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New SkyActiv-Z technology is promised to prolong the life of Mazda's six-cylinder engines by reducing emissions and improving fuel economy, as other brands embrace more hybrid and electric cars.
Mazda intends to futureproof the 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder engine in its CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 SUV models with new SkyActiv-Z technology that will debut in the next-generation CX-5.
Announced today, Mazda will apply its new SkyActiv-Z engine technology to the six-cylinder motor, and is set to cut the number of available powertrains in its stable in half, aiding in reducing fleet emissions to meet tightening regulations.
This puts at risk high-pollutant Mazda engines like the 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that emits 191 grams of CO2 per kilometre in the CX-5 – more than the larger 3.3-litre turbo-petrol inline six-cylinder engine in the CX-60.
Mazda has confirmed an engine from the SkyActiv-Z family – likely a four-cylinder – will be used in conjunction with the brand’s in-house hybrid system that will debut in the third-generation CX-5 mid-size SUV in the next 18 months.
The CX-5 is expected to break cover later this year, likely launching in market with the non-electrified version of the SkyActiv-Z engine that is designed to meet stringent new Euro 7 emissions rules in Europe.
There are no hints on the performance potential of the engine, or its size, but Mazda states it is “close to the ultimate combustion, achieving both high fuel economy and driving performance.”
For reference, the current CX-5 line-up starts in Australia with a Europe-friendly 2.0-litre engine – which produces 121kW overseas, but 115kW in Australia – a 140kW 2.5-litre four-cylinder, and a 170kW 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine.
European CX-5s are also still available with the 2.2-litre twin-turbo diesel engine that was discontinued in Australia in 2023.
The first of the SkyActiv-Zs is likely to be a small displacement, four-cylinder petrol engine – possibly a 2.0-litre – to slot into a particular tax bracket based on engine size in certain countries.
In addition, learning from the SkyActiv-Z program will also filter up into 'Large Platform' cars such as the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90, prolonging the life of the 3.3-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engines.
With the goal of improving thermal efficiency, it should in turn reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions without a detrimental effect on performance or outputs.
Mazda has previously stated its new petrol and diesel six-cylinder engines will have a lifespan beyond 2030 after arriving locally in 2023 with the CX-60.
The SkyActiv-Z technology will also be used in conjunction with a rotary engine, helping make the engine type less environmentally impactful.
Also part of the announced Lean Asset Strategy is reaffirmation that Mazda's first dedicated, in-house battery electric vehicle (BEV) is due to debut in 2027.
By utilising existing manufacturing assets and the same production line as petrol and diesel vehicles, the upfront cost to produce the electric vehicle (EV) can be reduced by 85 per cent and 'time to market' reduced by 80 per cent, when compared with building a new, dedicated factory, Mazda says.
This means Mazda’s next electric car would line up against the likes of the Telsa Model Y, Toyota bZ4X, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Ford Mustang Mach-E, as well as Chinese rivals like the Leapmotor C10 BEV, Xpeng G6, and Geely EX5.
Mazda’s new EV will follow the MX-30 electric, which was on sale in Australia for less than two years, and the EZ-6/Mazda 6e, which is a joint-venture model built in China with its Changan partner.
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
