Disclosure: We were loaned the Mazda3 from DriveSTI in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% my own.
The Mazda Motor Company allowed us to test drive and review a 2013 Mazda3 i Grande Touring with Skyactiv Technology over this past week. Honestly, this was the first time I had driven a Mazda of any type. I was impressed by the vehicle and thoroughly enjoyed driving both short and long distances. The car handled well and offered a smooth ride. Plus, being able to drive a manual transmission for a change was a nice option. Not to mention, it was quite fun and I was grateful for the change of pace.
Mazda Skyactiv Technology
After doing a little research and being able to drive the Mazda3, I was able to really gain an appreciation for the Skyactiv Technology. It is made to shift smoothly fora steady acceleration as well as quickly for the feel of a manual transmission. All the while the brain delivers a precision responsiveness and reliability for the overall quality drive of the vehicle. Take a look at a couple interesting facts I was able to learn about the Mazda Skyactiv Technology.
Engines
- Sky-High 13:1 compression ratio harnesses more energy from fuel.
- 4-2-1 exhaust system fights engine knock and improves performance.
- Innovative piston cavity improves combustion efficiency
- Advanced direct injection system stabilizes combustion
- Weight ad friction reduction enhance efficiency
Transmission
- Best features of all types of transmissions combined, a fuel-efficient direct feel, quick shifting, smooth seamless shifting, and easy to control at low speeds.
- Torque converter and clutch together deliver smooth, direct feel.
- Advance control module ensures the precise response
- Innovative design helps to improve fuel efficiency by 4% to 7%.
Platform
- The body is made 8% lighter but 30% more rigid.
- Smarter engineering for top crash safety performance
- Chassis redesign delivers greater stability and agility.
Energy Recovery
- Improve fuel economy as much as 5%.
- Frees up fuel and horsepower for driving performance.
- Powers your car’s electronics without using fuel of horsepower.
- Every time you slow down, you charge up your battery.
- Capacitor-based design captures and stores energy faster than battery-based systems.
Please visit Mazda‘s website to learn more about Skyactiv Technology or to take a look at all their current models.
You can also like Mazda on Facebook or follow along on Twitter for the latest updates and vehicle news.
