Mazda3 SP20 Skyactiv 2011 review

In case you've been hibernating, there's a wave of fuel saving and emissions reduction technology coming through in new cars. We're talkin' petrol/electric hybrids, BlueEfficiency, E85 fuel, cylinder shut down, diesel/electric hybrids, plug-in electrics, small capacity forced-induction petrol engines and a bit further down the track, hydrogen fuel cell power.

But here and now, Mazda has come up with an alternative to all this by optimising existing technology. It's called Skyactiv and is an elegant solution to a vexing problem. Available in the new Mazda3 SP20 Skyactiv from as little as $27,990 you tap right into low fuel consumption and emissions without anything radical under the bonnet.

Technology

Mazda engineers have re-looked at petrol engines and automatic transmissions and made them more efficient. In the 113kW/194Nm Skyactiv 2.0-litre petrol engine, this has been done by using a high 12.0:1 compression ratio, high pressure direct injection system, friction minimisation and a reduction of pumping losses inside the engine.

Other gains were made by reducing the weight of engine internals and also by optimising the accessory drive system.

The six-speed automatic transmission features full range direct drive which means it locks as soon as possible through all the gears. The transmission has also been reduced in size and weight and there's a clever powertrain computer that co-ordinates control of the engine and transmission.

Sounds complex but from an engineering standpoint, it's logical and relatively simple.

Driving

We really couldn't tell the difference between the Skyactiv model and the standard 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol fours except when looking at the average fuel read-out on Skyactiv which said 6.2-litres/100km _ significantly better. That is close to what you'd expect from the Mazda3 diesel which costs more, generates more CO2 and is only available in six-speed manual.

There's plenty of acceleration right from the get-go and the engine is happy to rev to redline. It drinks E10 fuel and offers performance on par with its competitors. The big difference is i-stop, an engine stop/start system that yields fuel savings in traffic.

Value

It's specced up to Mazda3 Maxx Sport level which means satnav, Bluetooth, dual zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, 16-inch alloys and a multi-function info screen among a raft of goodies. The test car had the $3000 Luxury Pack which brings leather upholstery, bixenon headlights, Bose premium audio and other goodies. Skyactiv is available in sedan and five door hatch variants and you can pick them by the blue ring headlight lens. All Mazda3s score a five star crash rating.

Design

Mazda3 was freshened with the arrival of Skyactiv and has minor changes to the inside and outside but you'd be hard pressed to tell. It retains the big smiley grille and cute rear end but the interior seems more "grown-up", certainly better than we have come to expect from most Japanese manufacturers in this segment. Pity about the space saver spare...