Mazda Skyactiv-X hybrid grades touch down

BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 6th Jul 2020

MAZDA Australia has introduced its innovative Skyactiv-X mild-hybrid compression-ignition powertrain to Australia, set to be offered first on the Mazda3 small car and CX-30 compact SUV.

The Mazda3 X20 Astina will enter showrooms in August priced from $40,590 plus on-roads, and will be available with both manual and automatic transmissions (with a $1000 premium for the auto), pricing it $3000 north of the 2.5-litre petrol G25 Astina.

Meanwhile, the CX30 X20 Astina AWD will follow a month later in auto-only guise from $46,490, placing it atop the CX-30 range and again, $3000 above the equivalent petrol grade.

The 2.0-litre engine uses compression ignition typical of a diesel, but with a petrol engine which the brand says helps blend the high-revving character of a petrol engine with the fuel efficiency and torque of a diesel.

Capable of both spark ignition and compression ignition, the engine can utilise the two types of combustion while operating in tandem.

To further maximise fuel efficiency, the engine features an integrated, belt-driven starter generator and 24-volt lithium-ion battery which assists the engine and recoups lost energy during deceleration.

The addition marks the first hybrid offering in Mazda’s local line-up, marking the start of its corporate goal to reduce ‘well-to-wheel’ emissions by 50 per cent from 2010 to 2030.

Mazda Australia is yet to confirm the outputs of the Skyactiv-X engine, however in overseas markets the 2.0-litre unit is good for 132kW at 6000rpm and 224Nm at 3000rpm, while drinking as little as 5.4 litres per 100km on the WLTP cycle when under the bonnet of the Mazda3.

Its power outputs place it above the existing 114kW/200Nm 2.0-litre unit and below the 139kW/252Nm 2.5-litre engine, with the benefit of superior fuel economy.

For reference, the 2.5-litre engine sips 6.6 litres per 100km in the Mazda3 G25 Astina hatch when teamed to an automatic transmission.

Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said the Skyactiv-X mill would offer Mazda customers a new form of choice.

“Mazda is committed to reducing real-world emissions by looking at every part of a vehicle’s emissions footprint, from its production through to where the fuel that powers it comes from, and how a vehicle is disposed of at the end of its life,” said Mr. Bhindi.

“With every customer’s circumstances being unique, we need to offer a variety of ways to reduce vehicle emissions to suit individual needs and lifestyles. Skyactiv-X offers customers a lower emission engine option, while retaining the same joy of driving that Mazda vehicles have always offered.”

Exact powertrain outputs and consumption are expected to be revealed at launch.

2020 Mazda3 Skyactiv-X pricing*