Mazda 3 e-Skyactiv X on test

Diesel in Mazda 3? The Japanese canceled due to low demand. With the e-Skyactiv X, however, there is a gasoline engine in the program that uses at least the diesel compression ignition (SPCCI) process.

In the latest version, the four-cylinder produces 186 hp instead of the previous 180 hp. Changes: revised pistons, improved combustion chamber shape, improved valve timing and compression ratio reduced from 16.3 to 15.0:1. Maximum torque increases by 16 to 240 Nm and is available at 3000 rpm.

It is not the most economical in the test

Also due to the long sixth gear and the extended working range of the SPCCI, the WLTP consumption has decreased to 0.5 liters. However, what represents a significant improvement in the consumption of the Mazda fleet is not confirmed in the test: At 6.7 l/100 km, the consumption is a tenth higher than that of the last test car, which is within the tolerance range of the measurement.

The engine is still very efficient, and best of all Mazda is pairing it with an excellent manual transmission. However, you should enjoy manual gearshifting, because this is often necessary for medium acceleration. From a technical point of view, e-Skyactiv X has a Root compressor, but it does not inject air into the combustion chambers to increase performance, but with the SPCCI process. In practice, the two-liter acts as a normal expected engine: the most obvious power development and the ability to turn the most stress is between 4500 and 6400 rpm. In this range, the engine pulls quite strongly, but at higher daily speeds, it moves forward more easily.

Driving dynamics and fun are convincing

When driving hard, you turn the motor directly towards center, which goes well with the chassis. 3 provides a lot of driving pleasure in curves, and you can also feel the concentration of cornering power in the well-tuned steering wheel. Brake force measurement is also accurate with the brake-by-wire system – and the Mazda stops after just 34.5 meters from 100 km/h.

In line with the driving dynamics, the suspension is a little taut, but the body always remains stable. The overall comfort is at a high level: due to the excellent ergonomics and the low seating position, the perfectly arranged armrests and the sound of the engine is limited. In addition, a high-quality interior with a good push-button operation that does not require a touch screen.

Opinion poll

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The revised, already efficient Skyactiv X doesn’t show any fuel-saving potential in the test. Driving comfort and dynamics are convincing, at high speeds the engine should rev up.