More torque for Skyactiv.

Mazda might not be AMG, but the Japanese company’s search for superior internal combustion engine solutions is no less impressive.

With a tremendous history of engine development, from its adaptation of the German Wankel rotary idea to Mazda’s latest e-Skyactiv X, the company has remained strongly committed to petrol.

The idea of a compression ignition petrol engine is radical. For most legacy followers of engine design, diesel is ignited under pressure, not petrol. With the efficiency benefits on offer with compression ignition, Mazda’s engineers made a concerted effort to solve the issue with its Skyactivtechnology.

Thanks to new pistons and a more advanced ignition system, Mazda has been able to lower the e-Skyactiv X engine range’s compression ratio, from 16.3:1 to 15.0:1.

For decades the intake camshaft was a key to improved throttle response and Mazda has not glossed over the traditional value of superior intake control. A modified intake camshaft enables improved valve timing and a reduction of pumping losses.

Applying the e-Skyactiv X technology to Mazda’s 2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine architecture delivers slight increases in power and torque. With 138 kW and 240 Nm of torque, it might not have the potency of a 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but the promise is superior day-to-day driving economy.

Although most new petrol engines are now turbocharged, Mazda has always believed that for everyday driving, an atmospheric engine manages to achieve superior efficiency.

The updated engine will see its debut in the 2021 CX-30. Our local market has only just received its allocation of CX-30s so the update will not be immediately available. We have reached out to Mazda SA and will update this story when we hear back.

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