Compression ignition could keep the next-gen Mazda MX-5 naturally-aspirated

Engine innovation is at the heart of what Mazda does.

Rotaries. A commitment to atmospheric engines (when not rotaries). A late entry to turbodiesels. Mazda does it very differently, with engines, following its own logic, instead of trends.

One trend that cannot be ignored is the transition to electrification. In a future where nearly every new vehicle will be fully or partially battery-powered, Mazda’s most iconic platform might suffer.

The MX-5 is one of the few true lightweight driver’s cars that remain in production. Its low mass is an integral part of the vehicle’s appeal. But a hybrid powertrain would add a lot more mass to any future MX-5, anaesthetizing its road feedback and agility.

According to Autocar, the solution could be using Mazda’s SkyActiv-X engine technology to prevent turbocharging or hybridization of the next-gen Mazda MX-5.

SkyActiv-X is a deeply innovative compression-ignition technology for petrol engines. It claims impressive fuel consumption and emissions reduction and produces nearly 30% more torque than an equivalent 2-litre engine, with conventional direct-injection.

What does this mean for the future of Mazda? The latest 2-litre SkyActiv engine produces 132 kW and 224 Nm. Those might not be impressive outputs for a contemporary 2-litre turbocharged engine, but they aren’t too bad for something without turbocharging.

Most importantly, the SkyActiv-X engine, already in the CX-30, is light, reliable and has that linear throttle response valued by MX-5 drivers.

The SkyActiv-X engine can also be configured with a manual gearbox, which is an even bigger driver appeal issue, for MX-5 followers.

Further Reading

Mazda CX-5 updated for 2022

Mazda BT-50 Review