May 30, 2018

Why Did Mazda Decide to Put Skyactiv-X in the Mazda3?


Carmakers are normally predictable when it comes to their product lifecycle. When a new offering is launched into the market, expect a cycle stretching anywhere between 4 to 6 years. That’s also pretty much the case with Mazda. Although the Hiroshima-based carmaker has embarked on what they call “Bundled Product Planning”, where they introduce tweaks or changes every year, they still haven’t escaped the basic 4- to 6-year cycle.

Currently, the carmaker is on what they call the 6th generation model. All fitted with Skyactiv Technology, they’ve begun to focus on brand values and increase volume as part of their Structural Reform Stage 2. By the end of 2019 though, the carmaker is shifting to their next mid-term plan and with that, the seventh-generation models.

Interestingly, there’s a bit of a reshuffle when it comes to the model introductions. It must be noted that for the 6th generation models, the order of introduction begun with the CX-5, then moved to the Mazda6, Mazda3, and so on. However, moving towards the 7th generation models which will begin officially with the all-new 2019 Mazda3, the carmaker opted to release an interim 6.5th generation with the CX-5 and Mazda6. What gives?

Asking Mazda’s Executive Officer in Charge of R&D Administration and Product Strategy Hidetoshi Kudo reveals an interesting insight on why the carmaker opted to start the 7th generation with the Mazda3.

“The Mazda3 is our core model and is very important to us. This is one of the reasons why we chose it to debut our next-generation technologies such as Skyactiv-X and Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture,” Kudo-san explained. “We want to make the most impact with our new technologies, so we chose the Mazda3.”

However, Kudo-san also admits that the decision has something to do with the about-to-be-mass produced Skyactiv-X. Displacing two liters, it makes the most sense to introduce that engine first in a compact car such as the Mazda3.

When asked whether the Skyactiv-X will be launched in a smaller or bigger displacement, Kudo-san let out a wry smile.

“From an engineering standpoint, it’s possible. However, right now we are concentrating on putting the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-X into production. We want people to experience this technology. And of course, we cannot comment on future products.”

10 comments:

  1. New engine with new tech = double risk. Mazda can't risk it all on crossovers. Mazda 3 has higher sales than Mazda 6 but still lower compared to CX5 so Mazda 3 gets the new engine. CX5 should get a more refined SkyActive-X in 1.5-3 years after accumulating enough data from Mazda 3.

    Mazda 3 can also get a small sales boost from this great engine. Might even be tempted to buy one sigh.

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  2. Skyactiv BT-50 pls.

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  3. Mazda 3 is the most luxurious and fun to drive car according to fanboys... Engine performance is unmatched daw... Walang laban ang 1.5L turbo ng civic RS at ford focus...

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    1. Skyactiv-x 2.0L predicted output is around 188 HP with 230NM of torque. Civic RS 1.5L L15B7 engine should have more or less the same output range at around 173HP/220NM. Focus ecoboost 1.5 is at 180HP/240NM but it is 300kg heavier than Mazda 3 and Civic so yeah the fanbois are somewhat correct by a small margin. They can also claim that they have a unique hot engine hopefully not quite literally hot like the CX9 engine :)

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    2. The focus is definitely not 300kg heavier than the mazda 3 and the civic. A simple search for the the specs and curb weight within this website would suffice. But fanboys say the engine performance is unmatched... The 0-100km/h and quarter mile of the civic and the focus says otherwise...

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    3. That's for the old 2.0L skyactiv... The new one will definitely be faster but we'll see...

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  4. Replies
    1. It's meant to run at Euro 6, but they don't see any reason why it can't be detuned to Euro 4.

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