Mazda Spied Testing Its New Fancy Compression Ignition Engine
The compression ignition Skyactiv-X engine will power the new Mazda 3.
The Japanese automaker has begun testing the first mules for the next-generation Mazda3, featuring the company’s new spark-controlled compression ignition engine. Although the prototypes spy photographers have caught testing look just like the current Mazda3, the “Skyactiv-X” decals on the side of the cars tell a different story. The new engine was introduced earlier this month and is the world’s first production gasoline engine to use compression ignition and will debut on the next-gen Mazda3 in 2019 with a 2.0-liter supercharged four-cylinder version.
SEE ALSO: Mazda Details New Compression Ignition Skyactiv Engine
Unfortunately, there isn’t much to see on the mule except that the rear fenders are slightly wider and the area for the fuel cap has been changed. Our spy photographers expect to see full-body prototypes to make an appearance in about six months, which will give us a much better idea of the changes that await the new Mazda3.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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so, they (Mazda) take the time to wrap the car in black matte vinyl, trying to be all secret squirrel and then put "Skyactiv-X #" on the side...why even go to the trouble of wrapping the car in the first place...just make it Soul Red like 60% of all Mazdas to blend into the crowd...or... better yet, make the test cars Jet Black Mica and call it a day; no one would be none-the-wiser...silly product development team
This is a risky move for Mazda. At the rate electric cars are being developed and coming to market, by 2019, internal combustion will be even less relevant.