Mazda Stays Loyal to Ultra-Clean Diesel
Mazda stays true to its engineering expertise to create an ultra-clean diesel motor with power and super-low emissions for its new CX-60 SUV.
It’s no micro motor either but a beefy 3.3-liter straight six-cylinder unit that’s able to claim a huge 2.5 metric ton towing capability while emitting just 137g/km of CO2. This new e-Skyactiv D diesel engine will be added to the Mazda CX-60- line-up in 2023, joining the PHEV CX-60, which is available to order now. It’s part of the automaker’s ‘Multi-Solution Approach’ and echoes the strategy of Toyota that has no plans to ditch ICE technology it sees as the quickest way to reducing real-world greenhouse emissions in vehicles. Mazda’s diesel is designed to meet the needs of customers who want an efficient, long distance driving car with towing capabilities.
It’s the first straight six the automaker has used featuring Distribution-Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition (DCPCI) Technology. This technology allows the e-Skyactiv D unit claim to be one of the cleanest diesel engines in the world, achieving a thermal efficiency of more than 40%.
It was developed using Mazda’s ‘right sizing’ concept which balances displacement to improve both fuel and power efficiency. The 3,283cc longitudinally installed common rail electric direct injection six-cylinder unit will be offered with a choice of two power outputs: 197bhp with rear-wheel drive and 250bhp with Mazda i-Activ AWD.
It also features a new 48v Mazda M Hybrid Boost system, coupled to the new DCPCI technology, contributing significantly to the CX-60’s driving range and performance. The top powered e-Skyactiv D claims a 0-60mph sprint time in 7.4 seconds and returns a WLTP average fuel consumption of a claimed 53.3mpg (44.38mpg US). The lower powered variant returns a WLTP average fuel consumption of 57.6mpg (47.96mpg US) with CO2 emissions of only 127g/km.
On top of this, as a result of its lightweight construction, the engine weighs about the same as the 2.2-liter Mazda Skyactiv D four-cylinder diesel engine used in the Mazda CX-5, which aids handling balance. An in-line straight-six 3.0-litre e-Skyactiv gasoline engine will join the e-Skyactiv D and e-Skyactiv PHEV to complete the Mazda CX-60 powerplant line-up at a later date.
In 2023, the company will launch a new model, the Mazda CX-80, which is larger than the Mazda CX-60 and features three rows of seating. With the all-new Mazda CX-60 PHEV available to order now for September delivery, the all-new Mazda CX-60 diesel will arrive in Europe in the first quarter of 2023.
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
