Mazda’s Innovative SkyActiv Engine Wins Technology Award

The breakthrough SKYACTIV-G 1.3-litre petrol engine has been developed to create a lightweight design that produces more from less. An ultra-high compression ratio is a central feature of the engine’s design and its 14.0:1 ratio (world’s highest in a mass-production model) has previously only been seen in high-performance racing engines.

Equipped with direct-injection, the Technology award-winning, smaller capacity 1.3-litre engine exhibits outstanding efficiency, especially under high load at low rpm. It employs many of the innovative technologies developed by Mazda for the larger capacity 2-litre SKYACTIV-G engine already revealed as one of the powerunits for the forthcoming CX-5 compact SUV in 2012.

The SKYACTIV-G 1.3 has significantly less internal friction and delivers more torque with better fuel economy and lower emissions. To resolve the challenges associated with high compression, such as ‘knocking’ – an unavoidable issue with conventional high-compression petrol engines – the SKYACTIV-G 1.3 features a number of new technologies, such as special piston cavities that are designed to support ideal combustion, and special multi-hole injectors that enable extremely precise control of injecting fuel into the cylinders.

Mazda’s first vehicle for the European and UK market to have the full range of innovative SKYACTIV technologies will be the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV set for launch early next year. This all-new vehicle will offer outstanding reductions in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, combined with the exhilarating driving experience – the Jinba Ittai, or ‘oneness’ between car and driver previously typified by the MX-5 sportscar – for which Mazda is proudly known.