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Skyactiv-D = Rocket Ship

Mazda Diesel Test Drive
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Posted August 4 2011 10:01 AM by jason.thompson 
Filed under: Diesel Car Reviews, Tech Tips

 I just got done driving the new Mazda Skyactiv-D diesel headed for the U.S. It'll be here 18 + 18 months from now.


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This diesel has a 14:1 compression ratio. It's very fast and light. 5,600 rpm. Lots of cool tech to tell but I got to jump on a plane. Here's a taste. A photo of the lightened crankshaft. So much to tell. The Japanese engineer who made it happen was there and explained it all to me. Great experience.

 


Reader Comments:
1. 14:1 cold starts handled by opening the exhaust valve slightly with oil. It lets the hot gases back in. There are also glow plugs.

jason.thompson    - Posted August 4 2011 10:12 AM

 
2. Anyone know which model will potentially have this diesel in it ?

slvmart    - Posted August 4 2011 10:50 AM

 
3. Sweet!! Ive been interested in this engine since I heard about it a while ago (like a year at an autoshow IIRC).

To bad its going to be in a Mazda...I dont think I could see myself in a Mazda. Ive had a few Mazda rental cars and I would almost rather walk now, LOL.

Smoken_Gun    - Posted August 4 2011 12:10 PM

 
4. I read about this a while back in one of the SAE's publications. They are a fine set of motors. Lots of not revolutionary but just well thought out engineering. We will finally have a 'people's' diesel, if you will, besides the VW TDI cars.

I agree though, the Mazda cars of late have been a disappointment to man kind. We recently had one as a rental as well and it was the most underwhelming experience of my life, there was ridiculous road noise, the handling was terrible. It was a bad experience. But the cars that they showed as examples for this engine looked to be far better designed, so here's hoping.

kingtoid    - Posted August 4 2011 12:44 PM

 
5. I've had the same experience with Mazdas as well. They handle great, but the ride and noise isn't up to our comfy American standards. It'll be cool to see another diesel car though, with the VW, the Cruise, and the Madza, we can finally do a diesel car comparo!

Jason Sands    - Posted August 4 2011 01:20 PM

 
6. Dont forget the Audi A3 TDI (not that you would, since you drove not to long ago), the BMW 335d, and the Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTec. The Audi uses the same engine as the VW Jetta, Jetta Sport Wagon, and Golf, but the Audi car is different.

Also, the BMW and MB are not a "peoples" car, but they are diesels. Maybe two comparo tests ;).

Then test the VW Touareg, Audi Q7, and BMW X5 Xdrive35d. Make that three comparos.

I would love to own any of the vehicles listed above. I love the my mothers current BMW 335xi gasser.

A family friend just got a new VW Golf TDI and is loving it!

Smoken_Gun    - Posted August 4 2011 02:53 PM

 

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