Mazda SkyActiv-G 1.3 Litre Engine Debuts In Japan

Mazda's ultra-efficient 1.3 litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine made its debut in Japan today, where it will be offered as the entry-level engine in the Japanese-market Mazda2.

The unveiling of the 1.3 litre engine follows the debut late last month of the 2.0 litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine, destined for service globally in the Mazda3 SkyActiv.

The new small-capacity engine is the first of its type to be built in Japan with direct injection. Combined with the i-stop stop/start system and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the 1.3 litre SkyActiv-G engine lists fuel consumption figures of just 3.3 l/100km.

Mazda says its i-stop system alone has reduced fuel consumption by eight percent.

Power for the new 1.3 litre engine is rated at 62kW at 5400rpm, and 112Nm of torque at 4000rpm.

Like the 2.0 litre engine, the new 1.3 litre SkyActiv-G engine uses a higher compression ratio (12.0:1 for the 2.0, 14.0:1 for the 1.3), with specially-designed piston cavities that help to avoid the knocking normally caused by high temperatures and compression.

The 1.3 litre engine also marks the first appearance of Mazda's dual sequential valve timing system (dual S-VT) with an electronically-operated intake. 

The SkyActiv design also ensures 30 percent less mechanical friction, thanks to a narrower crankshaft, new roller followers and low-tension piston rings - the latter also working to reduce oil consumption.

Although the Mazda2 has long been offered in Japan with 1.3 and 1.5 litre engines, the Australian-delivered Mazda2 is currently offered with only the 76kW, 6.4 l/100km 1.5 litre petrol engine.

With strong sales for the 1.5 (second only to the Hyundai Getz in the light segment) and little customer demand for a more efficient engine, the new 1.3 litre engine is unlikely to debut in Australia.

The SkyActiv-G engine's larger 2.0 litre sibling is expected to debut in Australia later this year however, featured in the updated Mazda3 range.