, turning and braking feel completely natural.
All-new Mazda3 is the first production car to offer Mazda’s innovative Skyactiv-X engine. Running on regular gasoline, SPCCI works by compressing the fuel-air mix at a much higher compression ratio, with a very lean mix. The SKYACTIV-X engine uses a spark to ignite only a small, dense amount of the fuel-air mix in the cylinder. This raises the temperature and pressure so that the remaining fuel-air mix ignites under pressure (like a diesel), burning faster and more completely than in conventional engines.
Features include superior initial response, powerful torque, faithful linear response and free-revving performance. The engine is assisted by Mazda’s intelligent new M Hybrid system, which supports greater gains in fuel economy, and achieves higher levels of driving pleasure and environmental friendliness.
5-, 2.0- and 2.5-liter versions of the latest Skyactiv-G comprise the gasoline engine lineup for the new Mazda3. All three adopt optimized intake ports and piston shape, split fuel injection and a coolant control valve to deliver higher levels of dynamic performance, fuel economy and environmental friendliness.
The Skyactiv-D 1.8 is the diesel engine offering for the new Mazda3. Incorporating ultra-high-response multi-hole piezo injectors allows the engine to utilize high-pressure, precisely controlled multi-stage injection. This realizes a finer balance of enhanced fuel economy, quietness and reduced exhaust gases, while also delivering smoother, more robust performance.
Mazda’s evolved i-Activ AWD newly adds four-wheel vertical load detection and works in harmony with G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) to control torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. As a result, it is fully capable of responding faithfully to the driver’s intentions, regardless of the driving scene. It also reduces overall mechanical loss by approximately 60% over the previous model and contributes to improved fuel economy.
G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) adds direct yaw moment control via the brakes. This enables the car to better handle emergency avoidance maneuvers and offers more confidence-inspiring controllability in various situations, including lane changes at high speeds and driving on slippery roads.
Having sold over 6 million units since its 2003 debut, the all-new Mazda3 is a global strategic model that has driven Mazda’s growth from both a brand and business perspective.
Nice car and mechanics; but, obsoleted by the new BEVs.
Posted by: Lad | 28 November 2018 at 01:26 PM
Sounds very much like any sales spiel. Lots of hype and technical sounding jargon but no details. What are horsepower, torque and fuel mileage? And price.
Posted by: Paroway | 28 November 2018 at 05:06 PM
Skyactiv-X needs supercharger to work properly, I'm afraid that that will rob the benefited efficiency from HCCI.
Posted by: GasperG | 28 November 2018 at 11:12 PM
Skyactiv-X thermal efficiency is impressive,
it would make a good flex fuel PHEV.
Posted by: SJC | 29 November 2018 at 09:03 AM