To combat looming ever-stricter fuel economy standards in North America, Mazda recently began offering its CX-7 crossover with a naturally aspirated four-cylinder in addition to the existing turbo four. Now, according to a new report, the Zoom-Zoom brand is contemplating importing the CX-7 with its upcoming Sky-D diesel four-cylinder.
Lighter and more powerful than Mazda’s current diesel offerings, the Sky-D will do duty in the majority of the Japanese automaker’s mainstream European fleet. It probably makes the most sense for Mazda to offer the diesel in the relatively light-weight CX-7 for North America. Estimated to pump out less than 200 horsepower and somewhere north of 300 lb-ft. of torque, the engine might struggle to keep pace in the larger CX-9 and despite pleas from enthusiasts for a wide range of offerings, North American buyers have shown more interest in diesel SUVs and crossovers than sedans.
Mazda would mate the Sky-D to its new Sky-Drive six-speed automatic transmission.
Mazda has struggled to adapt a concrete policy for improving its line-wide fuel economy; the company once said it would not offer a hybrid, but has since reneged on its statements. The introduction of the Sky-D diesel for the European market has potentially given the brand an entry into the tightly-controlled North American field, although only time will tell if Mazda is willing to expand the CX-7′s portfolio.
References
1.’Mazda Eyes Diesels…’ view
