Mainstream has never been a tantalizing prospect for Mazda engineers. Now that the Mazda 3 launches with the innovative Skyactiv X engine in the market, it is clear again. And almost incidentally, it comes to the revival of a proven marketing principle.
Mazda encounters the challenges of ever stricter exhaust regulations in an idiosyncratic way. The models with gasoline engines are without turbocharger, the diesel without SCR catalytic converter. Now the Mazda 3 receives a third drive variant, which promises a meaningful symbiosis of the two burner worlds: The SPCCI engine, whose abbreviation stands for "Spark Controlled Compression Ignition". The translation sounds a bit awkward: spark-controlled compression ignition.
The four-cylinder petrol engine runs with a much higher proportion of air in the fuel mixture and with significantly increased compression. The compression ratio is 16,3: 1, which corresponds to conventional diesel engines. Because of the "lean" mixture, auto-ignition under pressure is not inevitable, so a spark plug will help if needed. Between 15 and 20 percent less fuel consumption, the developers expect it. After WLTP cycle of the Mazda 3 is then to get along with 6,2 liters Super on 100 kilometers.
The 24-Volt-Mild-Hybrid-System has its share in the end that such a value does not remain a dream. In this hybrid system, since part of the torque normally given by the internal combustion engine is taken over by the belt-driven starter-generator (ISG), it allows the same acceleration with less fuel consumption. When upshifting, the system also adjusts the engine speed automatically. For starting, the ISG is also used, which makes the starting process very short and significantly quieter.
Of course, shows in the road test that the benefits of an 180-PS engine are only to be enjoyed if you keep the unit persistently under train. The peak values of power and pulling power are only reached at 6000 or 3000 revolutions per minute (rpm). However, high-speed driving contradicts the goal of the new drive to guarantee economical locomotion with low emissions and a comfortable locomotion. In this respect, even the original engine design can not resolve a fundamental conflict: either you are spirited or low consumption on the road. After all, it was possible to end the test drive with a calculated average of 6,5 liters, which, in view of extensive mountain ranges, was pleasingly close to the test bench consumption.
The grippy and precise steering, the crisp manual transmission with short distances and the tightly coordinated chassis are a constant source of joy for the driver. On roads with blatant repair backlogs - as on some of the Bulgarian test routes - there can sometimes be acoustic feedback from the rear axle. For the first time in the Mazda 3, all-wheel drive is also available, which is only available in combination with the new Skyactiv-X engine. The associated gain in dynamics and safety is not necessarily felt immediately on a clean, dry road; but the next winter is sure to come.
The Mazda 3 is launched with an expressive design. The low-lying grill makes the front aggressive, the narrow rear side windows that lead to the bulky rear end can also irritate rather than cause enthusiasm. As a result, the C-pillar is unusually wide, which makes it difficult for drivers to take a right-hand turn when approaching the right. For reversing the view from the rear window is unnecessary, because the view is poor. Better, one adjusts in time to the orientation by reversing camera and exterior mirrors. But overall there is a harmonious balance between outside and inside, the careful composition of functional and decorative elements blends into a harmonious whole. A mysterious force of refraction starts from the flat and painted surfaces.
Solid vehicle technology and optional extras at no additional cost were the reasons for the success of Japanese cars on the German market. To such virtues Mazda apparently wants to return in the long term, if also experienced at the same time with the Skyactiv X engine and the "Fastback" called four-door version of their German market premiere. Mazda hopes that around ten percent of customers will be driving on the sedan. Fastback and Hatchback are compact cars that can not be ordered without a navigation system, without a head-up display, LED headlights, sound and air conditioning, radar-assisted cruise control, lane change assistant, parking assistance, Apple Car Play and Android Auto - where do you have them that ever seen? Everything in it!
Not only the customers benefit from this policy, but also Mazda itself. In production, the complexity of the production steps is drastically reduced. Instead of individually and constantly changing vehicles sometimes with this, sometimes equipped with that option, many cars get many options right from the factory, which ultimately also reduces the costs for the manufacturer. A classic win-win situation could be called that. For the classic five-door with front-wheel drive and innovative compression gasoline engine Mazda requires at least 26 790 Euro, limousine friends get the Mazda 3 Skyactiv X Fastback for 500 Euro more.
Data Mazda 3 Skyactiv X Hybrid AWD
Length x Width x Height (m): 4,36 x 1,78 x 1,44
Wheelbase (m): 2,60
Engine: R4 gasoline engine, 1998 ccm, direct injection,
Power: 132 kW / 180 PS at 6000 RPM
Max. Torque: 224 Nm at 3000 rpm
Battery: Li-ion battery 0,216 kWh
Transmission: six-speed manual transmission
Top speed: 214 km / h
0 acceleration to 100 km / h: 8,5 sec.
WLTP average usage: 6,2 (6,9 with automatic)
CO2 emissions according to WLTP 142 - 139 g / km (Euro 6d)
Curb weight / payload: 1451 / 604 kg
Boot volume: 358 - 1026 liter.
Base price: 32 740 Euro
Author: Axel F. Busse
