Mazda Skyactiv aims for industry leading fuel efficiency

Mazda is planning to take the lead for fuel efficiency and low emissions with its next generation of cars using technology it calls Skyactiv.

The Japanese manufacturer believes that through a combination of efficient engines, lightweight construction and fuel-saving technology its cars will offer best in class fuel consumption and emissions.

A spokesman said: "Skyactiv is what we're calling 'sustainable zoom-zoom'. We don't want to lose any of the interest and excitement of driving Mazda cars, but we have to look at environmental considerations.

"Many are using hybrids and electric vehicles, but we are not looking to use that technology for the foreseeable future.

"Our new engines will have average fuel consumption improved by up to 30% compared with our current engines and lower CO2 emissions by 25% by 2015."

He said that as 90% of new car market (including hybrids) by 2020 was still expected to rely on the internal combustion engine, it was important to develop engine efficiency before looking at alternative fuel systems.

New technology would include effieincies in the base powertrain, the widespread use of Mazda's i-Stop stop-start system and regenerative braking, while the company also want to improve gearbox performance as well as set tough targets for weight reduction.

"There will be no compromise in driving pleasure," said the spokesman.

The first model to benefit from the technology will be the CX-5 compact crossover, based on the Minagi concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011, due early in 2012.

Mazda will use lighter Euro 6-compliant engines, as well as lighter, more efficient manual and automatic gearboxes. The company also plans to offer the new generation automatic transmission with its diesel engines.

Its aim for overall weight saving is about 8% or 100kg lighter than the vehicles it replaces.