Mazda releases official fuel figures for CX-90

MAZDA has released the official fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures for its forthcoming CX-90 seven-seat SUV, which in six-cylinder diesel form is 10 per cent more efficient than the four-cylinder diesel CX-8.

Like the numbers released for the CX-60 last month, the larger model – is due in local dealerships from August – delivers efficient digits courtesy of the Hiroshima-based firm’s new inline six-cylinder engine with 48V mild hybrid assistance.

The CX-90’s fuel economy and tailpipe emissions numbers compared favourably to Mazda’s current CX-8 and CX-9, despite the engines offering two additional cylinders and almost one-third greater displacement, not to mention considerably greater power and torque.

Available with 3.3-litre turbocharged diesel and petrol options, the six-cylinder CX-90 range is said to provide best-in-class combined fuel consumption of just 5.4 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 143g/km when optioned with the e-Skyactiv D (D50e) diesel engine.

These figures represent a 10 per cent improvement over the current 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel in a CX-8.

Displacing 3283cc, the new D50e unit also provides 34 per cent more power than the diesel-powered CX-8 (187kW versus 140kW) and 22 per cent more torque (550Nm versus 450Nm). The increased output helps the CX-90 to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in a brisk 8.4 seconds, or 1.2 seconds faster than the CX-8.

An equally impressive set of digits it confirmed for the CX-90 petrol. Featuring a 3.3-litre G50e ‘six’, the three-row family hauler offers Mazda’s most powerful production engine yet, with a gutsy 254kW and 500Nm at the flywheel.

Compared against the current 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine found under the bonnet of a CX-9 AWD, the CX-90 offers 50 per cent more power and 19 per cent more torque. The added grunt can whisk the CX-90 to 100km/h in just 6.9 seconds, a 1.7 second improvement over the current CX-9.

Despite the extra mumbo, the petrol-powered CX-90 is impressively more frugal than the CX-9, sipping 8.2 litres per 100km on the ADR combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 189g/km – an improvement of almost 10 per cent over the CX-9.

Mazda says the numbers are possible owing to the implementation of several important technologies, including a supplementary electric motor positioned between the engine and transmission which ensures adequate assistance to the petrol engine in inefficient low load situations.

Further, Mazda’s 3.3-litre diesel unit – the weight of which is comparable to that of the current 2.2-litre fou’ – is said to use “surplus air in the engine” to improve combustion (offering improved throttle response), lower nitrous oxide emissions and provide better thermal efficiency.

“Mazda has an established reputation for pushing the envelope and achieving complex engineering goals in pursuit of driving pleasure,” said Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi.

“These two engaging, high-performance powerplants make considerable advancements, not only in power and performance, but also in overall efficiency, ensuring that the signature ‘Jinba Ittai’ Mazda driving experience delivers involvement and fun without any expense to frugality.”

Mr Bhindi said local pricing and specification details for the all-new CX-90 will be announced soon.