SKYACTIV turbo engine uncertain for Mazda CX-30

The turbocharged 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G engine under the bonnet of both the Mazda6 and the Mazda CX-5 is not (yet) slated for the latest SUV to join the range, the Mazda CX-30.

But nor is it specifically ruled out.

Mazda has named three engines for the CX-30 as of the new SUV's launch in Geneva this week: 2.0-litre petrol, 1.8-litre diesel and 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-X (with HCCI technology). Those three all displace less than 2.0 litres, which is a cut-off point for taxation in Europe, and CX-30 looks like it could be tailor-made for Europe.

Through an interpreter, Ichiro Hirose, head honcho for Mazda powertrain development, told carsales at the Geneva motor show last week that the naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre engine will also be offered in other markets.

"The planned powertrain line-up is 2.5-litre...," he confirmed. "That's naturally-aspirated, 2.5-litre, 2.0-litre petrol, also the 1.8-litre diesel with the turbo and also 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-X. We will then, according to region and market needs, use this [line-up] as an introduction to CX-30.

"Currently we haven't included the 2.5 turbo."

Asked about the prospect of the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine for the CX-30 – in light of the sales success in Australia for that engine variant in the Mazda CX-5 – Hirose-san dismissed any likelihood the forced-induction petrol engine will put in an appearance in the CX-30, in the short term at least.

"Probably alluding to the MPS – the performance series – are we keeping the 2.5-litre turbo for that? Currently we have no special plans for any of that at the moment, but having said that, it is always a balance between the product itself and what the market demand is going to be.

"So we're not completely ruling it out. It's not going to be the same powertrain line-up indefinitely, but currently we don't have any plans for a 2.5 turbo."

Asked earlier whether either of the large-displacement petrol engines would be offered in the CX-30 for Australia, or even whether the importer would demand that on behalf of local consumers, Mazda Australia MD, Vinesh Bhindi, told carsales that nothing is decided as yet.

“From our point of view, yes, it's a little bit early to confirm, the specs, the grades, pricing, engines, the whole lot,” he said.

“But, our strategy is about offering consumers choices. And we will offer as many choices as we possibly can, as long as it makes sense. So from MA's [Mazda Australia's] point of view, for our market all of those details are yet to be locked in.

“Whether we have that powertrain or not, we'll know in due course.

“So we would like to consider everything that's available, where they make sense for our market.”