Short test: Mazda Mazda3 Skyactiv-X180 2WD GT-Plus // X factor?
That kind of persistence hasn't paid off for Mazda yet. Let's remember the ingenious design of the Wankel engine. They managed to prove that they know how to find solutions, but still they had flaws. What about the time when they pledged not to succumb to the downward trend in engine displacement through the use of turbochargers? Mazda's invention sounds like Skyactiv-X, but offers a solution that must combine the characteristics of a gasoline and diesel engine.... More precisely: it is a controlled double action when igniting a combustible mixture. This can be done as usual with a spark plug or compression ignition (as in diesel engines). Behind this are complex technological solutions that have taken Mazda a lot of time and money. And if we've waited a long time for a Mazda with an integrated Skyactiv-X engine, it's understandable that expectations were high too. Now we were finally able to test it on the Mazda3.
If we had high hopes for that, as Mazda boasted that the new engine would have the characteristics of a turbodiesel, the first disappointment was obvious. Otherwise, the numbers say that he should The 132 kW engine at 6.000 rpm and 224 torque at 3.000 rpm and 4,2 liters per 100 km did have some diesel performance, but in practice it turns out to be a little different.... Better flexibility than a conventional gasoline engine is hard to find. However, if we want to squeeze something out of the engine, it needs to be rotated at higher speeds. There the car jumps beautifully, but what if then the theory of fuel consumption collapses.
Let's be clear: Drivers who want a smooth, consistent drive will be satisfied with mid-range performance. The engine is extremely quiet, the work is calm, there are practically no vibrations. Those who want more responsiveness and dynamism while looking for lower consumption may be disappointed. Tlimbs due to the mild hybrid system, this is not very much, but still it grew from the promised 4,2 liters to 5,5 liters per 100 kilometers on our standard circle... Well, the dynamic drivers mentioned earlier will quickly go up to 7 liters or more.
The rest of the Mazda3 as a car can only be praised. Their ideology of approaching the premium class with a rich set of equipment, materials and performance turned out to be correct. Mazda buyers are basically looking for more equipment for their cars and here the Japanese have turned against them. The cabin feel is great, the ergonomics are good, the only thing that can be expected to improve in the future is the infotainment interface. The screen is large, transparent and well positioned, but the interfaces are sparse and the graphics are blurry.... Mazda also insists on its meters: they are only partially digitized with a 7-inch screen, but they are replacing it with a projection screen, which is part of the standard equipment.
Beneath the line, we can definitely say that the Skyactiv-X engine is a technologically advanced machine that feels good in the Mazda3. However, given the promises and the long wait, expectations were high, which does not mean that the engine is bad. In terms of effort alone, it strays too far from the classic naturally aspirated engine, which is already a good choice for Mazda.
Mazda Mazda3 Skyactiv-X180 2WD GT Plus
Basic data
| Sales: | Mazda Motor Slovenia Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Test model cost: | 30.420 EUR € |
| Base model price with discounts: | 24.790 EUR € |
| Test model price discount: | 30.420 EUR € |
| Power: | 132kW (180 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 8,6 with |
| Maximum speed: | 216 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 5,3l / 100km |
Costs (per year)
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - petrol - displacement 1.998 cm3 - maximum power 132 kW (180 hp) at 6.000 rpm - maximum torque 224 Nm at 3.000 rpm. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | the engine is driven by the front wheels - 6-speed manual transmission. |
| Capacity: | top speed 216 km/h - 0-100 km/h acceleration 8,6 s - average combined fuel consumption (ECE) 5,3 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 142 g/km. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.426 kg - permissible gross weight 1.952 kg. |
| External dimensions: | length 4.660 mm - width 1.795 mm - height 1.435 mm - wheelbase 2.725 mm - fuel tank 51 l. |
| Inner dimensions: | trunk 330–1.022 XNUMX l |
evaluation
The revolutionary Skyactiv-X engine is the result of Mazda's insistence on the principle of non-turbo assistance in gasoline engines.
We praise and reproach
Workmanship
Materials
Feeling in the salon
Quiet and quiet engine operation
Engine responsiveness is maintained
Fuel consumption for dynamic driving
