2020 will see the arrival of Mazda's new diesel mills

KUALA LUMPUR: It is a widely known fact that a large number of automobile manufacturers are moving away from diesel-fed engines. Automakers like Volvo, Volkswagen, and many others have started doing away with the diesel-fed powertrain in favour of electric motors.

However, there are still manufacturers like Mazda who want to continue their journey with diesel-hungry mills as it prepares to unveil the next generation of its SkyActiv-D range in 2020. Nonetheless, Mazda will continue to offer an array of plug-in hybrid, series-hybrid, and range-extender vehicles alongside its new & updated petrol- and diesel-powered models.

"We are sticking to diesel engines. In 2020, we have a new approach to diesel engines. We will show you how clean and very efficient diesel engines can be", said Christian Schultz, the head of Mazda Europe R&D. It is easy to comprehend from Mazda's roadmap that the Japanese automobile manufacturer is keen to follow a diverse approach towards sustainability.

While 2020 is not too far away from now, not much is known about the new range of Mazda's SkyActive-D engines. Another question that remains unanswered is whether or not the fresh engines will feature the Spark Plug Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI).

“We will surprise you next year. There are not so many differences between petrol and diesel. If we come into an age where sustainable fuels are economically similar, why not use them? We hope governments wake up and see that electrification is one way but there are others, too. SkyActiv-X is a step in the right direction", added Schultze.

The SkyActive line-up today comprises of three four-cylinder diesel-fed motors. The smallest of the three is a 1.5-litre mill, whereas the other two options include a 1.8-litre and a 2.2-litre powerhouse which power the likes of Mazda CX-5, Mazda 6, and others.

Mazda introduced the 2019 models of the CX-5 in Malaysia last month, and the SUV gets four different engine options including the 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel that we have mentioned in this story. Check our first impression of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 here.

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