Mazda has announced that the next generation Mazda2 (known as the Demio in Japan) will be equipped with the Skyactiv-D 1.5, a new 1.5-liter clean diesel engine that uses the company’s next-generation Skyactiv technology.
The new engine follows the same principles as the Skyactiv-D 2.2 unit available in models such as the Mazda CX-5, more specifically achieving the ideal combustion despite a very low compression ratio – 14.8:1, the lowest compression ratio of any small displacement diesel engine. The four-cylinder mill produces 105PS (104hp) at 4,000 rpm and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm.
Mazda says the engine boasts “outstanding dynamic performance” and linear acceleration all the way up to the rpm range. Although no fuel economy figures were disclosed, the Japanese automaker says the engine features “excellent environmental performance without resorting to expensive NOx aftertreatment systems.”
Mazda reckons the new Mazda2 with the Skyactiv-D 1.5 will “achieve among the highest level test mode fuel economy figures for a vehicle powered solely by combustion engine in registered vehicles excluding hybrid and micro-mini vehicles in Japan, as well as drastically improved practical fuel economy.”
That is also due to Mazda’s i-stop idling stop technology, i-ELOOP brake energy regeneration system, and high-efficiency Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission or Skyactiv-MT manual transmission. Compared with the Skyactiv-D 2.2, additional technologies include expanded homogenous lean burn range, further reduction in mechanical resistance, and insulation technology that curbs the increase in cooling loss associated with a smaller engine size.
Thanks to all these technologies, Mazda says the new engine will meet Japan’s Post New Long-term regulations and Euro6 emission standards without having to resort to an expensive NOx aftertreatment system.
By Dan Mihalascu
Note: Mazda Hazumi Concept pictured
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