Mazda has upgraded its 2.0-liter engine, giving it more power and torque, improving the carbon dioxide emissions and fuel economy, and renaming it the e-SkyActiv X. Debuting in the 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30, it features a lower compression ratio from 16.3:1 to 15.0:1, optimized combustion control, modified pistons and intake camshaft, and updated mild-hybrid system software.

With these changes, the Japanese automaker says the e-SkyActiv X develops 186 PS at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This represents an increase of 6 PS and 16 Nm respectively over the previous version of the 2.0-liter unit, as well as reduced CO2 emissions by 5 to 11 g/km depending on the model, transmission and trim level.

                                     

A 2.4 mpg UK improvement and 11 g/km of CO2 less have been listed in the AWD GT Sport CX-30 packing this powertrain, whereas the entry-level manual gearbox SE-L Lux model is 2.5 mpg UK more fuel efficient and 6 g/km of CO2 cleaner. Besides the SE-L Lux and GT Sport, the e-SkyActiv X powertrain is available for the Sport Lux and GT Tech versions of the CX-30 with optional automatic transmission and available AWD from the GT Sport upwards.

Set to arrive at dealers across the Britain this month, the 2021 CX-30 will be joined by the 2021 Mazda3 from April 1, and it too sees the introduction of the e-SkyActiv X engine, benefiting from CO2 reductions of 5-11 g/km, in addition to the same improvements in output and torque. The four-cylinder will be available in the SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech grades of the hatchback and sedan, with standard automatic gearbox on all save for the entry-level model. Besides the introduction of the upgraded power unit, the 2021 Mazda3 gets a standard sunroof in the Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech e-SkyActiv X variants.

On a related note, the 2.0-liter SkyActiv G has been renamed as the e-SkyActiv G. It produces 122 PS emits up to 7-8 g/km of CO2 less in the 2021 CX-30, where it is available in the SE-L, SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech, with FWD and optional automatic transmission on all bar the base spec. The 2021 Mazda3 also gets the same e-SkyActiv G in the SE-L, SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, GT Sport and GT Sport Tech, with an optional automatic gearbox offered across range, save for the SE-L.