Flagship Mazda SkyActiv-X mild-hybrid range pricing announced

Mazda Australia has announced the pricing and specification for its advanced Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) SkyActiv-X mild hybrid range, which will go on sale locally in August.

The innovative 2.0-litre engine is the world’s first production petrol engine to combine the benefits of lean diesel-like compression ignition with regular spark ignition as found in traditional petrol engines. Its fuel-saving capabilities are further extended by incorporating a mild hybrid system.

In SPCCI mode, a split injection process creates separate zones of fuel-air mixture inside the combustion chamber. First, a very lean fuel to air mixture is injected into the combustion chamber during the intake stroke, then a zone of atomised fuel is precisely injected directly around the spark plug during the compression stroke.

The small injection of atomised fuel directly around the spark plug builds a richer core. When the spark fires, it ignites this core of fuel and air. This increases pressure in the combustion chamber to the point where the lean mixture rapidly combusts.

The compact mild hybrid system features a belt-driven integrated starter generator (ISG) and a 24V lithium-ion battery. It supports greater gains in fuel economy by recycling energy recovered during deceleration and powering the ISG, functioning as an electric motor, to assist the engine.

Known as the SkyActiv-X M Hybrid, the revolutionary new engine will be offered, initially at least, on the top-spec Mazda3 and CX-30 Astina (available from September).

Badged as the Mazda3 X20 Astina, the model will start from $40,950 before on-road costs for the six-speed manual or $41,590 for the six-speed automatic.

Meanwhile, the CX-30 X20 Astina is priced from $46,490 before on-road costs and is offered with a six-speed auto and all-wheel drive only. The extra outlay for the X20 model compared to a 2.5-litre G25 is $3,000.

While Mazda Australia hasn’t confirmed the engine’s local specification, overseas X20 models produce 132kW and 224Nm. This places it between the 114kW/200Nm G20 and 139kW/252Nm G25 in Mazda’s local line-up.