The company also announced its intention to bring a diesel Mazda 3 to the U.S. market in 2014.
In the new Mazda 3, SkyActiv means a direct-injected, 2.0-liter I4 making 155 hp providing the magic 40-mpg highway figure when bolted to a six-speed autobox. Also available is a six-speed manual with improved efficiency, good for 39 mpg highway.
SkyActiv will appear on the upcoming Mazda CX-5 compact crossover joining the lineup for 2012.
Mazda3 buyers can also opt for the current MZR 2.0-liter (sedan only) and 2.5-liter engines, each of which receives efficiency improvements for 2012.
The suite of SkyActiv technologies aims to improve the existing internal combustion engine to yield better performance and fuel economy. Mazda also claims body and chassis changes lower weight and improve rigidity.
“SkyActiv means all engines, transmissions, platforms, suspensions and braking are geared towards fuel efficiency,” said Jim O'Sullivan, Mazda North America CEO. “This will help B-cars achieve the fuel economy of C-cars, gas engines that get the fuel economy of diesels, and diesels get the fuel economy of hybrids.”
Overall, Mazda says SkyActiv improvements will improve the fuel economy of Mazdas sold globally by 30 percent