Mazda 3 reaches for the Skyactive

Mazda has unveiled its facelifted 3 sedan and hatch range, which debuts an all-new direct-injected four-cylinder powertrain.

Tagged ‘Skyactive-G’ the new 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine produces 114kW at 6000rpm and 200Nm at 4000rpm – up 6kW and 18Nm on the current MZR engine that dates back to the original 2004 Mazda 3. The new engine utilises direct injection technology, variable valve and cam timing, and an ultra-high 12.0:1 compression ratio to deliver the improvements.

A six-speed auto replaces the current five-speeder, electric power steering has been employed and Mazda has utilised its weight-loss gram strategy, including reducing the weight of the six-speed manual components by 2kg.

Fuel consumption drops by 20 percent on the highway, to 5.9L/100km, and 17 percent in the city, to 8.4L/100km.

Mazda sold a record 39,000 units of its 3 sedan and hatch range last year, cementing its place as Australia’s third most popular car. With new drivetrains and mildly tweaked styling, the 2012 Mazda 3 has every chance of bullying Corolla off its second-place on the podium.