12.0:1 Compression Ratio, 11.5 km/ℓ City Fuel Economy

The Mazda3 is a global bestseller, holding particular importance in North America where it accounts for about half of sales. The vehicle revealed at the New York Auto Show is not just a minor facelift but a substantial overhaul, centered around the next-generation "SKYACTIV" technology.

While Mazda had been perceived as lagging in environmental technologies like hybrids and EVs, they adopted a "Building Block Strategy." This involves thoroughly refining base technologies and gradually introducing electric devices such as regenerative braking systems and hybrid systems by 2015. SKYACTIV encompasses all technologies deployed under this strategy.

The 2012 Mazda3 is equipped with the next-generation high-efficiency direct-injection gasoline engine named "SKYACTIV-G." While the "SKYACTIV-G" announced last year was reported to have a world-leading compression ratio of 14.0:1, the version installed in this Mazda3 has a compression ratio of 12.0:1. This overcomes the knocking issues associated with high compression ratios, while also improving fuel economy and torque, enhancing usability in the practical speed range through increased low-to-mid-speed torque. The inline 4-cylinder 2.0-liter engine produces a maximum output of 115 kW at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 200 Nm at 4,100 rpm.

The paired transmissions are the next-generation manual transmission "SKYACTIV-MT" and "SKYACTIV-Drive," which achieve light shift feel and significant weight and size reduction. The SKYACTIV-MT is a 6-speed manual that balances short-stroke, light operation with substantial weight reduction and compactness through structural redesign. It also improves fuel economy by reducing internal friction, making it a next-generation manual transmission for FWD vehicles. SKYACTIV-Drive is a 6-speed automatic transmission that significantly expands the lock-up range, achieving improved transmission efficiency and a direct feel akin to a manual transmission, while also realizing a 4-7% improvement in fuel economy compared to previous models.

Combined, these achieve an EPA estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city (approximately 11.5 km/ℓ) and 39 mpg on the highway (approximately 16.6 km/ℓ) in the US. These figures are not as impressive as those of the new Demio, scheduled for release in the first half of this year. The SKYACTIV-G engine in the Demio, considered the main event, achieves a world-leading compression ratio of 14.0:1 and boasts fuel economy of up to 30 km/ℓ. Mazda's SKYACTIV technology is certainly one to watch.