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The 2019 all-new Mazda3 has finally made its arrival amongst our shores, making its debut in Australia late March 2019.
This highly anticipated release is proving to be the talk of the industry with a large number of enthusiasts jumping on waitlists for updates and early viewing.
When Mazda flashed us a peek at its all-new model last year at the LA auto show, it was obvious the lengths Mazda have gone to push the limits of the Mazda 3 design. Featuring new body design, new interior, new engine, and for the first time ever (in the US) an all-wheel-drive option.
As you approach the all-new 2019 Mazda 3, it’s easy to see the change. Although still modeling its predecessor, there is enough change to standout in the crowd. From the front, the Mazda3 has clearly taken on some beautiful influence of the Kai concept launched at the Tokyo Motor Show back in 2017 and is coming into line with the look of the current model CX-5 range.
As we move around the car you notice the smoothing of some historically distinctive sharper details especially in the hatch, and progressing to the rear of the car you can’t help but notice the dropping of the shoulder line that defined the hatchback’s proportions.
In my opinion, this softens the previous sportiness of the hatch and starts to create a more sleek and classy, almost prestige feel to the design.
In true Mazda nature, the interior of the new Mazda 3 has been improved in almost every way. The general layout is similar to the previous model but all the elements look more cohesive than before.
A standout feature is the new design of the rotary dial for the infotainment system. With its larger dial and new layout, it’s the perfect compliment to the newly designed MZD connect interface.
With some general tweaks to the dash, air con controls, and center console, there is now a more streamlined feel to the interior. Feeling more connected and flowing and raising the bar for their already comfortable ride.
The 2019 Mazda 3 will launch the new version of the Mazda connect system. Upgrading from the previous 7-inch unit to its new 8.8-inch display, and will come with a newly designed operating system believed to be even easier to use than what we currently have on offer.
Hatchback: The new hatchback is almost identical in size to the previous model, only falling 0.6 inches shorter in height.
Sedan: Coming in at 183.5 inches long, 70.8 inches wide and 56.7 inches tall. The 2019 Mazda3 sedan is the same width as the previous model but is now 3.2 inches longer and 0.6 inches shorter in height.
Wheelbase: The wheelbase of the new Mazda 3 is coming in 1 inch longer than the previous model, now at 107.3 inches.
We are fairly sure we won’t be seeing the all-wheel-drive or hybrid versions (at least not right away).
G20 Pure:
G20 Evolve (additional to G20 Pure):
G20 Touring (additional to G20 Evolve):
G25 Evolve (additional to G20 Evolve):
G25 GT (additional to G25 Evolve):
G25 Astina (additional to G25 Evolve):
Not all colours are available in both the hatchback and sedan and Mazda have introduced a fantastic new colour to their already beautiful range referred to as Polymetal Grey Metallic, only available in the hatchback. Colour charts available in the brochure download.
Hatchback Colours:
Sedan Colours:
How much does a brand new Mazda3 hatchback or sedan cost? Price varies depending on your preferred grade and whether you require automatic or manual transmission. Final drive away price can also vary state to state depending on local on-road fees. Below is a price guide of what you will pay in Australia excluding on-road costs.
| Mazda 3 Grade | Manual/Auto |
| G20 Pure - 2.0L | $24,990/$25,990 |
| G20 Evolve - 2.0L | $26,690/$27,690 |
| G20 Touring - 2.0L | $28,990/$29,990 |
| G25 Evolve - 2.5L | $29,490/$30,490 |
| G25 GT - 2.5L | $33,490/$34,490 |
| G25 Astina - 2.5L | $36,990/$37,990 |
Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey and Polymetal Grey paints cost $495 AUD extra.
Brand new and recent model Mazda 3's are highly competitive and affordable when it comes to maintenance costs, and are no more expensive than competitors such as the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic.
The vast availability of parts and lower importing costs (compared to European cars) allows Mazda to keep their servicing schedules affordable.
Find Your Local Service Centre
Meeting the markets demand, Mazda now offers a full 5-year manufacturers warranty (previously only 3 years). Thanks to their competitors - Hyundai 5-year warranty, Toyota 5-year warranty, Honda 5-year warranty and Kia with their whopping 7-year warranty, for example, Mazda's previous 3 years just wasn't meeting expectations.
Read full warranty terms and conditions HERE!
As of April 1st, 2019, Mazda now include 5 years of their premium roadside assistance with the purchase of any new vehicle. Depending on your current provider this means a saving of approximately $500 plus over the 5 year period. Not a bad little inclusion.
Read full roadside assist terms and conditions HERE!
The mazda3 is one of the most popular vehicles in Australia, so the launch of a new one is always a big deal. But what's really interesting this time around is how the company has moved even further upmarket like we've seen with the new generation Toyota Corolla and the Evergreen Volkswagen Golf.
There's no longer any base model per se, instead, the entry price is a few thousand dollars higher than before at $24,990 before on-road costs, topping out at$37,990 before on-road costs for the flagship Astina.
Naturally, in return for that, you get more high-tech luxury and safety features than before and much sleeker design than its predecessor which it has to be said was hardly frumpy, to begin with.
So getting the new and the old side by side really does show the differences, this car certainly looks more dynamic and aggressive. You've got this beautiful raking line running down the rear, this really big C pillar that gives it a real sense of muscularity and stance compared to the previous one which has a similar shape but less pronounced.
Obviously, a slimmer side window that doesn't help out with visibility but it really does improve the styling compared to the previous one as you can see, there's no character line running down the side it's just smooth surfaces so it really plays with light and shadows, especially in the cherry red paint.
As we move further forward you can see that the side mirror is narrower than previous, obviously different wheel designs and different tires but it's the different front designs of the two that really grabbed me.
The new Mazda 3 is really sleek and simple, just one set of lights with integrated indicators and LEDs, a much bolder blacked-out grille a far better first impression all around.
Naturally, as you would expect the interior on this new one is also a significant step up from its predecessor, just like with the exterior, Mazda has gone to great lengths to make the interior feel more sophisticated.
I really like the driver orientation, vents on either side of the instruments kind of wrap around you, the screen faces you, you really do feel like you're at one with the vehicle.
There's a greater breadth of steering wheel and seat adjustability, it's quite comfortable compared to before and you sit nice and low in the vehicle it definitely differentiates it from an SUV.
That new infotainment system, well thankfully it gets an upgrade over the slightly glitchy old one. You've now got Apple Carplay and android auto which is excellent, and a whole new range of software and hardware.
There's no longer a touchscreen option which is interesting, instead, everything is controlled by a rotary dial which we see in things like Audis and BMWs.
And all your information is also projected onto the windscreen in a head-up display that’s standard even on the base grades which is really unusual for the class.
The companies definitely gone above and beyond with this interior but there is a little bit of a downside which is practicality.
It doesn't exactly have the most spacious or generous back seats, legroom is really limited a bit like we've seen with that new Corolla. Headroom is alright but on the tight side, that C pillar is absolutely enormous which greatly limits outward visibility.
It's almost like Mazda has accepted that anyone regularly carrying backseat occupants is going to buy an SUV anyway.
The boot is also a little bit smaller than before though it is larger than the Corollas. The new hatch is actually slightly lower and shorter than the outgoing model but sits on a 25 mm longer wheelbase.
It also weighs between 39 and 55 kilograms more depending on spec grade because of the revised platform.
Unlike the rest of the car, the engine in the new Mazda 3 is basically indistinguishable from those used in its predecessor. Entry models dubbed g20 retained the 2 liters naturally aspirated SKYACTIV petrol engine that can run on 91 Ron fuel and uses either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Producing 114 kilowatts of power and 200 Newton meters of torque, higher grades such as the Astina used a 2.5 litre SKYACTIV-G, and naturally, they're dubbed G 25. The outputs are slightly higher than before, 139 kilowatts of power and 252 Newton meters.
And once again they get both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearboxes.
The much anticipated SKYACTIV X engine arrives at the end of this year, we don't know a whole lot of tech details but we do know that it has a world first spark guided compression ignition and a 48-volt mild hybrid system.
And what that promises is the fuel economy and the torque of a diesel, with the refinement and the response of a petrol engine so naturally we can't wait to get behind the wheel of that.
The platform and body are said to be stiffer now while the suspension has been completely overhauled. The McPherson strut arrangement remains at the front with some tweaks, but at the rear, there's now a cheaper and easier to package torsion beam setup which is a similar approach to what we've seen on the new Ford Focus and the Mercedes-Benz A-class.
A major focus was on reducing noise, vibration, and harshness and we'll get in a sec to whether that's worked or not.
Mazda has also fettled its G vectoring Plus system that cuts the engine torque according to steering inputs, effectively transferring the cars weight and improving stability and turning.
The most important element to any car for me is the driving position, and the Mazda 3 is really good in that regard. It really feels like a sporty coupe-like hatchback and kind of an anti SUV from behind the wheel which is really the point.
You sit nice and low in the car, the steering wheel falls easily in the hand and there's plenty of adjustability.
The instruments wrap around you and there's the head-up display giving you all the information that you need without taking your eyes off the road, so big tick there.
The company's also really improved two areas on the old 3 that did annoy me somewhat. So the NVH suppression is much better than before, it's much quieter it irons out tire and wind noise better than before.
There are a lot more sound deadening materials used, as a stiffer body there are rubber mounts throughout the interior of the car to really minimize the vibrations you get so a huge improvement there.
That really improves the interior dynamic and you can hold a conversation much more easily than before.
I also like the improvements made to the steering it's still quite positive and direct and gives you plenty of feedback but there's no longer any kickback through the wheel when you hit a bump mid-corner, and that was something that used to drive me a bit nuts on the previous generation car.
In terms of ride quality, it's obviously a little bit firmer than average, but that really sort of suits the cars sporty aesthetic and it's never uncomfortable.
One bugbear that I do have is the outward visibility clearly through that massive C pillar, it's a bit hard to see out at times but you do get plenty of technology to help you out.
So this car we're driving has blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera, all the technology you need to really help you out and that's quite impressive.
So all told I think Mazdas managed to really retain the DNA that's always made the Mazda 3 standout dynamically but improved on those few areas of concern that we had before, so a really good effort.
And I think that combined with the much sleeker exterior design and the more upmarket interior make this a far better proposition than its predecessor.
It's certainly one of the most engaging cars in class, certainly not the most practical but we would argue that most people that want practicality are probably going to buy an SUV anyway.
And that price point well, it might be a bit higher than before but you're definitely getting what you pay for when it comes to in-car tech.
So a big tick from us on our first impression of the Mazda 3 on local roads.
Well, this might be Mazdas small car but it's a big new model, the next generation Mazda 3.
Put in front of media for the first time since it was unveiled at the 2018 Los Angeles Motor Show, the new look hatch and sedan will give Mazda a new rival for the recently launched Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus and the popular Hyundai i30.
First impression is that this is a much more contemporary looking pair, with the hatchback making a statement for its thick curve C pillar, and the sedan a sleek new contender.
It might even lure new buyers with its longer footprint that increases the wheelbase and the boot space for the sedan.
Unfortunately, the hatchback, though on a longer wheelbase, gets a smaller boot. Probably a sacrifice for that curved rear end.
Well, the design changes aren't just reserved for outside, there's been quite a comprehensive change inside as well.
Mazda’s certainly aiming for more upmarket feel here when you compare it to some of the competitors, it has a very sleek layout.
Change like the large infotainment system spawns further away and it's easier to see, less of a distraction, but it has a nice rotary control dial as well. So you don't have to use a touchscreen, it doesn't feel like it's a bit haphazard in use.
As well as that it has a really nice steering wheel, it’s resculptured, it does feel very nice in the hands, it looks great.
A new dash layout in front with a 7-inch round screen inside and gages either side, it just looks a lot sleeker and it is quite comfortable.
The seats have been reworked, the ergonomics is quite a key theme. And in the back there's some really nice room, I've got a pretty tall frame but there's definitely enough knee room, you can move that seat around in front of me a little bit if you like and I've definitely got enough headroom. So it just feels like a nicer more spacious cabin than it's been before.
Underpinning this 4th generation model is SKYACTIV vehicle architecture, that is said to improve ride and handling and comes with a list of new safety features.
They include a cabin mounted infrared camera that detects if the driver is distracted or drowsy. New front cross traffic warning, 360-degree camera, and automatic traffic follow assist technology that works at up to 60 kilometers an hour.
It will also see the introduction of the innovative SKYACTIV-X engine. Though on this test we're only driving SKYACTIV-G engines.
Some of the most exciting news in this new model 3 will be the SKYACTIV-X engine, however that's not available for us to drive on this preview drive in the US instead we're driving the SKYACTIV-G engine, so it's a 2 liter and 2.5 liter made it to an automatic and a manual transmission and all of that should hopefully be available in Australia.
And for a small car like this, that's plenty of motor especially the 2.5 liters.
There's also been quite a focus on NVH and ride and handling as part of the SKYACTIV vehicle architecture.
And so far in the preview drive that seems to have paid off because it's pretty calm and quiet inside the cabin.
It's not as much road noise, it doesn't seem like there's as much road noise coming in off the road and the tires feel a bit quieter.
We will get different spec tires of course in Australia but everything's pretty calm and the ride and the handling is quite compliant, but it also has quite a nice feel in the steering.
A little more improved, you mix that in with the strong engines and it feels like quite a nice all-around package.
It'll be great to see what the SKYACTIV-X engine’s like, more efficient, more power, should really provide potentially quite a key model that does come but for the moment this preview drive, what we're seeing is quite a well-rounded package.
Something that should come into the market and really give the Mazda3 a bit more punch that has been lacking in the last couple of years to its competitors.
The SKYACTIV 2 liter engine will come in two Tunes, one very similar to the current model on sale and this one on test, that is a mild hybrid version with less power at 90 kilowatts, but more torque producing 213 Newton meters.
It uses a very mild 24-volt belt-driven integrated starter generator, which is basically an electric motor to propel the car from a standstill or at very low speeds.
And it helps fuel efficiency that is claimed in this model at 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers.
Unfortunately, we're yet to receive details on what spec Australia will receive, but the overall finish and polish of the test models make for a convincing new rival.
The mild hybrid engine works seamlessly but it might not arrive down under. Instead, we should see the SKYACTIV-X engine arrived but that motor won't be available until late 2019.
Regardless, the improvement in ride, handling, and cabin comfort has been a success.
No, as with most new cars the Mazda 3 no longer comes standard with a CD play.
I believe this is due to the evolution of technology with audio streaming becoming a common thing and general research that people just aren't using CD's in their car that much anymore. It's bulky and messy and really, your CD's get destroyed.
Mazda 3 does not currently offer a turbo option, although a turbocharged Mazda 3 is definitely a future possibility.
There is no confirmation at this stage but reports say that Mazda is most likely to use its 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine as seen in the CX-5, CX-9 and Mazda 6.
Mazda is the most reliable car around... in my opinion. But! that is based on my hands-on experience working in dealerships and owning a Mazda for several years.
Based on my research, life long Mazda owners always had good things to say. Pay attention to every car you ever see broken down and think about how many are actually Mazda, not many, if any.
There is a reason why it is still common to see Mazda 323's, Tributes, CX-7's etc driving around and why so many people are happy to spend good money even to get a used car, because they just wont die!
Sure, you might get a lemon, but that can happen with any brand.
All cars lose value the moment you drive them out of the dealer. But Mazda holds their value far better than most due to a combination of affordable pricing, reliability, affordable maintenance, but mainly because they do not do fleet sales.
Now, if you are talking to a car broker or leasing company who is also getting their commission you may be told otherwise, but I can guarantee you, Mazda does not offer fleet discounts, and this is one of the biggest reasons they hold value. (I was a Mazda Corporate Sales Consultant)
Competitors such as Toyota, Hyundai and many more offer fleet incentives passed down from head office, basically allowing ABN holders to get better discounts especially when they buy lots of cars.
This is great for the company when buying but unfortunately this means a few years later when for example taxi drivers need to upgrade, they flood the market with cheap Toyota's, same with hire cars, etc. This means cheaper options for buyers and brings down the overall value of the cars quite a lot.
So although Mazda might be a little more up front. You will have quite a lot more in the pocket when it's time to upgrade.
Mazda has recently announced a recall issue regarding a potential fault with the seat belt and front passenger airbag indicator lamps in some new 2019 model Mazda 3.
Although no mechanical issues, the fault can still cause risk to passengers and requires immediate attention.
Seat belt: This issue relates to the front passenger status indicator which may turn off even though the front passenger seat belt is unfastened.
There are no mechanical issues with the seat belt but this issue may be misleading to both the driver and passenger and could become potentially fatal if an accident was to occur.
Airbag Indicator: Don't worry, this isn't another Takata issue, the airbag is fine (to our knowledge).
Mazda claim the passenger airbag (no indication of which one) is mechanically fine and working.
This is simply another indicator light issue where the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may not illuminate even though the passenger airbag is deactivated.
Luckily this issue was rectified early in the production release meaning only 231 registered as potentially having the fault.
A full VIN list of affected cars is available for download: Download Mazda 3 VIN list.
Or head to Mazda's official VIN check system to check your car of all possible recalls.
If you are looking to buy a car, nothing. It is against the law for a dealer to sell a car with a know recall. If any cars are in unsold stock the dealership will be informed by Mazda and fixed before sale, you will never even know it was there.
If you have already bought a car and are concerned. Go to the link above and check your VIN for any recalls. If your car is affected simply contact your local dealer and they will advise you through the process.
Now you know everything about the new 2019 Mazda 3, you're ready to take one for a drive! Head over to our dealer directory to find your local Mazda dealers.
Still, have a question? Did we actually miss something? Head over to our Facebook group and post your question.
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Mazdas i-stop saves fuel by automatically switching off the engine while you’re stopped.
When the engine is it an operating temperature and you come to a complete stop, i-stop will automatically switch off the engine.
The system keeps the engine ready to ignite, so when you lift your foot off the brakes the engine restarts almost instantly and you’re ready to go.
To temporarily deactivated i-stop, press the i-stop off switch. Note the system reactivates each time you turn off the car.
SKYACTIV technology not only helps with fuel efficiency but lessens your carbon footprint as well because one of the key aspects of SKYACTIV technology is i-stop.
Say you’re traveling along and you’re stuck in a traffic jam, approaching an intersection or set of lights. Simply put your foot on the brake, and i-stop automatically kills the engine.
Without touching the steering wheel, turning your keys or hitting the start/stop button.
Simply take your foot off the brake, i-stop switches the engine back on and you’re off.
Mazdas i-stop uses combustion to restart the engine in roughly half the time of other conventional systems. That’s pretty impressive.
There’s a lot of smarts behind i-stop and it’s all there in your owner’s manual but here’s a few things to keep in mind.
I-stop needs a base amount of charge to function, so it becomes operational after the engines warmed up. I-stop is ready when its indicator light eliminates green in the dash.
The other thing to remember is that i-stop only works when you’ve applied the brake and you’re holding it down.
The steering wheel needs to be reasonably straight if you turn the wheel significantly when pulling up i-stop won’t cut the engine out.
Also, if you got the air conditioning on maximum settings i-stop won’t work. It also won’t work if you’re on an incline, if you’re in reverse, if the doors are open or if the driver’s seat belt is unfastened.
If you decide at any stage that you want to override the i-stop system, you just simply press the button on the right-hand side of the dash and the engine operates as per normal.
Again, check the owner’s manual for all the details on i-stop functionality.
I-stop is a part of Mazdas SKYACTIV technology and is available in Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-3 SUV, CX-5 SUV, CX-9 SUV.
Note: The system reactivates every time you turn off the car.
This has been a frequently asked for many years now. And I would love to show you exactly how to do it! But, unfortunately, I can’t. Well, at least not at this point in time.
Currently, there is no way to permanently disable the idle stop function, at least there isn’t a genuine “Mazda” way to disable it…
I have heard several theories as to why, such as “it’s a safety function”. But my personal opinion ( this is just a theory, I have no actual evidence to prove this ) is that, due to more stringent government fuel economy and emissions regulations, car manufacturers practically have to install the function and have it defaulted to on in order to pass inspections.
But I have a solution! Thankfully there are many smart and savvy people out there getting creative with their own solutions. Now I don’t recommend any of these online solutions as I just don’t know if they have any side effects, cause any damage to the car or even void warranties, but some of the community over at Mazda 3 Revolution have some simple ideas you might want to check out. Just do plenty of research before attempting anything.
Mazda’s require (prefer) a specific Skyactiv battery, this is a heavier grade or known as a deep-cycle battery designed to handle more varying loads due to i-stop’s regular start/stop function. It’s similar to the idea of a regular battery and an alkaline battery.
Newer car technologies are becoming more electronics based which in turn puts a heavier load on the car’s battery.
Mazda has created a great solution to help counteract this referred to as i-Eloop, this feature is currently only available in Mazda 6. Read more about i-Eloop.
Mazda has always placed a high emphasis on safety and that continues with the all-new Mazda3 being one of the safest small cars in Australia.
How is it safe? Well firstly underneath the body is MAIDAS, Mazdas advanced impact distribution and absorption system.
Now put simply that means that hidden underneath is a strong rigid structure, almost like a cage that works by absorbing the force of the impact and then redirecting it, to help protect the occupants.
As well as MAIDAS, Mazda has included the full suite of i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety technologies in the all-new Mazda3.
i-ACTIVSENSE is the umbrella term that Mazda has given to features like, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, radar cruise control and smart city brake support, just to name a few
All of these have been developed to help support the driver and to detect hazards even, take evasive action if necessary, to lessen the likelihood have an accident occurring.
I’ll give you an example. Blind spot monitoring works using radars at the back of the car that will detect if another vehicle is in your blind spot.
And it will alert you with little orange warning lights in the side mirrors.
Another feature I just mention which is new to Mazda 3 is smart city brake support. Now the way that works is by using a laser at the top of the windscreen, that when at low speeds will automatically detect vehicles in front and apply the brakes for you if it thinks a collision is about to happen.
Now that will come in very handy if you spend a lot of time in heavy traffic or in and around the city.
There’s way too much to talk about when it comes to safety and the all-new Mazda 3 but, rest assured with all the technology that’s being built into these cars, it’s just one less thing that you need to worry about.
Mazda have a rapidly growing reputation for their safety and technology advancements, and the Active Driving Display or Heads Up Display is a new feature not to be missed. Mazdas Active Driving Display is featured in selected models of Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6, Mazda CX-3 small SUV and the brand-new Mazda CX-9.
Bring a whole new meaning to safe driving. Mazdas Heads Up Display allows the driver to keep full and uninterrupted focus on the road and potential hazards, without the need to look away to check speed and navigation information as was a must in the past.
Don’t spend thousands extra buying top spec car models just to get a heads up display. For under $100 the Discover HUD will project your speed and other car information to your windscreen in your direct line of sight just as well, if not better than a factory fitted accessory.
Mazdas Active Driving Display shows important driving information like current speed, next turn directions from the satellite navigation and safety alerts.
It’s positioned directly in front of the driver which means it feeds you all the information without you needing to take your eyes off the road.
You can adjust the height at the display to match your eye-line. From the MZD connect menu go to Settings, AD-Display, select height, then rotate the command to adjust the height.
From the AD-Display tab you can set additional functions such as brightness control, setting it to either automatic adjustment or manual. And Calibration.
You can deactivate or active whether the system displays navigation and speed information, allowing complete control over your driving experience.
More information about the active driving display see your owner’s manual.
Over 95 percent in the world uses petrol and diesel combustion engines now and even by 2020, ninety percent still will be, that leaves only ten percent using alternatives.
Car’s that run on electric, hydrogen and biofuels have potential, and we’re working on alternatives to. But the solutions most car makers have come up with so far, either offer up the driving exhilaration of a couple of squirrels on a treadmill, or are so expensive they’re just not realistic for most people.
To really affect global fuel consumption and emissions right now, you have to use something the globe actually uses right now.
Rethink the combustion engine, make it better and accessible to everyone, and you make a difference, a big difference.
How big? Consider that current combustion engines waste about 70 percent of the fuel’s potential energy. That’s a lot of room for improvement.
Our overall goal was to get 15 percent better fuel economy and a 15 percent improvement in low midrange talk from the same engine, all on regular fuel.
Two enormous guerrillas stood in our way. The First was figuring out how to capture more energy from the fuel.
To achieve this, we knew we had to raise the compression ratio which gives this a bigger power stroke in the combustion chamber.
The higher the compression ratio, the more energy you get from the combustion. But a high compression ratio usually ends up causing knock, which is when the air/fuel mixture ignites too soon, because it’s too hot inside the Chamber, so we had to cool things off.
Using some huge engineering muscle we came up with innovative solutions to do just that. Like a high-pressure 6 hold direct fuel injector, that fires petrol into the cylinder in stages for more stable air/fuel mixture, and a little volcano like pocket in the piston that gives the early part of the explosion a place to go without heating up the top of the piston.
To get all the hot exhaust out without shooting into the other cylinders which only heats things up again, we added a longer exhaust manifold used in racecars called a header.
Everyday cars don’t use headers because of the emission problems they create, but our advanced direct injection system solved that issue too.
That’s how we got more energy from the fuel.
The second gorilla was making sure we weren’t losing any of those improvements on the way to the wheels. So we reduced friction inside the engine by a whopping thirty percent. How? by sweating every little detail.
We improved oil pump efficiency by 74 percent and water pump efficiency by 31 percent, reduced friction from the moving parts like the pistons, rods and crank shaft by 25 percent.
Reduced valve train friction by 54 percent, and even reduce the effort the engine exerts to suck in fresh air by 13 percent.
When it was all over, we had done what couldn’t be done, achieving more talk better, performance and higher efficiency.
Congratulations Rudolf Diesel, the engine you invented in 1893 has come a long way. No longer sootie clattering workhorses, today’s diesel engines are quiet, durable and cleaner than ever.
They’re also around 30 percent more fuel-efficient than comparable petrol engines, yet deliver much more talk and power.
With these improvements came compromises. To run their high combustion pressures, conventional diesels need heavy, industrial strength parts that sap driving performance. And cleaning up their nitrogen oxide emissions often requires costly aftertreatment systems.
So we saw a big opportunity to create more torque, better fuel economy, less weight and lower emissions.
First we dropped the compression ratio to the lowest in the world for a diesel, 14:1 this delays combustion by just half a millisecond, which is enough time for the air and fuel to mix more thoroughly, reducing hot spots of oxygen and fuel that would otherwise turn into pollutants.
Bingo, our combustion is so clean that we meet the toughest emission standards without an expensive nitrogen oxide aftertreatment system.
And while low compression would normally mean a loss in efficiency, we actually improved it, because our clean slate approach allows us to optimize the combustion timing which gives us a longer effected expansion stroke.
Another challenge with low compression diesels is getting ignition going when the engine is not warmed up, so we use ultra-high pressure piezo fuel injectors that are so fast and powerful they create a rich air fuel mixture that’s easier to ignite. Then, a patented variable valve lift system recycles hot exhaust gases back into the combustion chamber to quickly warm the engine up.
Best of all, our engines low compression ratio doesn’t require the usual heavy industrial grade parts. As a result the engines weight was slashed by 10 percent.
By using a lighter crank and pistons, and an aluminium block rather than cast iron. This allows us to build lighter, more balanced vehicles with much better handling.
Mechanical friction was also decreased, resulting in lower fuel consumption and an exceptionally high red line of 5200 rpm.
When we were done we, had created a beast with much more torque at low and high speeds, yet twenty percent lower fuel consumption than its predecessor.
The SKYACTIV-D 2.2 liter twin-turbo diesel, delivers the driving performance of a 4 litre V8, the cleanliness of the latest clean petrol engines, and the fuel economy a hybrid.
With such dramatic improvements, Mr Diesel himself might not recognize it, but no doubt, he’d love to drive it.
IMPORTANT UPDATE! Due to there being several updates by Mazda regarding how to update your sat nav. We will be completely rewriting and updating this article in the coming weeks to reflect Mazda’s current systems and provide a more detailed explanation of both current and older models. Please bookmark this page and check back soon, or join our email list to stay informed.
Mazda’s new MZD Connect satellite navigation system is industry leading, boasting highest quality and accuracy while easier to use than ever before.
3 years of free map updates are provided by Mazda, providing you with the most accurate and enjoyable driving experience.
Map updates are released twice a year, once in the months between March to May and September to November.
Related: Mazda Satellite Navigation (GPS) – MZD Connect
This will show you how to update the maps of the MZD connect system.
To complete this update you will need, the SD card from your Mazda, a computer, and an SDHC compatible card reader.
In your vehicle, remove the SD card that stores the map files. Go to mazda.com.au, select owners in the top menu, scroll down and select MZD connect.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select navigation, select update my maps. Download the Mazda toolbox application, and install.
Open Mazda toolbox, insert the SD card into the SDHC card reader.
Register your details in your Mazda toolbox. Once successful, you’ll receive an email to confirm your registration.
Returned back to your Mazda toolbox and click on available updates, then select Install. Enter a name to backup your data. Mazda toolbox will then download and update the maps on the SD card.
When your SD card has been successfully updated, please insert your SD card back into your vehicle to enjoy Mazda’s latest map updates.
Smart City Brake Support is an intelligent system designed by Mazda to help prevent or reduce the impact and damage to your vehicle during low-speed accidents.
Altho we are all amazing driver’s, distractions arise and accidents, especially in traffic at low speeds. It can be as little as your foot slipping of the pedal, a child screaming or the car in front braking suddenly.
SCBS offers that added security for you, your family and your car.
Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support, or SCBS helps to prevent or soften the impact of low-speed collisions. SCBS operates between speeds of 4 and 30 kilometers per hour.
A laser sensor at the top of the windscreen detects vehicles up to 6 metres in front, if it detects a high-risk of impact, this system will prime the brakes to help you stop more quickly. If you don’t brake, SCBS will apply the brakes to prevent or lessen the impact.
Smart City Brake Support, part of Mazda’s iACTIVESENSE safety technology.
Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support Reverse helps to prevent low-speed collisions when you’re reversing. At speeds between 2 to 8 kilometers per hour ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper monitor behind your car.
If the system determines that a collision is unavoidable, it will alert you with a warning in the cabin and automatically apply the brakes. This helps to prevent or reduce the impact of a collision.
Smart City brake Support Reverse, part of Mazda’s iACTIVESENSE safety technology.
Smart City Brake Support is a driver assist technology only and should not be used in place of skilled and safe driving practices. It is the driver’s sole responsibility to constantly monitor vehicle surroundings and conditions at all times.
The genuine Mazda audio retractable lightning cable, allows you to play music from your iPhone or iPod, through your Mazdas audio system.
The cable streams track data, so you can easily see track and artist information on your MZD connect screen.
You can safely store your device in the centre console, and use the car’s controls to navigate through your music library.
This makes it easy to select specific playlists, artists, albums or songs while driving.
The cable automatically charges your device when the car is running.
A similar cable is also available with a micro USB for Android Phones. The retractable design of the cable keeps it neat and tangle-free, covered by Mazda warranty.
Mazdas USB audio cable is a must for music enthusiasts as cable connection offers higher quality audio than Bluetooth streaming.
Safety of both passengers and their driver is a topic becoming more and more important when deciding on which new car to purchase. With tens of thousands of people injured in car accidents every year in NSW alone, it’s good to know Mazda have taken driving safety seriously.
Mazda pride themselves on owning some of the safest car on the international market, and understanding just how Mazda’s Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System works will put you at ease no matter where you are driving or the conditions you may encounter.
A carefully engineered and successfully tested safety system used in applicable Mazda vehicles offering superior safety to all occupants. This highly intelligent system contributes to Mazda’s renowned 5 star ANCAP rating, and is a contributing factor to Mazda’s No.1 sales by retail units.
The system uses a triple-H frame design incorporated into the car’s body to create a “built-in roll cage”, and features high tensile steels which are both stronger and lighter than standard.
During a collision, impact forces can damage a vehicle’s structure, causing serious injury to occupants. The purpose of MAIDAS is to resist cabin deformation while absorbing and distributing these impact forces away from occupants. Protecting them from possible injury.
So, how does it work? In the cabin, three high tensile steel frames, connect to form the triple-H occupant safety cell. This structure is further strengthened by underfloor cross members and roof reinforcements.
This structure redirects front, side and rear impact forces away from occupants, and resist deformation during rollover. In the event a frontal collision, the steering column collapses, while an intrusion minimizing brake pedal swings forward, towards the front of the vehicle.
These mechanisms increase the cabin survival space, and reduce the chance of occupant injury.
During frontal collisions, a perimeter frame absorbs and redirects forces to the triple-H occupant safety cell, and away from occupants.
During side collisions, impact bars and the triple-H occupant safety cell in the B pillars and floor also absorb and redirect impact force away from occupants.
