It’s common for automakers to come up with cool names for new or old technology. After all, all other things being equal, you’re more likely to buy the car that sounds more innovative and modern than the one that doesn’t. Mazda hopes its Skyactiv technology (often capitalized as SKYACTIV) will help convince you to take a chance on its new sedans and SUVs. So what exactly is Skyactiv technology? Is it a new innovative feature or an old one repackaged for today’s market? Also, is it worth choosing a brand new Mazda over a similar competitor?
What is Mazda Skyactiv technology?
According to Kelley Blue Book, Skyactiv is a suite of proprietary automotive technologies designed to improve the fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine (ICE). Traditionally, ICEs only use about 30% of the energy they get from the fuel, with the rest being lost as heat that is dissipated internally or externally.
With Skyactiv technology, Mazda has improved the fuel efficiency of its ICE by raising the compression ratio to 13:1. Automotive engineers have been trying to do this for decades to improve fuel distribution and optimize engine cylinder cooling. However, most vehicles released in the last few decades only have compression ratios ranging from 8:1 to 12:1.
Skyactiv technology also tries to capture and reuse as much exhaust as possible. Combining a higher compression ratio and recycled exhaust helped Mazda improve its ICE power and efficiency by 15%. These features are also aided by cylinder deactivation technology, which is now standard on every Mazda3 model. The cylinder deactivation feature shuts off the cylinders when the vehicle is maintaining a constant highway speed or operating in a minimum load condition.
What constitutes Skyactiv technology?
Mazda Skyactiv technology consists of multiple components. The first is the Skyactiv-G engine, which enjoys a 15% increase in power and efficiency. Mazda produces these engines in 2.0-liter, 2.5-liter, and 3.3-liter sizes, allowing prospective buyers to enjoy the upgrades across multiple variants of the brand.
Mazda combines the Skyactiv-G engine with two different transmission options. There is Skyactiv-Drive, a six-speed automatic transmission that offers quick acceleration, better response and improved efficiency. For those who prefer a manual transmission, Mazda offers Skyactiv-MT, a six-speed manual option.
However, Mazda’s Skyactiv package consists of more than powertrain. The automaker has designed a new body and chassis for its Skyactiv-equipped cars. Combined with the SkyActiv-G engine and Drive or MT transmission, there is a lighter but stronger frame, allowing these vehicles to be more nimble at low speeds and more stable at high speeds.
In addition, Mazda developed Skyactiv-Vehicle Dynamics with G-Vectoring Control, a package component that shifts power, power and weight automatically to improve driving responsiveness. This technology provides drivers with a smoother ride, especially when cornering, as well as greater control over the vehicle.
Which vehicles are equipped with Skyactiv technology?
Mazda uses a variant of Skyactiv technology on all of its new cars. In addition to the Mazda3, you’ll find the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine in the CX-3, MX-5 and CX-30. The 2.5-liter variant can be found in the Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-30, CX-5, CX-50 and CX-9. It, as well as the 3.3-liter variant, are options in the upcoming CX-60. You will also find these transmission options in different versions of these vehicles.
However, improvements to the Skyactiv-G engine are not the ceiling for Mazda engineers. They have been hard at work on the next generation of more efficient ICEs that achieve an even higher compression ratio. Recently launched, the Skyactiv-X engine improves the compression ratio to 16:1 and can improve fuel efficiency by between 20 and 30%. The 2.0-liter Skyactiv-X engines are currently available in the Mazda3 and CX-30 premium models, while the 3.0-liter versions are available for the new CX-60 premium models.
Mazda Skyactiv technology is not limited to ICE improvements. Mazda is working to improve its hybrid offerings using Skyactiv-G engines. Additionally, the automaker is working on a low-compression diesel engine on the Skyactiv platform that improves fuel efficiency while reducing emissions. While some models featuring these “Skyactiv-D” engines were recalled due to design defects, Mazda has actually developed a range of automotive technologies that provide improved performance. Skyactiv is not just a rebranding of old technology. Mazda engineers have indeed designed better internal combustion engines.