Mazda’s all-new CX-5 compact SUV will be the Japanese company’s star arrival at the Frankfurt Motor Show and will be the first Mazda to run the whole SKYACTIVE kit.
SKYACTIV represents radical thinking by Mazda’s engineers to deliver reduced fuel consumption and emissions, not only by engine and transmisson improvements but also new approaches in chassis technology and weight savings. Enhanced driving dynamics is also part of the picture.
SKYACTIV-G is Mazda’s new petrol engine. It runs a compression ratio of 14:1 (higher than a Formula One racer) as a major ingredient in delivering fuel consumption savings as high as 15 per cent.
SKYACTIV-D is Mazda’s new diesel engine. This time, running the same compression ratio (14:1) means this engine has the lowest compression ratio of any mass-produced diesel engine, but this change is a major reason why Mazda’s new diesel is up to 20 per cent more fuel-efficient.
SKYACTIVE-Drive is Mazda’s new six-speed automatic transmission which accounts for a seven per cent drop in fuel consumption.
SKYACTIVE-MT is Mazda’s new six-speed manual transmission with reduced internal parts delivering a 3kgs weight saving.
SKYACTIVE-Body is Mazda’s new bodyshell process with 20 per cent more high-tensile steel and more weld points for a 30 per cent gain in stiffness – crucial for occupant protection in collisions.
SKYACTIVE-Chassis runs all-new strut front/multi-link rear suspension designs and electric power steering in an overall package 14 per cent lighter.
Of course reduced fuel costs are a major appeal to fleet and commercial operators and as part of its roll-out of the all-new CX-5 in Europe, Mazda will be targeting these high-kilometer drivers with special programs.
Car Showroom has sampled a somewhat rugged SKYACTIVE-D Mazda 626 prototype test mule around Melbourne’s Sandown Raceway and that tantalizing experience has us overflowing with curiosity about the production version and we can’t wait to drive the CX-5.
