A year ago, we drove Mazda's innovative Skyactiv prototypes in Berlin. And last week we drove them again, this time in Vancouver, British Columbia, as the company has been busy refining the Skyactiv hardware and calibrations as they inch closer to production.
You might be asking yourself, "what the heck is Skyactiv, exactly?" It turns out, it's not straightforward to explain. But here goes.
Just The Facts
Skyactiv is Mazda's catch-all term to describe its next generation of fuel-saving technologies. More specifically, Skyactiv is a suite of powertrains and a chassis architecture that, together, sip less fuel. Everything is new -- all-new gasoline engines and diesel engines, all-new manual and automatic transmissions, and an all-new, lighter modular vehicle platform.
The hook to Skyactiv is that it ratchets fuel economy upwards without resorting to measures that drain the fun out of driving. In fact, after driving the prototypes, it's clear that Skyactiv promises an across-the-board improvement in driver engagement, too. But more about that later.
Take higher-efficiency bits, add a diet and keep the fun. That's the idea behind Skyactiv.
Optimizing Internal Combustion
Mazda engineers were on hand to explain the nuances of Skyactiv technologies, and it was clear that their priorities were to challenge conventional thinking.
For the Skyactiv powertrains, Mazda did not simply hybridize straight away. Instead, engineers took a hard look at the inherent efficiency limitations of internal combustion. Then they set about addressing them. I detailed these approaches when I sampled them last year -- here's Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-D. The upshot is a high compression ratio for the gasoline engine (13:1) and a relatively low compression ratio for the diesel (14:1). Nearly every other engine-related decision cascaded from these points.
Initially Skyactiv will take shape in front wheel-drive guise. That is, Skyactiv engines and transmissions will first be laid out transversely, and the new platform will underpin the next-generation versions of all of Mazda's FWD vehicles -- the Mazda 3, 5, 6, CX-5, CX-7 and CX-9. In midsize sedan guise (Mazda 6), this platform sheds 80 pounds while gaining 30% stiffness through increased use of high-strength steels and optimized load paths.
Longitudinal layouts of the Skyactiv gasoline engines and both transmissions for RWD applications like the MX-5 are forthcoming, though addressed only as "concepts." It did come up, incidentally, that the next-generation MX-5 will sticker for less than the current car, at a weight that will be similar to the first-generation Miata (2200-2300 pounds). So there's that to look forward to.
Hybrid variants will surface in the second generation of Skyactiv, along with HCCI versions that Mazda brass tout as having a "larger HCCI operating envelope than any other manufacturer -- GM, Honda or Mercedes-Benz."
Initially, Just The Powertrain
From platform to powertrain, the CX-5 cute-ute will be the first all-Skyactiv vehicle, arriving in dealerships early in 2012. The CX-5 will sport the Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter with 13:1 compression ratio, and will run on 87 octane (overseas versions are 14:1 compression ratio but require premium fuel). Diesel aficionados will have to wait for 18 months from now for the 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D engine, which will debut in an as-yet undisclosed model.
The first Skyactiv bits that we'll see here in the States, though, will be found in the 2012 Mazda 3. This will not be the whole Skyactiv enchilada, rather it is the existing Mazda 3 with a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine plunked in and paired to your choice of a Skyactiv 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox.
A caveat -- the Skyactiv-G engine's trick 4-2-1 exhaust manifold interferes with the firewall of non-Skyactiv cars such as the existing Mazda 3. For this reason, engineers had to resort to a less-effective conventional 4-1 exhaust manifold, which also entailed a drop in compression ratio to 12:1 for the Skyactiv-G in the 2012 Mazda 3. It'll generate 155 hp and 148 lb-ft here.
Still, the fuel economy of the Skyactiv-equipped 2012 Mazda 3 is promising. Preliminary mpg numbers are as follows -- automatic-equipped sedans will click off 28/40 city/highway mpg (28/38 mpg for the heavier hatchback) and 27/39 mpg with the manual gearbox (hatchback - 27/38 mpg).
There's more. A couple of Mazda officials expressed confidence that the real world fuel economy of the Skyactiv-equipped 2012 Mazda 3 will outstrip that of its competition in 40-mpg-highway club (e.g., Cruze Eco, Elantra, Fiesta SFE). And, ribbed one Mazda rep, it will do it without "tires made of stone or a transmission that's in sixth gear before you leave the driveway."
Driving Them Again
Back to the caveat mentioned above -- the Skyactiv-G cars we drove in Vancouver last week were non-US-spec 14:1 compression 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G running premium fuel. As such, the jury's still out on whether this engine's ample low-end torque, snappy midrange and instant throttle response will remain present in the slightly detuned US version.
But the bright spot is that both of the Skyactiv transmissions are significantly improved over the existing units. Particularly the Skyactiv 6-speed automatic, which is a big jump forward. It rev-matches its downshifts and drives with an alertness that's lacking in today's 5-speed autobox. Credit the fact that the torque converter is locked up far more often in the Skyactiv box. It simply drives in a more linear and responsive manner, like the transmission fluid has been replaced with Red Bull.
Mazda is one of the few manufacturers to have figured out how to make electric steering not suck. Yes, Skyactiv steering is electric, and in the process engineers added more caster and quickened the rack. The result is that the helm builds effort more naturally and is generally more alert than the existing hydraulic setup.
About That Diesel
When I drove the Skyactiv-D in Berlin, I was floored. There was no way they could make the diesel this good in production guise, I thought at the time. Fast forward 11 months and the only difference I observed is that the midrange thrust of Mazda's diesel appears to have been shaved a hair.
Other than that it's still the great torquey thing it was before. Still pulls to redline with gusto, and the responsiveness remains first-rate. The way the Skyactiv-D responds to throttle inputs makes the current Volkswagen TDI feel two generations behind. In fact, based on its lack of diesel rattle and surprisingly enthusiastic nature, many drivers would probably mistake the Skyactiv-D for a gasoline engine.
Still, the Skyactiv-D-equipped cars we drove weren't yet US-spec. There's still some calibration work needed before they're Tier 2 Bin 5 certified, and Mazda officials reckon a touch more midrange might be lost in the process. As it is now, the diesel cranks out 170 hp and 310 lb-ft and will entail a cost premium of roughly $2,500 to $3,000 over the Skyactiv-G. Fuel economy is claimed to be 20% better than the Skyactiv-G, so let your calculators (and imaginations) run wild.
As for me, ever since this drive, I've been fantasizing about a Skyactiv-D-equipped MX-5. If that doesn't tell you that Mazda's on the right track with this Skyactiv stuff, nothing will.
--Jason Kavanagh, Engineering Editor
bodyblue says:
06:49 AM, 08/12/11
Lets see how it works in a production model built for the engine system. Finally Mazda has some engines that are competitive in class.....if they are at the top of the class remains to be seen.
ed124c says:
06:58 AM, 08/12/11
When you get engines to produce these high EPA numbers, it doesn't really matter whether the milleage is 40 or 38. There isn't much savings between the two numbers.
In the end, people will buy the car they like best.
For instance, not many people will avoid the 2012 Subaru Impreza (preliminary EPA 27/36) in order to get a FWD Mazda SkyActiv or a FWD Ford Fusion.
If you drive 12,000 miles per year, with 45% of it on the highway (as per the EPA), then the Mazda will save you 15 gallons of gas over the AWD Impreza. Not a significant saving.
If you drive an F150 with the EcoBoost V6 or an 150 with the 5 liter V8, the EcoBoost wiill save you 27 gallons of gas. Again, not a significant saving.
However, if you give up your 19 mpg highway truck and buy the SkyActiv Mazda 3, then your savings are about 150 gallons. That is a significant saving, but really, it's only about $600 per year. Are you going to give up your truck for $600 bucks?
Get the car--or truck, or SUV-- you want. Life is too short.
7driver says:
07:18 AM, 08/12/11
@ed124c:
That works well for those that know what they want. But I'll bet the majority of car buyers out there don't really know what they want (at least for the first few rounds of shopping). That's where specs come in.
ed124c says:
08:20 AM, 08/12/11
@7driver: I don't know-- do most people really check the specs? I think there are a host of things that steer buyers to the ultimate purchase, and specs are probably close to the bottom of the list.
I would guess most people drive a bunch of cars (unless they are brand-bound), and get the one they like that's in their budget.
Buying a new car, for me, is difficult because I need some very specific and usually hard to get equipment/specs.
I need a manual transmission, a power seat with power operated recliner, a light colored cloth interior, sunroof, large trunk (or in the case of a hatch, a large storage area), and cruise control (something not available on the Optima 6 speed manual).
You will notice that looks and speed are not on my list. Almost all cars are fast enough, and much faster than the cars I bought 50 years ago. As far as looks, well, some cars only the owner can love.
bepperb says:
08:27 AM, 08/12/11
15000 miles a year. 4 dollar gas.
F150 @ 19 MPG = 3157 dollars
M3 @ 40 mpg = 1500 dollars.
1657 dollars a year. Every year. For the life of the car. Over a decade, that's close to the cost of a car.
Of course, this is assuming all highway. But you can run the city numbers and the dollar figure will be even larger.
600 dollars? Really?
cr_driver says:
09:08 AM, 08/12/11
No boring fuel economy packages to achieve the magical 40 hwy number?
Remembers me of the Elantra, but that engine has way less torque and less horsepower.
And this is for the mazda 3, without all the skyactiv enchilada.
And the diesel with 170 horses and 310 lb-ft of torque? It would destroy the jetta TDI in everyway. (price TBD)
On paper, specs, power, torque, fuel economy, responsiveness.
" The way the Skyactiv-D responds to throttle inputs makes the current Volkswagen TDI feel two generations behind."
This skyactiv tech looks very promising, really looking forward to see all its magic working.
Zoom Zoom indeed.
bodyblue says:
09:28 AM, 08/12/11
IF the magic works in US emissions trim......that remains to be seen.
ed124c says:
09:43 AM, 08/12/11
I chose highway mileage of 45% usage because city mileage varies so drastically. But, yeah, I did not add in the extra cost of the 55% of city mileage, which would skew my figures considerably.
It probably wasn't a good idea to compare an F150 with a Mazda 3.
How about a VW GI with a SkyActiv Mazda 3 with a manual transmission? I guess that would make more sense.
GTI is about 22/31 mpg, Mazda3 is 27/38 mpg. And a will take it up to 15,000 per year.
The VW will use 40 more gallons of gas on the highway than the Mazda.
The VW will use 70 more gallons of gas in the city than the Maz
Altogether, 110 gallons, or $440 per year. Not enough difference for an enthusiast to give up the GTI.
Oh well, I am amusing myself.
News flash: My Chevy dealer just called and said they have the 2012 Cruze in stock. I will be checking them out today. Of course, it will be a long shot if they have a 2LT with the new 6 speed manual.
The EPA rating of the 2012 Cruze turbo on the LT with a six speed manual is 26/38. Good enough.
justinlink says:
10:38 AM, 08/12/11
@ed124c
I would avoid the Impreza on principle, but that's just me.
atomic13 says:
11:04 AM, 08/12/11
Its too bad Mazda wasn't just a little quicker to market with this technology, as I'll be buying at the end of this year. I'm hoping they do well and by the time the growing pains are done I may be in the market again. Will be interesting to see what happens with the 3 once the "whole enchilada" is done and tested. I wasn't thrilled with the 155hp number but now I understand why that is (thanks JKav).
bc1960 says:
11:23 AM, 08/12/11
The Mazda6 loses 80 lb compared to the US model or the ROW model?--because the current US car gained about 150 lb from the first generation while the ROW car lost 150. If the US doesn't get a unique stretched, heavier car next time around because Mazda are consolidating manufacturing at Hiroshima and Hofu, it could be significantly lighter than the the present one.
ocramidajzj says:
12:20 PM, 08/12/11
Cannot wait!
I figure in 3 years they will have worked some of the early bugs out. Although I think Mazda will be especially cautious about releasing before quality and reliability are up to snuff. Small company+ new /different tech means they may have only one chance to prove themselves and QC issues could cause problems with the Skyactive image.
Still it's nice to see a manufacturer trying to do something other than jumping on the Hybrid bandwagon. One of the reasons I love staying loyal to a small engineering/enthusiast driven company like Mazda. They just make the whole hobby more exciting for us mere mortals who don't have money to blow on high tech supercars. When you think about it Skyactiv could be quite revolutionary. I hope it succeeds and delivers on the promises.
ocramidajzj says:
12:24 PM, 08/12/11
@bc1960
I believe this is the World car not the US-spec. My guess is that they are deep-sixing the US-spec given they're moving out of Flint and that the US-spec was a slow seller (still love mine though). Building Sky-activ in Japan also gives them a better handle on quality since this new tech inevitably drove huge changes (and therefore incresed expense) in the manufacturing process. I think Mazda will want to perfect the Skyactiv manufacturing before deciding to build it abroad. IMO
bodyblue says:
12:33 PM, 08/12/11
"Still it's nice to see a manufacturer trying to do something other than jumping on the Hybrid bandwagon."
So the new 6 hybrid does not count?
The problem with small engineering/enthusiast companies is that the go out of business a lot more often than mainstream ones. Mazda needs to move some units in the US before they become irrelevant.
stovt001 says:
12:38 PM, 08/12/11
I love you Mazda. I LOVE YOU.
ocramidajzj says:
01:17 PM, 08/12/11
@Bodyblue
I consider "jumping on the bandwagon" as simply adopting principles without critically thinking through them or coming to the table without an original idea. You're essentially following the flock. Skyactiv is not following the flock. The Hybrid end of Mazda's strategy, if I were to guess, is more about rounding out their options (and objection handlers) for those who are interested in alternative techs but REALLY want Hybrid. It's a marketing stretegy rather than an option that speaks to Mazda's true desire. From a Marketing point of view you would lead people into the showroom by capitalize on the Hybrid popularity and then showing off Skyactiv. You could also use it as a comparison tool, since comparisons do help people make decisions. So Yes, Hybrid does count, but as a tool, not as the end all be all of Mazda's immediate plan. They are looking into their own Hybrid Tech based on Skyactiv. The Toyota partnership is just a stop gap. IMO
BTW, all this talk about "relavance" is ridiculous unless you understand what a company's goal is. Everyone who speaks of relevance seems to think Mazda wants to sell a billion cars. In fact many people who criticize Mazda's motives seems to think that to be successful a company needs to sell a billion of something. All that matters is what the business plan says and what the company looks to do to cover operating costs and make a profit. So relevance is relative to what the goals of a company are, not what an individual's perception is. Judging by Mazda's new marketing campaign they're looking to capitalize on a particular consumer. My guess is that they're fully aware of the fact that the majority of the world ISN'T full of enthusiats. All that matters is whetehr they can get their business plan to work.
vanquish421 says:
01:19 PM, 08/12/11
@ed124c: I refuse to buy any car with an automatic. On the Subaru website, they admit that the 5 speed manual 2012 Impreza will get 25 city and 33 highway. For AWD, that's pretty impressive. For those of us that don't live in snowy areas and want to drive a stick, its a pretty clear chose on what car to get if you're looking to minimize your fuel bill and have fun shifting, and it isn't the Impreza.
That's too bad, too, because with Subaru's amazing reliability, great symmetrical AWD system, and decent looks, I would buy it if the manual got the same MPG rating as the automatic. Looks like it's the 2012 Mazda 3 SkyActiv-G hatchback, 2012 Ford Focus SE hatchback, or 2012 Hyundai Veloster for me. Maybe next time, Subaru.
sydtron says:
02:35 PM, 08/12/11
So does this mean the next 6 will have struts up front instead of the current double A-arm?
compressor says:
02:37 PM, 08/12/11
Why is it that whenever I read about a cool new car or auto tech, it is always followed with statements tha the US will either not get it or will get a detuned, fat man version.
The difference in $ between regular and premium is nothing (maybe an extra $1-1.50 for each fill up) If you need to be that tight, you should look at another form of transportation.
cz_75 says:
04:44 PM, 08/12/11
What's the platform pictured at the top of this story (European 6?) and why don't we have it here?
The old 3 had good styling, as did the last 6, while the new version of each suck in comparison and only when compared to Honda and Toyota offerings do they look good. If Mazda gets their act together on styling, I believe these new engines make them well worth a look.
bodyblue says:
05:14 PM, 08/12/11
"The difference in $ between regular and premium is nothing (maybe an extra $1-1.50 for each fill up) If you need to be that tight, you should look at another form of transportation."
If you are filling up a performance car, sure. But a 3 or a 6 are hardly performance cars...they are sporty family cars, thats all. No excuse for family cars to use premium.....
sixwheeler says:
05:25 PM, 08/12/11
A diesel MX-5. I must admit I did raise an eyebrow over that last bit. But then it suddenly made perfect sense. If you feel the need for further explanation, then you's probably be better off reading male fashion magazines instead of car magazines.
sixwheeler says:
05:27 PM, 08/12/11
I second sydtron's question. If the next 6 turns up with McPhersons, I'm keeping my two current JDM 6's.
bodyblue says:
05:27 PM, 08/12/11
"BTW, all this talk about "relavance" is ridiculous unless you understand what a company's goal is. "
How about pointing out what that goal is? Dont take offense but I would like to see a statement from Mazda about what that goal is, not one from a fan of the company. If Mazda cant sell enough mainstream cars then they wont have the money to keep making the fun cars, period.
"They are looking into their own Hybrid Tech based on Skyactiv. The Toyota partnership is just a stop gap. IMO"
Really? Can you give any links to back that statement up?
atomic13 says:
07:18 PM, 08/12/11
@BB:
I actually remember reading about everything that ocramidajzj mentioned with regard to the hybrid technology not being their be-all-end-all goal but unfortunately, it was in a print publication, not something online I can point to. It was maybe 6 months ago or a little more, in a Mazda magazine that got mailed to me along with the new Mazda3 brochure when I requested it. I think the magazine was called something like Zoom-Zoom (go fig). It was a whole feature on their Skyactiv engines. It was the first time I'd heard of them and then suddenly a short time later all the blogs started talking about it. Anyway, I found it very interesting and something that excited me because while I don't have a particular problem with hybrids, I was happy that Mazda wanted to make a fun-to-drive car that was more efficient, but didn't automatically say "yeah let's do a hybrid".
I thought I had read in the 6 Hybrid article on IL that it said Mazda planned to use the hybrid tech from Toyota IN ADDITION TO the Skyactiv bits and pieces (I admit I could have misread though). And you asked ocramidajzj for a statement to "back up" his comment about using Toyota as a stop-gap, but he clearly stated it was his opinion. I'm not trying to argumentative at all, just wanted to help clarify (hopefully)
sixwheeler says:
08:31 PM, 08/12/11
You do realize that the test mule in the pictures is a JDM car, not a USDM car, don't you? Just wanted to point that out so as not to get your references wrong.
church123 says:
08:59 PM, 08/12/11
Not _too_ impressive number wise IMO. These engines are still a year or so away. 155 hp/148 lbs-ft from a 2 liter engine will definitely be class competitive, but class leading? Specific output wise, that's about on par with the non-VVT, non-DI, low compression Civic engine, which has become the weak sister in this class. Mazda makes it sound good because their petrol engine technology has been behind the curve for so long, so big improvements are pretty straightforward.
I'm a bit disappointed by the marketing hype too. I've read many details about the SkyActiv program here and on other blogs. They keep talking about a trick 4-2-1 header. What's so trick about that? I bought a Acura Integra 15 years ago that had one of those. And 13:1 _static_ compression with direct injection isn't some groundbreaking achievement. Doesn't Toyota's Prius also run 13:1, with conventional port injection? From what I've gleaned, part of the way Mazda plans to get good economy with this engine is to run Atkinson style some of the time, which reduces the dynamic compression (what really counts) quite a bit. And the HCCI claims are about the 2nd generation of an unreleased engine? That's just vaporware, especially competitive comparisons.
I'm glad to see Mazda improving what is arguably their weakest technology, but this will simply bring them up to speed with the rest of the industry IMO.
carlos20 says:
06:14 AM, 08/13/11
Another japanese car company lossing his time and effort.
bodyblue says:
11:48 AM, 08/13/11
Atomic13: No worries....I think there is some mis information out in the blogosphere about this system. Mazda is using Toyota Synergy drive trans and software with the Sky engine it looks like, they are not developing their own hybrid system....and for good reason.....it is far cheaper to license proven tech than to develop it in house most of the time. Its just that Mazda fans dont like the idea of anything Toyota near their beloved Zoom Zooms.
church123 is correct.....not too impressive as yet but when it actually is in production in US trim then we will see if all of the hype is for good reason.
aviboy97 says:
12:03 PM, 08/13/11
Considering the 2012 Mazda3 will not be equipped with all the SKYACTIV tech and does not have a full SKYAVTIC engine (headers are less effective and compression is lower) and still gets 29/40 mpg with no special fuel package seems pretty darn impressive. It will also have a far more engaging drive than the Elantra, which gets negative markes in the driving experience category, and the Civic which has been blasted for poor performance as well.
It also beats the Focus in fuel economy when offering very comparable power, 155hp vs 160 and get 3mpg better on the highway.
If the SKYACTIV technology translates into a drive similar to these prototypes, they will defnitely be class leading.
aviboy97 says:
01:16 PM, 08/13/11
Considering the 2012 Mazda3 will not be equipped with all the SKYACTIV tech and does not have a full SKYAVTIC engine (headers are less effective and compression is lower) and still gets 29/40 mpg with no special fuel package seems pretty darn impressive. It will also have a far more engaging drive than the Elantra, which gets negative markes in the driving experience category, and the Civic which has been blasted for poor performance as well.
It also beats the Focus in fuel economy when offering very comparable power, 155hp vs 160 and get 3mpg better on the highway.
If the SKYACTIV technology translates into a drive similar to these prototypes, they will defnitely be class leading.
v8vader says:
03:35 PM, 08/13/11
zoom zoom! go Mazda!
church123 says:
03:36 PM, 08/13/11
The point is, aviboy97, there are a lot of ifs. :)
The Civic, for example, is not very engaging because the suspension tuning, steering and tires have all been dumbed down. The engine really isn't a problem and in manual trim it is competitive acceleration wise with the rest of the class (and economy wise apparently).
Now, Mazda has a reputation of getting steering, suspension, etc. _right_ already. If they're true to form, the 3 would probably be one of the most engaging drives in the class regardless of the engine output.
As bodyblue said, I'm curious to see what the performance is in the real world when the car is released. EPA numbers are still so easy to game, a head to head comparison with the rest of the class is a must.
bigcjm says:
07:49 PM, 08/13/11
GO mazda
mk40 says:
04:05 PM, 08/14/11
If they deliver, it looks like it will bring the best of both worlds to a new level. Impressive. Hats off to Mazda.
blkamg says:
08:51 AM, 08/15/11
Not having the full advantage of the Skyactive engine and still reaching 40mpg? That is really impressive. Hope it won't hinder any handling performance.
morrisg2 says:
09:45 PM, 09/12/11
Sorry I'm late to this discussion, but JayKav mentions improvements to the 6 speed manual but doesn't detail any in the story. Care to share some more info on this?
The reason I'm asking is I have an 09 Touring MX5 with the present 6 speed manual and did a round trip to Lincoln, NE recently: 3350 miles and logged 31 mpg while cruising at 80 mph with the AC on over the course of the trip. With the big 255/40x17 tires on, the engine only turns 3550 rpm @ 80 mph. So I'm interested in how the new 6 speed manual is improved.
Thanks!