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Mazda 3 with Skyactiv-X Engine Achieves

42–54 MPG on Euro Combined Cycle
The compression-ignition gas engine's optimistic Euro
MPG numbers could still translate to huge EPA estimates
in the U.S.

By ALEXANDER STOKLOSA
JUN 5, 2019

Mazda Europe

 Customers in Europe can now order the Mazda 3 with Mazda's

Skyactiv-X gas-powered Spark-Controlled Compression
Ignition engine.
  The engine uses gasoline, but can switch between normal spark
ignition and a novel form of compression ignition like as a diesel
engine for greater efficiency.
 In addition to the impressive fuel consumption figures, Mazda also
released horsepower and torque specs for the Euro-spec 3's
Skyactiv-X engine.

Mazda is officially putting its advanced Skyactiv-X gasoline engine on sale—at

least in Europe. The engine is coming to the U.S. market later. The automaker
has also made available the first official specifications and fuel-economy data
for the new engine, though they're only applicable to Europe for now. Until
this point, we've had only estimates for the X's horsepower and torque from
when we drove a Mazda 3 with a prototype version of the engine, along with
vague hints of big-time efficiency.

Mazda
Power and MPG Numbers
So, here are the details: In 2.0-liter form, the Europe-market Skyactiv-X
engine produces 178 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 165 pound-feet of torque at
3000 rpm. Those figures are slightly lower than those of the U.S-market
Mazda 3's 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which makes 186 horsepower (also at 6000
rpm) and 186 lb-ft of torque (at a higher 4000 rpm). The Sky-X engine has an
incredibly high 16.3:1 compression ratio, though actual cylinder pressure
varies.

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Most impressively, the Mazda 3 equipped with the Skyactiv-X 2.0-liter engine
gets 50 mpg according to the optimistic NEDC European combined test cycle.
On that governing body's highway cycle, which benefits the compression-
ignition setup even more, the thriftiest Skyactiv-X-equipped Mazda 3 scores
60 mpg. Again, take these figures with a grain of salt—the EPA test cycles will
no doubt generate lower figures, but they're still expected to tower above the
current Mazda 3's highest EPA estimates of 30 mpg combined and 36 mpg
highway. Plus, the Euro X is backed up by a 24-volt mild-hybrid system that
allows for extended engine-off periods when stopped in traffic or at stoplights.

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At least overseas, Skyactiv-X will require fuel equivalent to American mid-

grade octane, though we've been told the engine can run on regular. It also can
be paired with either the Mazda 3's sedan or hatchback body styles, front- or
all-wheel drive, and six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. That's a lot
of choice, though we suspect the lineup will be narrower for American
consumers when Skyactiv-X makes it stateside later this year. For now, the
order books are open for Europeans, who can expect deliveries to begin this
fall.

What Is Skyactiv-X?
Several large automakers, including Hyundai and Daimler, have been on a
quest for years to crack the compression-ignition gasoline engine code.
They've all struggled to make the concept work over the wide range of engine
speeds and with the responsiveness automotive applications require without
violent engine knock and other issues.

Mazda's solution is Spark-Controlled Compression Ignition, or SPCCI. For a

full explainer on how this works, see our technical breakdown here. In brief, it
allows for an ultra-lean air/fuel mixture, as in a diesel, the key to those big-
time miles-per-gallon numbers. Mazda's breakthrough on the technology was
its decision to forgo full-time compression-ignition (the source of many a
headache for Mazda's competitors looking to develop the technology)
operation. Instead, for startup, hard acceleration, and high engine speeds,
where scompression ignition of gasoline has proven difficult to manage, the
Skyactiv-X engine runs like a normal, spark-ignition engine.

For steady-state cruising, light acceleration, and moderate engine speeds

(what we would consider light loads), the Mazda engine switches to
compression ignition. Unlike its competitors, which have tried to run gasoline
engines like diesels—without a throttle and using fuel injections in response to
load requests—Mazda never shuts off its spark plugs. Instead, it uses them and
a novel fuel-injection protocol to control engine loads. Essentially, the plugs
ignite a tiny, secondary droplet of fuel, and that combustion event in turn
raises cylinder pressure enough to combust the larger, primary air/fuel
mixture and initiate the power stroke.

Cool stuff, right? You might need to wait for it, though. When reached for
comment, Mazda refused to offer a concrete timeline for the Skyactiv-X engine
reaching American consumers. Previously, we'd been told the engine could
come here as early as this year, likely as an option above the Mazda 3's 2.5-
liter four-cylinder gas engine.

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 News

 Mazda’s Gasoline Skyactiv-X SPCCI Engine Explained

  Mazda to Launch Skyactiv-X Engine with Compression Ignition in 2019
 Next-Gen Mazda 3 with New Skyactiv-X Engine Driven!

 40-mpg Mazda 3 for 2012

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 2012 Mazda 3 to Get Face Lift, 163-hp SKYACTIV Engine

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