Mazda SKYACTIV Technology

Mazda are pushing the limits of engineering, to help create more economical – but, crucially, fun to drive – cars, using their innovative SKYACTIV Technology. They say: "SKYACTIV offers greater driving pleasure through weight reduction and improved performance, whilst responding to environmental needs with breakthrough economy-boosting and emissions-slashing technology for all Mazda drivers." Their SKYACTIV-G approach with petrol engines uses F1 style compression ratios of 14:1 to increase power and lower emissions, while SKYACTIV-D uses a compression ratio of 14:1 – the world’s lowest of any mass-produced diesel engine – to deliver a 20% increase in fuel economy and lower emissions in oil burners. Then there's the innovative SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission, delivering "a direct driving feel with up to 7% improvement in economy." And finally Mazda plan to make extensive use of ultra-high tensile chassis steels – slashing kerb weights by a full 100kg, resulting in greater agility and dynamism. Further in depth information is available at www.mazdaskyactiv.co.uk. Combine this technology with VW's Bluemotion ideas, Mitsubishi's "Intelligent Motion" and the like and we've got the start of of something special here, which all manufacturers should be busy with – to save us from dull electric cars!