Mazda Australia has announced the company’s Skyactiv-X M-Hybrid powertrain will be available for the Mazda3 from August, and the Mazda CX-30 from September.

The 2.0-litre Skyactiv-X M Hybrid is the first production petrol unit to exploit the benefits of diesel-like compression ignition. Skyactiv-X utilises Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI), that allows the engine to switch between conventional spark ignition and compression ignition combustion by using a spark to trigger both types of combustion in different ways.

In SPCCI mode, split injection creates separate zones of fuel-air mixture inside the combustion chamber. First, a very lean fuel to air mixture is injected into the combustion chamber during the intake stroke, then a zone of atomised fuel is injected directly around the spark plug during the compression stroke.

The small injection of atomised fuel directly around the spark plug builds a richer core. When the spark fires, it ignites this core of fuel and air. This increases pressure in the combustion chamber to the point where the lean mixture rapidly combusts.

Skyactiv-X also features the Mazda M Hybrid system. The mild hybrid system features a belt-driven integrated starter generator (ISG) and a 24V lithium-ion battery. Mazda says it improves fuel economy by recycling energy recovered during deceleration and powering the ISG, functioning as an electric motor, to assist the engine.

Mazda Australia Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi said Mazda takes a real-world approach to reducing emissions and Skyactiv-X offers more choice to customers looking to do the same.

“Mazda is committed to reducing real-world emissions by looking at every part of a vehicle’s emissions footprint, from its production through to where the fuel that powers it comes from, and how a vehicle is disposed of at the end of its life,” said Mr. Bhindi.

“With every customer’s circumstances being unique, we need to offer a variety of ways to reduce vehicle emissions to suit individual needs and lifestyles. Skyactiv-X offers customers a lower emission engine option, while retaining the same joy of driving that Mazda vehicles have always offered.”

Skyactiv-X will debut in Australia with Mazda3, set to go on sale in August, and will be offered with Mazda CX-30 later in the year.

Source: Motor Trader E-magazine (August 2020)

17 August 2020