Mazda3 SKYACTIV-X engine specs confirmed

Details and tech specs of the highly-anticipated Mazda SKYACTIV-X supercharged petrol engine that will debut in the new Mazda3 in Australia from late 2019 have been revealed in Europe today.

The European numbers show the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine will generate 132kW (180hp) and 224Nm of torque, and all models come with a 24-volt mild hybrid system dubbed 'Mazda M Hybrid' technology.

By way of comparison, the new SKYACTIV-X generates more herbs than the current 2.0-litre engine (114kW/200Nm) but doesn't have as much muscle as the 2.5-litre engine (139kW/252Nm).

Those numbers are not class-leading in terms of performance but claimed fuel economy of 4.3L/100km (NEDC, manual models) is getting close to Toyota Prius levels of efficiency.

Using the 'real world' (WLTP) fuel economy figures, the claimed consumption is 5.4L/100km.

The 132kW/224Nm numbers are attained with premium low-sulfur European petrol (95 RON) and given Australia's poor quality fuel, the final outputs may be slightly different Down Under.

"We haven’t finalised [local] output numbers," Mazda Australia's senior PR manager Sonia Singh told carsales.com.au.

>> SKYACTIV-X explained

Mazda's new petrol engine incorporates HCCI (homogenous charge compression ignition) that can run without using its spark plugs (mainly required at start up), instead using a low-capacity supercharger, high-compression ratio and pressure to create a much leaner fuel burn inside the engine.

We'll be driving the new SKYACTIV-X-equipped Mazda3 in July, before its introduction in Australia later in 2019, where it is expected to command a price premium and only be offered in up-spec model-grades.

While sheer numbers don’t match the 2.5-litre petrol engine currently available, Mazda Australia insists that the new 2.0-litre engine and mild hybrid system will deliver better acceleration and performance.

In Europe, two transmissions will be offered, a six-speed manual and a six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic. Australia will likely be predominately auto, if manual is even offered.

In Europe both front- and all-wheel drive models are offered, but only FWD models will be offered in Australia.

The 24V hybrid system will recycle energy "recovered during deceleration that powers an electric motor that assists the engine" according to Mazda.

As it stands, European stats show CO2 emissions for the new 2.0-litre engine are as low as 96g/km, which compares favorably with the current 2.0 (144g/km) and 2.5 (153g/km) engines.