The 1.5-liter mill is similar to the company’s new 2.2-liter oil burner that is available in the CX-5 and Mazda6 in certain markets. Both share Skyactiv-D label and many of the same efficiency and emissions refinements.
The Japanese company has worked to differentiate its latest engines from other low-emissions diesel powerplants by focusing on optimized combustion at low compression ratios. Other advancements focus on friction reduction, improved insulation technology and an expanded homogeneous lean-burn range.
Another notable difference is the lack of a NOx aftertreatment system, such as the expensive urea-injection technology used in many engines that meet the same emissions standards in the US market. The small engine is also said to pass Euro 6 and Japanese emissions certifications.
The 1.5-liter implementation produces 103 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, providing twice as much twist as the 1.5-liter gasoline mill in the current Mazda2. The company promises most of the torque is available throughout the rpm range for linear acceleration.
The low-displacement diesel engine is set to arrive in Japan and European markets, though a US launch has not been confirmed. The company is still working to resolve drivability issues with its 2.2-liter variant before bringing it to the US.
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