Mazda SkyActive in 2014 Mazda 3

[Canoehead]

I know, I may be on the wrong forum, but discovered this for fans of affordable fuel efficiency -

Seems the 2014 Mazda3 has their "skyactiv" system (engine/transmission) standard. This represents a combined fuel efficiency improvement on the base model of 1.2l/100km (from 7.1l/100km to 5.9l/100km combined). I am comparing the manual transmission versions. Last year the "skyactiv" was a pricey up-model option.

I don't really know what "skyactiv" is, or how it works except that they mention direct injection, reduced friction, and I notice the compression ratio seems to be higher at 13:1. I cannot comment on durability, or whether this system will suffer from the reported issues with ecoboost (performs well in test, but real world efficiency isn't there). I'd be interested to hear how they do this and if there are any compromises with respect to durability, maintenance, or other cost of ownership issues.

Even still, it seems like a technological coup to get 4.8l/100km on the highway with a vehicle that has more than double the power and torque of the Mirage, is quite a bit heavier, and bigger in most dimensions. Of course the Mirage destroys the Mazda in city driving.

The price is higher at $16 000 +$1700 delivery compared to $12 500 + $1450 delivery. However, the Mazda base also has some of the nicer features not available on the Mirage base.

Maybe Mazda will make a "skyactiv" Mazda2 and get even better numbers?

Edited - I now realize that I have possibly fallen victim to that natural, yet maladaptive impulse to always want more and bigger. The Mirage has enough power, so that should be the end of it, and the better mileage/lower cost should be advantages. I don't need double the power, so it is not a great deal to pay anything more in purchase price or fuel cost. Still, cheers to Mazda for making a car in that class that gets these numbers (some people aren't as enlightened as me and will want more power and torque . . . just like I do deep down in my primitive brain, which sometimes wins debates with that more logical side of me)