New mill for Mazda2

MAZDA has developed a naturally aspirated 1.3-litre “Miller-cycle” engine for its forthcoming new-generation Mazda2, which is due for release here in October.

Not seen in Mazda’s Australian line-up since the slow-selling Millenia was discontinued in 2002, the Miller-cycle in the Mazda2 combines with the Japanese brand’s first continuously variable transmission and is claimed to enable fuel economy of less than 5L/100km.

Part of the MZR engine family, the new DOHC aluminium 1.3 features sequential valve timing and meets Japan’s Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (SU-LEV) standard.

Meanwhile, the current Mazda2 is caught up in one of Mazda’s biggest-ever “recalls” (although Mazda Australia is calling it a “special service program”).

Out of around 313,000 cars worldwide, some 20,000 cars sold in Australia (built between October 2002 and March 2006) will have their front suspension coil springs and clutch master cylinder replaced at the next scheduled service.

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