Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
JUST when you thought that the Kodo design language and SkyActiv technologies were more than enough for every Mazda vehicle to look stunning and deliver excellent performance, there is another interesting breakthrough in their diesel engine offering. Recently, Berjaya Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country has finally introduced their latest SkyActiv-D diesel powertrain exclusive and as an additional variant for the Mazda6 Executive Sedan and the CX-5 compact Sport Utility Vehicle.
“The Mazda SkyActiv-D diesel engine is among the most advanced in the world, and with the availability of low-sulfur Euro4 Diesel fuel, we are proud to be able to introduce the engine into not one, but two of the critically acclaimed and award-winning Mazda6 executive sedan and the CX-5 compact crossover. SkyActiv-D is the cleanest and most fuel-efficient diesel engine available in the market and our customers deserve the best that Mazda can deliver,” said Steven Tan, Berjaya Auto Philippines president.
This new SkyActiv-D diesel motor is a 2.2-liter in-line four-cylinder fitted with a two-stage turbocharger producing 173 horsepower and a massive 420 N-m of torque. Aside from achieving 10-percent less weight by utilizing lightweight components, that new two-stage turbocharger enables smooth and linear response from low to high engine speeds and greatly increases low- and high-end torque (up to the 5,200 rpm rev limit). What makes it even remarkable is that in terms of cylinder compression ratio, it currently holds the lowest globally at 14:1. Moreover, it complies with global emissions regulations (Euro6 in Europe, Tier2Bin5 in North America and the Post New Long-Term Regulations in Japan), without expensive NOx after treatment systems. All these advancements combined are Mazda’s solution to the quest for lower emission, high combustion efficiency, more torque and superior fuel economy.
No less than Chiaki Santo from Powertrain Planning Development of Mazda Motor Corp. in Japan, revealed noteworthy highlights of the new SkyActiv-D powertrain. For one, it can achieve fuel-efficiency level comparable to hybrid cars and measured with muffled degree of noise now closely equal to a gasoline engine. Additionally, compared to other popular European segment counterparts, both the Mazda6 and CX-5 AWD not only retain the lowest engine compression ratio but also yield the highest output in terms of maximum torque, which is one of the reasons attributing to the 80 percent of the two models total sales in Japan.
In order to get the feel of the new diesel supremacy, members of the motoring beat were invited for a 114-kilometer ride and drive to Anilao, Batangas. Teamed up with fellow journalists Patrick Tulfo and Martin Aguilar, we boarded the striking SkyActiv-D Mazda6 in vibrant soul red color. Having previously tested the petrol version of this premium sedan, this writer still finds the overall exterior design to be truly appealing and engaging in every angle. Opted to be a passenger to experience a different standpoint, an absolute comfort and tranquility coming from the comfy ride, sophisticated interior and impressive NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) suppression was evident. And, as a distinction, Mazda applied a dark motif with black leather draped seats, sidings, dashboard and dark brown accented center console. Still present are the polished metal trims and borders to emphasize the elegant touch. Not only that there was generous leg room to enjoy but the available rear air-conditioning vent made the passenger bay cozy and cool.
Behind the wheel, the powertrain’s different characteristic was immediately felt. Instantaneous acceleration was present early on in the low end range and made speed increments quicker given the sedan’s aerodynamic frame. By the time we reached the ascending and winding roads, the new SkyActiv-D diesel machine validated its 420 N-m of torque whenever there was a need to surpass even in steep terrains. With the existing manual mode from the coupled automatic gearbox, it even enabled the diesel motor to stay within the optimum power band. Momentarily, we reached our destination hassle-free where we settled and relaxed.
The next day, it was time for our group to test the SkyActiv-D version of the CX-5 AWD compact SUV. It has equally stunning exterior profiles manifested by the Kodo design language. While it offers the same dark-themed cabin dressed in fine pelt materials, it conveyed a more utilitarian aura with an equally spacious legroom to appreciate. On the road, the all-wheel drive system proved to be beneficial in tackling continuous tight turns while maintaining excellent handling and control. However, the additional weight of the drivetrain demanded more push from the engine in order to attain more torque for speed increments and to overtake. Nevertheless, the new diesel motor’s might was still apparent, especially on the freeway where high-speed limits were easily attained. We finally made it back to the showroom safe and sound.
Both priced at P1.985 million, the new SkyActiv-D variants of the Mazda6 and CX-5 AWD still possess the same state-of-the-art features and reliable security elements from their petrol siblings. These models will not only target diesel-powered vehicle fanatics, but also aim to capture a larger share of the executive sedan and compact SUV market who not only value practicality and fuel efficiency, but also put a premium on a driving experience that is unlike any other.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino