Mazda has revealed its innovative
Skyactiv-X M-Hybrid powertrain will arrive in Australia next month in the
Mazda3 before landing in the CX-30 in September.
The Skyactiv-X-equipped Mazda3 will be
sold locally as the X20 Astina with prices starting at AU$ 40,590 (US$ 28,120)
for the six-speed manual variant and jumping to AU$ 41,590 (US$ 28,813) with the
six-speed automatic, plus on-road costs. The CX-30 X20 will be priced from
AU$ 46,490 (US$ 32,208) and comes exclusively with an automatic and all-wheel
drive.
While Mazda Australia has yet to comment
on local specifications for the Skyactiv-X engine, we know that in overseas
markets it is good for 180 hp and 224 Nm of torque and those
figures will likely go unchanged. That will slot the engine neatly between the
entry-level 2.0-liter four-cylinder used by G20-badged models that’s rated at
153 hp and 200 Nm and the more potent 2.5-liter four-cylinder of
G25 models with 186 hp and 252 Nm.
Mazda’s innovative Skyactiv-X M-Hybrid
powertrain is the world’s first production petrol engine that uses diesel-like
compression ignition, allowing it to achieve the high-revving performance of a
petrol engine while combining the fuel efficiency, torque, and response of a
diesel. This engine operates alongside a mild-hybrid system that includes a
belt-driven integrated starter generator and a 24V lithium-ion battery.
