Tokyo 2013: Mazda3 Hybrid and CNG concept

mazda3-cng-tms 011

Mazda’s 2013 Tokyo Motor Show stand saw the SkyActiv-Hybrid and SkyActiv-CNG versions of the third-gen Mazda3 (Axela in Japan) on display. While the hybrid’s already on sale in the country, the CNG makes its world debut here as a concept, based on the Mazda3 sedan.

The SkyActiv-CNG concept adopts a dual-fuel system that enables it to run on both petrol and compressed natural gas (CNG). CNG engines burn fuel at high pressures, and Mazda says “only minor modifications” were needed for the SkyActiv-G petrol engine because it already achieves a high 14.0 compression ratio.

The Mazda3 Hybrid is sedan-only, and Japan-only – at least for now. It borrows Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system – the battery, control system, electric motor and eCVT are the same as in the current Prius. The boot loses around 100 litres of volume, while kerb weight is up by 80 kg for a total of 1,390 kg.

The 82 PS/207 Nm hybrid drivetrain joins forces with Mazda’s own 2.0 litre SkyActiv-G four-cylinder petrol engine (detuned to 99 PS/142 Nm). JC08 fuel economy is pegged at 30.8 km per litre. Inside, there’s a revised instrument panel showing battery and charge information, plus a unique gear knob. The car has an EV mode and regenerative braking.

The new Mazda3 was recently previewed in Malaysia – click here for a detailed look at the Australian-spec 2.5 litre sedan that was on display in 1Utama.

GALLERY: Mazda3 SkyActiv-CNG concept

GALLERY: Mazda3 SkyActiv-Hybrid

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Jonathan James Tan

While most dream of the future, Jonathan Tan dreams of the past, although he's never been there. Fantasises much too often about cruising down Treacher Road (Jalan Sultan Ismail) in a Triumph Stag that actually works, and hopes this stint here will snap him back to present reality.

 

Comments

  • opaixxx on Nov 25, 2013 at 11:54 am

    toyota hybrid tech?? atleast far better design than prius ‘tennis shoe’ design :P

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 11
    • SamShowedMeTheHilux on Nov 25, 2013 at 4:49 pm

      Buy this but face those Bermaz lazy dopes who are fast asleep half the time. Bermaz is one crap company. No wonder why my yard is full of cx-5 cars customers traded in for 70% its value. I will export this trash to Sri Lanka or Bangladesh

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 16
  • Kudos to Mazda. Innovative thinking. Start with Skyactiv engine (high compression ratio and high efficiency). With minor mod,able to accommodate CNG. Borrowing toyota hybrid synergy drive is another smart collaboration. If it proves itself. Toyota may adopt Skyactive technology in their future high efficiency vehicle fleet. Technology sharing at it best. :)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 7
    • you may want to do some research before giving kudos everywhere. mazda came up with skyactiv because they didn’t believe in hybrid. they are eating their own words now, it seems.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 9
      • Not a fan on Nov 25, 2013 at 5:08 pm

        Obviously you, Mr farq who need to do more research. You should read Mazda’s future mission on their website. The info is already there since Skyactive hasnt even been launched in Malaysia.

        http://www.mazda.co.jp/philosophy/tech/env/policy/

        Cheers.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 6
      • lonelyobserve on Nov 25, 2013 at 6:18 pm

        I believe no hybrid for Mazda cars came from local distributors, Bermaz. Somehow it is very busybody adding such slogan in pushing sales of Mazda vehicles in this country.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • sam69 on Nov 25, 2013 at 12:02 pm

    sweet.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • so mazda is eating his own words now? the reason they came up with the skyactiv is because they didn’t believe hybrid or turbo engines is the way to save fuel. they charted a different fuel-saving strategy for their vehicles and i salute them for thinking different. but looks like the salutation wouldn’t last long. feeling the peer pressure now and succumbing to the idea that hybrid is the way to go?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 5
    • PleaseResearchBeforeBS on Nov 25, 2013 at 4:20 pm

      You might wanna read about skyactiv approach before u BS about turbo and hybrid. Its a strategy to change the design from a conventional car in terms of body, chassis and engine, not hybrid cars. And where is your source of Mazda not believing in hybrid tech? I’m pretty much interested in your so called statement source. Have u ever heard of skyactiv turbo engines? NO? Please do somf real research instead of potentially listing out wild chicken sources.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 18
  • guilt79 on Nov 25, 2013 at 1:49 pm

    When can I see the 2.5L Mazda 3 demo car again??

    Like a hot chick, can’t stop thinking of “her”.. :P

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • such saving. such efficiency. wow. zoom zoom. so beautiful. wow.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • to expansive for C segment car. almost like D segment category.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
 

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