One of the things I’ve always liked about Mazda is even in a highly competitive arena where designs so often mimic what’s been selling best (and is one of the reasons so many modern autos look alike), they manage to maintain their own identity. This doesn’t always translate to sales success in every genre, and as such we have the recent decision to discontinue the RX-8 (which bums me out. I really loved that unique, rotary-powered coupe). But overall Mazda is producing some excellent, unique cars and SUVs that are a success in the marketplace, and in typical fashion the company is going its own way in tackling the challenges of finding ways to increase fuel economy while lowering emissions. They don’t make any hybrids these days (they did sell the Tribute Hybrid SUV, but that was a rebadged Ford Escape and is now discontinued), so they have decided to use a wide variety of other technologies together in a system they call SKYACTIV. I recently experienced this package in Mazda’s excellent 3i Touring 5-door and I have to say they’ve crafted a very frugal, affordable (yet fun to drive) compact at a very crucial time. 

So what is this SKYACTIV strategy, anyway? In the 3i it includes the SKYACTIV-G 2-liter Inline Four, which is loaded with a variety of engine enhancements too numerous to catalogue here lest I meander into the tone of a shop manual. But let it be understood all these wonders are ultimately aimed at increasing efficiency,  yet the engineering (including a lofty 12.0:1 compression ratio) also results in a respectable 155 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque. Then there’s the transmission, or rather a choice of two 6-speed gearboxes: the SKYACTIV-MT manual and SKYACTIV-Drive AT automatic. Although the automatic has slightly better EPA numbers (odd, that, but it’s not that unheard of these days), getting 28/39 against the manual’s 27/38, the manual I zoom-zoomed with was an excellent fit and great fun to drive. Like the automatic, there’s a lot of modifications to earn the SKYACTIV name and help squeeze every mile out of a tank of gas. 

So, I mentioned fun to drive so does that mean that there’s no tradeoff in pursuing the best mileage possible? It’s no powerhouse, but it’s no slug, either. Should I refer to it as a powerslug? That sounds derogatory. I regularly arrived at 60 MPH in around nine seconds, which is perfectly decent considering the fuel economy numbers that go with it. Shifting action with the manual is light and sure, but be advised the higher ratios are tuned to max out frugality so you’ll need to drop a few cogs to blast around slow traffic on hills. The steering is hella-quick and the suspension strikes a great balance between compliance and stability. Like all the Mazda3 family, it’s just an excellent all ’round compact chassis. The company likes to call a balanced response to acceleration, braking and handling transitions as Toitsukan, and it’s a design philosophy that’s put to good use in this car. 

So, you think we’re done with all this SKYACTIV ACTIVITY? You are in error. Even the body gets the SKY treatment, and they definitely leave no stone unturned. From Mazda’s press release: 

 “Aerodynamics plays heavily to a vehicle’s carbon footprint, and improved aerodynamic performance yields greater fuel economy and further reduces CO2 emissions while also contributing to handling stability. With this in mind, the front bumper design was optimized, as were underbody parts, to more effectively streamline the flow of air traveling beneath the floor. The shape of the lower sections of the front bumper’s sides were redesigned to protrude forward and the fins beneath were made larger. This adjustment effectively distributes the flow of air hitting the engine compartment and the front tire deflector, suppressing turbulence in cooling the
engine as well as along the sides of the body. Other aerodynamic aids that further streamline airflow throughout and around the vehicle include: a larger, smoother engine cover (on models equipped with the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine); increasing the floor under-covers by approximately 10 percent and eliminating vertical grooves for a smoother design; increasing the rigidity of the front tire deflectors to prevent deformation and establish a good balance between brake cooling, aerodynamic performance and handling stability; and an added clamshell shaped silencer to sit on angle with the road surface.”

Yup, even the engine cover is part of the magic. How did they do, by the way? I averaged 33.7 MPG in a lot of aggressive mixed driving, so I think they did a fine job. The fuel efficiency has increased and the car is still a great driver. Like so many other outstanding fuel misers out there, hybrid and non hybrid and diesel alike, the SKYACTIV Mazda is a genuine “smart” car. As the price of fuel shoots up there are more good choices than ever to help driver’s cope, especially if you need a car with some room in it. Good times? Why not? Efficiency is always a good idea, whether it saves you money or not.