Talking about hybrid powertrains again today – Mazda this week announcing its first hybrid offering with its SkyActive-X compression-ignition mild-hybrid powertrain available on its small Mazda3 from next month, to be followed not long after on its CX-30 compact SUV. The Mazda 3 X20 Astina available in manual and auto comes with a price premium, starting at $40,590, around $3,000 more to the 2.5-litre petrol G25 Astina. The new 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain uses compression ignition similar to a diesel however the petrol engine is said to combine the high-revving character of a petrol engine with the fuel efficiency and torque of a diesel. The engine can use both spark ignition and compression ignition in tandem, fuel efficiency maximized by an integrated belt-driven starter/generator and 24-volt lithium–ion battery which assists the engine and recoups lost energy during deceleration. The hybrid Mazda’s part of the company’s goal to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030.

I’m David Berthon

Click PLAY to listen!

Download this podcast here