MAZDA has opened a window to its future with the addition of SkyActiv powertrain technology in a new variant of the freshly facelifted Mazda3.

Boasting fuel economy of 6.1L/100km, the 2.0-litre direct-injected Mazda3 SP20 SkyActiv tops its class as a fuel miser, at least among the petrol breed.

A more refined driving experience is a bonus in the new range, in which most models carry over the previous generation petrol and diesel engines.

Mazda has added a little spice to the mix by chopping prices and adding value, such as alloy wheels as standard on the entry-level Neo that now awaits customer pleasure in the showroom with a $1000-cheaper $20,330 price tag.

The SP20 SkyActiv sits mid-range, aimed at small hatch buyers who care about how much they spend at the pump – and how much CO2 they pump into the atmosphere – but do the fuel-saving measures squelch the cheeky Mazda3’s driving appeal?