Mazda has confirmed its upcoming facelifted Mazda3 range will be the Australian debut of its remarkable SKYACTIV technology. Not the full SKYACTIV range (due in the next 626) but the new generation SKYACTIV-G petrol engine and SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission.
The new Mazda3 will run Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre petrol engine (the current MZR 2.0-litre will continue). Maximum power is 113kW at 6000rpm and peak torque is 194Nm at 4100rpm.
Mazda says the combination of the SKYACTIV engine with its innovative combustion process, i-stop technology and its related transmission will ensure the new Mazda3 will be Australia’s most fuel efficient, petrol-powered, automatic small car.
Styling changes appear minimal but deliver significantly enhanced aerodynamics for the Mazda3 SKYACTIV – a new front bumper, lights and 10 per-cent larger underbody panels just for starters. The combination delivers a 13 per cent improvement in drag for the Mazda3 sedan (now 0.27Cd) and 12 per cent improvement for the Mazda3 hatchback (now 0.29Cd).
New-design 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels look great.
Inside are new colour combinations for trim and lighting plus revised switches.
