Meet Mazda NZ’s revolutionary new petrol engine

The new Skyactiv-X engine will go in the Mazda3 Takami range. Photos: Mazda

Mazda New Zealand has launched a revolutionary new engine, the Skyactiv-X, that is a crossover of a diesel and petrol engine.

Available in the Mazda CX-3 and Mazda 3 from mid-October, the 2-litre Skyactiv-X produces smooth throttle and a free-revving feel, plus the benefits of a diesel engine with low-end torque, fast response and efficiency, says Mazda NZ’s product planning manager Tim Nalden.

As for Mazda NZ’s boss, David Hodge, he “was truly blown away and I was never blown away by an engine before”.

“We still believe there is room for further evolution of the internal combustion engine and with the latest technology available in the Skyactiv-X, it has the potential to contribute to improving the global environment,” said Hodge. 

Mazda’s new 2-litre Skyactiv-X engine is the world’s first production petrol unit to exploit the benefits of diesel-like compression ignition. Following the introduction of Skyactiv engine technologies in 2012, Skyactiv-X represents Mazda's second step towards the development of the ideal internal combustion engine.

The Skyactiv-X engine uses the revolutionary Spark Controlled Compression Ignition.

Skyactiv-X features Mazda's revolutionary Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI). This new engineering concept allows the engine to switch seamlessly between conventional spark ignition and compression ignition combustion by using a spark to trigger both types of combustion in different ways.

In SPCCI mode, a split injection process creates separate zones of fuel-air mixture inside the combustion chamber. First, a very lean fuel to air mixture is injected into the combustion chamber during the intake stroke, then a zone of atomised fuel is precisely injected directly around the spark plug during the compression stroke. 

The small injection of atomised fuel directly around the spark plug builds a richer core. When the spark fires, it ignites this core of fuel and air. This increases pressure in the combustion chamber to the point where the lean mixture rapidly combusts.

Hodge said motorists are aware of the need to reduce emissions more than ever before and the Skyactiv-X not only delivers on this but provides improved fuel economy as well. 

The Mazda CX-30 Takami model is priced from $54,990 and available mid-October.

“With especially noteworthy improvements in the light engine load range, Skyactiv-X improves fuel economy and reduces CO2 and NOX emissions. Torque output is approximately 12 per cent greater than that of the Skyactiv-G with peak torque 1000rpm lower and the zone of good fuel economy dramatically expanded.” 

Skyactiv-X also features the new Mazda M Hybrid system. Compact and efficient, the mild hybrid system features a belt-driven integrated starter generator (ISG) and a 24V lithium-ion battery. It supports greater gains in fuel economy by recycling energy recovered during deceleration and powering the ISG, functioning as an electric motor, to assist the engine.

The Mazda3 ($51,995) and CX-30 ($54,990) will be the first Mazda vehicles in New Zealand to feature the revolutionary Skyactiv-X engine in the new top of the range Takami grade.