Mazda3 SP20 SkyActiv to achieve 6.1 litres/100km in Australia

Official details of the Mazda3’s new SkyActiv technology have been revealed following the launch of the upgraded model in Japan.

The new variant will be known as the Mazda3 SP20 SkyActiv in Australia when it goes on sale in the coming months. (CarAdvice is currently attending the local Mazda3 SP20 drive program and will provide a full review and more details in the coming days.)

The new Mazda3 SP20 SkyActiv will be powered by 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine and will be teamed to a six-speed automatic transmission (called SkyActiv-Drive).

Producing 113kW of power (at 6000rpm) and 194Nm of torque (at 4100rpm), the new engine’s performance is up 5kW/12Nm compared with the existing 2.0-litre MZR engine.

The best news is the new model's fuel consumption: 6.1 litres/100km on the combined cycle for the sedan, and 6.2 litres/100km for the hatch.

The combined rating makes the Mazda3 the most fuel-efficient petrol-powered automatic small car available in Australia, ahead of the Volkswagen Golf 118TSI Comfortline (6.5 litres/100km), Ford Focus (6.6 litres/100km), and the Holden Cruze 1.4iTi (6.9 litres/100km).

All models in the updated Mazda3 range get a revised front bumper and grille for a more refined appearance and better aerodynamic performance (Mazda3 sedan Cd=0.26, Mazda3 hatch Cd=0.28).

Silver highlights are used throughout the interior, while new materials increase the quality of the cabin’s feel.

Below the surface, all models promise to offer greater rigidity, added handling stability and reduced road noise thanks to a thicker body frame with a closed cross-section.

The chassis has also been tuned to provide more agile response to steering inputs and a more comfortable and reassuring ride.

The details above are based on the Japanese-specification Mazda3. Check back later this week for CarAdvice’s first drive impressions of the Mazda3 SP20 SkyActiv and additional Australian details.

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