The European press
launch of the all-new Mazda3 recently took place on the scenic roads in and
around Lisbon, Portugal. The event was a good opportunity for the automaker to
release full specifications and a huge photo gallery with its new compact model
in European specification. Jumping right to the point, the 2019 Mazda3 will offer three
engines in Europe, two gasoline units and a diesel.
Replacing the
previous generation’s 1.5-liter and 2.2-liter diesel engines, the new
Skyactiv-D 1.8-liter turbo diesel delivers 116 PS at 4,000 rpm and 270
Nm of torque at 1,600-2,600 rpm. Unsurprisingly, the diesel engine
is the economy champion — at least until the specs for the Skyactiv-X engine
are out. Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) is as low as 4.7 liters/100 km (58.8
mpg UK), with corresponding CO2 emissions of 130 g/km.
The engine comes
equipped with a NOx Storage Catalyst (NSC) system which is said to convert
nitrous oxide back into harmless nitrogen, dramatically reducing NOx emissions.
The Skyactiv-D 1.8 also features a Rapid Multi-stage Combustion technique
responsible for shortening the combustion period and reducing knock noises.
Moving on to the
Skyactiv-G 2.0 naturally aspirated gasoline engine, it produces 122 PS at 6,000 rpm and 213 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Thanks to Mazda’s
new M Hybrid 24V mild hybrid system that features a 600 kJ lithium-ion battery
and a DC-DC converter, as well as cylinder deactivation technology, the
2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offers improved fuel economy and low particulate
matter exhaust emissions. WLTP-rated average fuel consumption is as low as 6.0
l/100 km (47.1 mpg UK), with CO2 emissions of 136 g/km.
Finally, the most
anticipated engine is the Skyactiv-X unit with compression ignition combustion
technology that debuts in the 2019 Mazda3. Mazda doesn’t reveal the specs yet
but we do know from Mazda Slovakia that it puts out 181 PS and 222 Nm of torque. As with the regular Skyactiv-G engine, it’s
assisted by the M Hybrid system. Scheduled for launch later in 2019, the new
power plant promises to offer “the superior initial response and fuel economy
usually associated with diesel engines.”
All three engines
are mated to a standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic in
Europe, with the Skyactiv-X to be also available with the i-Activ AWD system
(only with the hatchback). All models offer G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus)
for improved handling and grip.
