A diesel-powered Mazda is still planned for North America, the automaker’s regional public relations chief says.
“It’ll be here between 15 to 18 months behind the launch of the Skyactiv-G engine in the Mazda3,” Mazda’s Jeremy Barnes told Car and Driver.
In Mazda-speak, Skyactiv-G refers to the ultra high-compression gas-fueled engine that arrived back in late October in the Mazda3 compact sedan (pictured) and hatchback. That engine also arrives in the next few weeks in the automaker’s new CX-5 crossover.
Given the timing of the Skyactiv-G-powered Mazda3, it seems likely that the diesel model will show up in dealers in about 12-13 months, which is a little later than the automaker initially estimated.
The diesel Barnes alluded to is a version of the Skyactiv-D, an ultra low-compression motor that is said to deliver 20 percent better fuel economy than any outgoing diesel in its lineup. Mazda hasn’t confirmed power output or even vehicle availability for the Skyactiv-D powertrain, although it’s widely expected that the engine will show up first as a 2.2-liter in the CX-5.
If you’re looking for more information about Mazda’s high and low-compression Skyactiv engines, check out our technical overview here.
We wouldn’t be surprised to see a more formal announcement from Mazda at April’s New York International Auto Show, an event that tends to be crossover and SUV-heavy.
