Achieves World's Lowest Compression Ratio for Diesel Engine (14.0)

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011,the compact SUV "CX-5"was announced to be available not only with the direct-injection gasoline engine "SKYACTIV-G 2.0" but also with the "SKYACTIV-D 2.2" diesel engine, boasting outstanding environmental performance for its class with CO2 emissions of 120g/km.

Clean diesel vehicles have been actively developed in Europe and elsewhere, and currently hold over half of the passenger car market share. In contrast, due to reasons such as the high cost of NOx (nitrogen oxides) after-treatment systems required to meet emissions regulations, only a few models like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and M-Class, and the domestically produced Nissan X-Trail, have been introduced to the Japanese market, with a market share of less than 1 percent. However, Mazda has now announced that it will sequentially introduce clean diesel vehicles starting with the CX-5 release in the spring of 2012.

Diesel engines typically have high compression ratios, leading to high compression temperatures and pressures at the top dead center of the piston. This causes ignition before a proper air-fuel mixture can form, resulting in localized, uneven combustion. Consequently, this leads to the generation of NOx and soot. Mazda's newly developed clean diesel achieves the world's lowest compression ratio (14.0), which it claims cleans the combustion process itself and eliminates the need for NOx after-treatment systems. Furthermore, by employing a two-stage turbocharger system that utilizes two turbochargers of different sizes depending on the operating range, it achieves high torque and responsiveness.

Achieves Maximum Torque of 420Nm, Comparable to a 4-Liter V6, and Fuel Economy of 18.6 km/L

As a result, the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 reportedly achieves excellent figures, including a maximum torque of 420Nm—comparable to a 4-liter V6 engine—and a JC08 mode fuel economy of 18.6 km/L, all while using inexpensive diesel fuel.

Additionally, the CX-5 is equipped with an idling stop system called "i-stop," which has been redeveloped for diesel engines. This i-stop system is also featured in theconcept model "TAKERI," the successor to the Atenza,and is part of Mazda's strategic initiative known as "Building Block."

SKYACTIV-D 2.2

Gradually Introducing Electric Devices: The "Building Block" Strategy

In recent years, with the vigorous development of hybrid and electric vehicles worldwide, automotive performance is now evaluated based on the overall synergy of existing technologies such as engines, transmissions, bodies, and chassis, combined with electric devices. In response to this trend, Mazda has adopted a "Building Block" strategy, which involves improving fundamental technologies, including internal combustion engines, while gradually introducing electric devices. The Building Block strategy is divided into three stages. Step 1 is the aforementioned "i-stop." Step 2 involves the regenerative braking system adopted in the TAKERI. The next step will be the introduction of motor drive, i.e., a hybrid system.

According to Mazda, "By improving the efficiency of the base internal combustion engine, we can reduce the size of the motor and battery. By developing in stages, we can create hybrid vehicles that retain the 'driving pleasure' inherent in Mazda cars."

Considering the CX-5, which represents Step 1, as the production model of the concept "MINAGI" unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in January 2011, and the TAKERI, touted as the next Atenza and equipped with a regenerative braking system, as Step 2, it is highly likely that the next concept model to be introduced will be a hybrid vehicle.

Mazda plans to exhibit the CX-5 equipped with the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, held from November 30th. We look forward to Mazda's new approach to the eco-car market with its unique technology.