If you’re considering a new Mazda in Florida, then you’ve likely heard or seen the phrase “Skyactiv® Technology” before. What exactly is Skyactiv® Technology, though? Rather than just a buzzword thrown around to sell cars, Skyactiv® is a new way of building cars that Mazda is applying to models like the MAZDA3 and MAZDA6. This vehicle technology is designed to dramatically increase fuel efficiency while still providing the same zoom-zoom performance drivers expect from a Mazda on Bradenton roads.
Efficient SKYACTIV® Engines
SKYACTIV®-G – Mazda’s engineers have been at the forefront of a number of engineering innovations over the last several years, but the idea with SKYACTIV®-G was to take the traditionally aspirated gasoline combustion engine to a new level of performance and efficiency. Offered in the form of 2.0L and 2.5L four-cylinder engines, SKYACTIV®-G compresses the engine’s air-fuel mixture through the cylinders in a more efficient manner—at a rate of 14.0:1, to be exact—in order to get more energy out of less fuel. The result is a 15% increase in efficiency. You can currently find SKYACTIV®-G engines at work on a variety of new Mazda vehicles, including the new Mazda3 and Mazda6.
SKYACTIV®-D – For a long time, the diesel engine was synonymous with pollution due to the high levels of toxicity in the exhaust. Mazda’s SKYACTIV®-D engine puts those worries to rest while cashing in on the best performance elements of the diesel engine—including commanding levels of torque. How did Mazda’s Skyactiv® Technology engineers achieve better fuel economy and lower emissions levels? They developed an engine with a low compression ratio. This engine technology will be available on the first-ever Mazda CX-5 diesel.
Responsive SKYACTIV® Transmission
SKYACTIV®-Drive – Mazda’s SKYACTIV®-Drive is a six-speed automatic transmission that combines the best aspects of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), dual-clutch automated manual transmission, and traditional automatic transmission. The transmission’s lock-up range has been widened in order to develop a more efficient transfer of torque. This results in an improvement in fuel economy of 4-7% without compromising the level of responsiveness people are looking for between gear ratios of a sporty Mazda vehicle.
SKYACTIV®-MT – Mazda’s 6-speed manual transmission has been improved as well in the form of the SKYACTIV®-MT. This sporty manual transmission provides sharp and swift gear shifts for a genuinely responsive feel. It is also compact and lightweight in size, which helps improve efficiency.
SKYACTIV® Body and Chassis
SKYACTIV®-BODY – The philosophy and primary goal behind the SKYACTIV®-BODY is the same as that which went into the powertrain—namely, helping to deliver optimal performance and efficiency. Mazda’s design team achieved this by developing a body that was 8% lighter and 30% more rigid than the outgoing Mazda body design. The body structure has been straightened and made part of a continuous framework as well, which helps make it safer in a collision by distributing the force of the impact more evenly.
SKYACTIV®-CHASSIS – The Mazda SKYACTIV®-CHASSIS included a full overhaul of Mazda’s outgoing chassis design, complete with a new front and rear suspension, electric power steering system, and a 14% reduction in weight over the outgoing generation. The result, as hoped for, is a vehicle that is functionally more comfortable at highway speeds and more agile at low- and mid-range speeds, as well as being more efficient and stable.
SKYACTIV®-VEHICLE DYNAMICS – Mazda’s SKYACTIV®-VEHICLE DYNAMICS aren’t just a single element of design or engineering. Instead, it’s the entire integrated approach of Skyactiv® Technology realized. G-Vectoring Control improves handling—particularly when cornering—by delivering the proper amount of braking force and torque to the proper wheels based on driving behavior and conditions. These controls have been carefully calibrated based on specific technical analyses of the vehicle’s engine, transmission, body, and chassis. This provides more stability and responsiveness, resulting in a ride that is both more comfortable and engaging.
i-ELOOP
When driving, the engine builds up kinetic energy. Most of this is lost when you brake, though, which traditionally is wasted as heat escape from the brakes. i-ELOOP is a regenerative braking system that takes that kinetic energy and changes it to electricity. Once the car is stopped, the energy rescued by i-ELOOP is used to power the car’s electronics, including the headlights, climate control, and MAZDA CONNECT® infotainment system. This lessens the burden on the engine and in turn improves fuel economy.
Mazda SKYACTIV® Models
Mazda’s latest vehicles feature Skyactiv® Technology, meaning you’re guaranteed ultimate power and efficiency in Bradenton no matter which vehicle you pick out at Cox Mazda.
Mazda3: The Mazda3 comes in both sedan and hatchback formats. Both offer the choice between the SKYACTIV®-G 2.0L and 2.5L 4-cylinder engines, promising up to an EPA-estimated 37 mpg highway.
Mazda6: The Mazda6 is considered a sport sedan, and all three trims have the SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L 4-cylinder powertrain, which returns up to an EPA-estimated 35 mpg highway.
Mazda CX-3: This subcompact crossover delivers 146 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque via the SKYACTIV®-G 2.0L 4-cylinder, which also accomplishes up to 34 mpg when the car is fitted with front-wheel drive, according to the EPA. Here, Skyactiv® Technology keeps things balanced for a smooth ride every time you hit the road.
Mazda CX-5: The Mazda CX-5 was redesigned for the new model year, and it gives you the opportunity to pick between the SKYACTIV®-G 2.0L and 2.5L 4-cylinder machines. What’s more, it boasts Mazda’s newest technology, SKYACTIV®-VEHICLE DYNAMICS with G-Vectoring Control, for more precise handling. Enjoy Mazda’s latest SKYACTIV® innovation behind the wheel of the newest Mazda CX-5.
Mazda CX-9: As Mazda’s three-row, seven-passenger SUV, the Mazda CX-9 has four distinct trims from which you can choose, each of which come powered by the SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L engine with Dynamic Pressure Turbo, rated at 250 hp. Accommodate the whole family and enjoy premium power with the Mazda CX-9.
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF: Mazda’s two-door convertible is a roadster that employs the SKYACTIV®-G 2.0L engine for 155 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. You can also expect up to an EPA-estimated 35 mpg, meaning you get a perfect blend of efficiency and peppy performance.
Experience Mazda Skyactiv® Technology at Cox Mazda
At Cox Mazda, we carry the latest Mazda vehicles equipped with Skyactiv® Technology. Visit our Mazda dealership at 3101 Cortez Road West in Bradenton, FL, conveniently located near Sarasota and Tampa, to test drive the current Mazda3, Mazda6, Mazda CX-5, and more. See for yourself how Mazda is continually improving the driving experience, and get in touch with any questions.
