1：What is it?
Skyactiv is a series of technologies introduced by Mazda Motor Corporation in 2010. This technology optimizes major components such as engines, transmissions, chassis, and body structure in Mazda vehicles to achieve a harmonious balance between "driving pleasure" and "outstanding environmental and safety performance."
2：Engine Technology
The third-generation Demio, launched in Japan on June 30, 2011, featured the Skyactiv-G 1.3L engine. This engine incorporates Skyactiv technology with a 6-hole fuel injection system, improved air flow, and enhanced injection pressure to improve combustion efficiency. The unique piston design promotes stable combustion by creating a stratified mixture of fuel near the spark plug. With a compression ratio of 14.0:1, the engine achieves more than 15% improvement in efficiency, fuel consumption, and torque compared to conventional gasoline engines.
Skyactiv technology lowers the compression ratio of diesel engines to 14.0:1, reducing temperature and pressure. The extended ignition timing helps to evenly burn the fuel-air mixture, resulting in reduced emissions of substances that cause air pollution, such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Additionally, the ability to inject and burn fuel near the top dead center of the combustion chamber increases the engine's work efficiency compared to high-compression ratio diesel engines. Lowering the compression ratio allows for thinner cylinder walls made of aluminum, contributing to weight reduction. The main journal diameter of the crankshaft is shortened from 60mm to 52mm, reducing weight by 25% and lowering mechanical resistance.
3：Transmission Technology
Skyactiv-Drive, an automatic transmission, builds upon traditional step-type automatic transmissions while striving for "low fuel consumption," "direct driving feel," and "smooth shifting." It aims to combine the advantages of various types of transmissions into one ideal transmission.
Full-range lock-up reduces fuel consumption and provides direct driving feel. The torque converter in a traditional step-type automatic transmission transfers power from the engine to the transmission using fluid, enabling smooth starts and shifts. However, the fluid power transfer results in energy losses, increased fuel consumption, and a phenomenon known as "slippage," where engine speed increases before vehicle speed. To address this, engineers incorporated a lock-up clutch inside the torque converter, which mechanically transfers torque without fluid.
Skyactiv-MT, the manual transmission, achieves quick, precise, and rhythmical gear changes similar to those in sports cars. This lightweight and compact front-wheel-drive (FF) manual transmission offers both short shift strokes and light operation. Through structural adjustments, it significantly reduces weight and compactness. The compact size improves the efficiency of vehicle layout, while reducing internal friction enhances fuel economy.
Skyactiv body achieves top-level collision safety performance. The new lightweight and high-rigidity body structure better supports the pursuit of "driving pleasure." It combines the advantages of high rigidity and lightweight construction, reducing weight by 8% while improving strength by 30%. The basic framework adopts a "straight structure" composed of straight lines and a "continuous structure" that optimizes connections between different parts.
Chassis
Skyactiv chassis represents a new generation of high-performance lightweight chassis that achieves a balanced combination of precise handling and comfortable ride. By utilizing a newly developed front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, it offers both high rigidity and lightweight characteristics, reducing weight by 14%. The functionality distribution of suspension and steering components has been adjusted to enhance agility at low speeds, stability at high speeds, and overall comfort throughout the entire speed range, significantly improving driving quality.
