Mazda Sky G set for 2011

MAZDA will roll out its new-generation Sky G direct-injection petrol and Sky D direct-injection diesel engines, as well as an all-new Sky Drive six-speed automatic gearbox, in Australian-bound vehicles starting from next year.

The company also claims that Sky Drive has the responses and feel of a dual-clutch transmission such as Volkswagen’s pioneering DSG gearbox.

The most likely first recipient of Sky G will be the next-generation Mazda2 range, or the current BL series Mazda3 facelift – also due in 2011 – although the Mk2 CX-7 SUV may pip the littlies at the post as that too will be due for renewal by then.

Certainly the Mazda3 facelift will most likely adopt Sky G sooner rather than later, since the small car series accounts for one-third of all Mazda sales globally. Its next all-new incarnation will not be due before 2014.

Compared with today’s petrol engine equivalent, the Sky G brings an about 15 per cent torque and economy boost, which would make the next Mazda3 2.0-litre equivalent as economical and emissions friendly as the existing Mazda2 with the 1.5-litre powerplant.

Similarly the company says the Sky D diesel offers a 20 per cent improvement over the current 2.2-litre Diesel.

“Equipped with Sky D, a Mazda6 will provide the same economy and emissions as today’s Mazda2,” says Masazumi Wakayama, the global boss for marketing, sales and customer service.

“And it will limit CO2 emissions to just 105 grams per kilometre, which is significantly better than today’s best-in-class diesel … and it will also be available in this country with timing yet to be confirmed.”

Left: Mazda2. Below: Mazda3.

All will bring Mazda’s global fuel consumption average down by 30 per cent within the next five years, as per the firm’s economy pledge made in 2008.

“There is a very strong demand from Mazda dealers and customers for a combination of diesel engine with automatic transmission,” Mr Wakayama said.

“Well, Sky D diesel engines will be mated to our new automatic transmission from launch. And Mazda Sky Drive automatic transmission will improve fuel economy by five per cent. At the same time it will achieve a direct performance feel like that of a dual-clutch transmission.”

Mazda unveiled details of its new direct-injection drivetrains at last year’s Tokyo motor show, after the “near future” Kiyora concept car premiered at the 2008 Paris motor show with a 1.3-litre four-cylinder Sky G engine boasting just 3.1L/100km and sub-90g/km CO2 emissions.

It also featured regenerative braking technology, which recovers normally wasted kinetic energy from the car’s braking system and returns it to the battery, and Mazda’s ‘i-stop’ idle-stop system that stops the engine at a point at which only spark is required to restart it. The latter alone cuts fuel use by 15 per cent, Mazda says.

Both systems are likely to carry through to the production vehicles utilising the Sky tech from 2011.

“I believe you can now see that we have a clear plan for the future, and it includes a comprehensive environmental focus without losing sight of our ‘Zoom-Zoom’ brand awareness.” Mr Wakayama said.