A 25 horsepower upgrade for Mazda3

KUALA LUMPUR: For a while now, Mazda has been talking about its SkyActive-X engine and how it has the potential to revolutionize the industry. Also, the tech was shown by the automaker almost two-years ago, however, not then and even after that, the company gave out the details, the specs.

When the all-new Mazda 3 made its world debut, we were hoping to get our hands on the said SkyActiv-X engine and its specs, but no luck. Also, no details were given during the cars ASEAN premier that took place at the Singapore Motor Show. Now, after a long wait, we finally know the deal behind this powerplant.

The Mazda SkyActiv-X engine displays a capacity of 2.0-litre, which to be frank is a bit normal these days. The mill churns out a maximum power of 180 PS along with a peak torque of 224 Nm. The figures again are good, if not outstanding. So, what’s so great about this mill, and why Mazda has created such a hype around it?

Well, the deal here is the fact that the SkyActive-X engine generates the above numbers without the use of turbo. It’s all motor and not even uses spark plugs. Also, before the question pops-up, it is a petrol-fed plant.

Now, it would be only fair to see what other 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engines in the category gives out. For example, Hyundai Elantra churns 152 PS and 192 Nm of torque, and Corolla Altis two-litre engine makes 145 PS and 187 Nm of torque. Further, the SkyActive-X engine also gets quite a leap over Mazda’s own 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G that develops 155 PS and 200 Nm of torque.

With the backing of its new engine, the company is also boasting about its high mileage figures. How? Well, the mill comes coupled to a mild-hybrid system that shuts the engine when the car is at a standstill.

According to Mazda, the Mazda 3 can do up to 25.6 kmpl with the SkyActive-X mill when paired to a 6-speed manual transmission system. This figure is highly impressive, especially for a petrol-fed 2.0-litre motor making 180 PS and 224 Nm.