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October 22, 2021

Could The 2022 Mazda3 And CX-30 With e-Skyactiv-G Be The Most Fun-To-Drive Hybrid? (w/ Specs)


In what’s the biggest and most unexpected surprise of the 2022 Mazda Collection, Mazda Philippines is now offering its e-Skyactiv-G engine for both the Mazda3 and CX-30.

With only the “e-Skyactiv-G” badge being the only discernable difference, this becomes the new top-of-the-line engine option on both the 2022 Mazda3 and CX-30.

The system, called the Mazda M Hybrid pairs the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G direct-injected engine with a small Belt-driven Integrated Starter Generator or B-ISG. The B-ISG captures energy that’s normally wasted during braking and stores it in a small lithium-ion battery to power the car’s electrical systems. Overall, this reduces the load on the engine, saving fuel in the process (up to 17.52 km/L based on Mazda Philippines’ internal tests).

But more than just promoting better fuel efficiency, the Mazda M Hybrid system promises to take Mazda’s trademark Jinba-ittai philosophy into the era of electrification.

Power figures may be very close to the non-hybrid 2.0-liter engine—164 horsepower (vs 155 horsepower) and 213 Nm of torque (versus 200 Nm)—but this doesn’t tell the entire story.


For example, the B-ISG provides around 5.3 kw (7.2 horsepower) of electrical assist when pulling way, making the car feel torquey and more responsive. Furthermore, the decision to use a 0.216-kWh 24-volt lithium-ion battery (instead of a 48-volt one) means less weight and more efficient packaging.

Mazda engineers have also taken driving characteristics such as starting, accelerating, and stopping into consideration. The brake pedal, for instance, uses a brake-by-wire system that simulates the brake feel and pedal feedback akin to a combustion engine vehicle while still optimizing the capture of energy generated by braking.

At speeds below 20 km/h, the Mazda M Hybrid system automatically shuts off the engine increasing the mileage per tank of fuel. The B-ISG also takes over cranking up the engine in stop-and-go traffic resulting in a smoother experience. The 24-volt lithium-ion battery also takes over powering the car’s electrical system during these situations meaning the M Hybrid models no longer use an Enhanced Flooded Battery or EFB battery.

For the Philippine market, the Mazda M Hybrid system is offered on the 2022 Mazda3 commanding a P 200,000 premium (P 1,695,000) over the non-hybrid 2.0-liter. Aside from the engine, the Mazda3 2.0 M Hybrid Sedan and Mazda3 2.0 M Hybrid Fastback (aka Hatchback) is the only variant to offer features i-Activsense. Available colors are Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Polymetal Gray, Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black, and Platinum Quartz.


Meanwhile, for buyers who prefer an SUV body style, the Mazda M Hybrid also makes its debut on the 2022 Mazda CX-30 for P 1,990,000. The CX-30 M Hybrid comes standard in front-wheel drive. It’s recognizable with its 18-inch black alloy wheels and side mirror caps. Its feature set is similar to the CX-30 2.0 AWD Sport which offers leather seats with power adjustment for the driver, a power tailgate, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, sunroof, and also i-Activsense. Moreover, the 2022 CX-30 also adopts a revised damper setup for improved ride quality, especially over rough roads. Available colors are: Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Polymetal Gray, Deep Crystal Blue, and Platinum Quartz.

Both the 2022 Mazda3 M Hybrid and 2022 Mazda CX-30 M Hybrid are now open for reservations. Customer deliveries are expected to start by the end of November.




9 comments:

  1. The price premium of the CX-30 over the Corolla Cross hybrid is 350k. Mazda has higher combined power output, Bose speakers, better quality interior but lower fuel efficiency. Unsure about reliability. If Mazda bundled PMS into this price, it would be a better deal, imo.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. All Mazda units comes with 5 years free PMS (150k or more in terms of value). This is a better deal compared to Corolla Cross.

      We got the worst version of Corolla Cross here in PH, considering its doing well in other countries because they have better versions.

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  2. They are really going all out on being a premium brand.

    Hope there's news on the CX-5 too which badly needs a refresh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mechanically that's true. Premium goes beyond specs, you can't see it thru pics and videos, you have to experience it. Overall enjoyment or car and ownership experience.

      Premium means not having to rub elbows with folks like you when servicing our Mazdas.

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    2. Has Mazda ever claimed that its cars are in the same category as Lexus or maybe Infiniti or Acura?

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  3. What is the difference between the hybrid system in the Corolla Cross and in this one? Do you think this Mazda will deliver 17.5 km/l? Been driving the top of the line Corolla Cross hybrid in TH and i am getting an average of 20 km/l which is very good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Toyota Hybrid System or THS is a full hybrid system meaning the electric motor can be used to propel the car at low speed or cruising. Moreover, it'll have a bigger battery too.

      The Mazda M Hybrid, meanwhile is a mild hybrid setup which means the electric motor is just there to assist the combustion engine. It also has a smaller battery.

      There are advances and disadvantages to each system.

      Mild Hybrid systems are easier to implement, are lighter weight, and will offer an overall driving feel closer to that of a combustion engined car. A full hybrid would have better fuel economy though.

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    2. Thanks for the useful clarification! My main complaint with the Cross is acceleration. I think I will go for Mazda then when I return to PH unless a better option becomes available.

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  4. Why is there a difference in power figures for the Sedan and Sportback? Aren't they using the same engine and M Hybrid technology for both varients?

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