The new Mazda 3 adopts a large number of Skyactiv technologies

    The 2014 Mazda 3, called Axela in Japan, shares the same platform as the CX-5 and also uses the Skyactiv technology and the latest "KODO" design concept. In the North American market, the car is equipped with two engines, 2.0L and 2.5L SKYACTIV-G. In the global market, the car's powertrain configuration is more abundant, with the addition of 1.5L SKYACTIV-G, 2.2L SKYACTIV-D diesel engines and a hybrid powertrain for the Japanese market.

    The SKYACTIV-G 1.5-liter gasoline engine is a new member of the engine series. It has an ultra-high compression ratio of 13:1, and even 14:1 for some markets. Compared with the 1.5-liter MZR engine equipped in the previous generation Mazda 3, it has better power performance. The maximum power is 86 kilowatts, about 115 horsepower, and the peak torque reaches 111 pound feet, about 150 Newton meters.

    The tumble air intake position of the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine is higher, and a 4-2-1 exhaust system is adopted, that is, the exhaust pipe is connected to the four-cylinder engine from the banana head, and an expansion chamber is added to reduce the exhaust pressure. The exhaust gas diverted from the upper two parts is processed and purified by the three-way catalytic converter before entering the spacious tail section and being discharged into the air. By installing a new exhaust pipe, a charming sound and excellent exhaust efficiency are obtained, taking into account both beauty and durability.

    Its maximum power is 121 kilowatts, about 162 horsepower, and its peak torque is 155 pound-feet, about 210 Newton meters. The engine has launched an energy-saving derivative version in Europe, with a maximum power of 88 kilowatts, about 118 horsepower, and a peak torque of 210 Newton meters.

    Compared with the 2.5L MZR engine in the previous generation Mazda 3, the SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine has a 10-15% increase in torque output at low to medium speeds, while the engine weight is reduced by 10%. The engine has been optimized in terms of fuel economy, vibration, noise, and smoothness. It reaches a maximum power of 184 horsepower (about 137 kilowatts) at 5700 rpm and 185 pound-feet (about 251 Newton meters) at 3250 rpm.

    The compression ratio of the SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter engine is 14: 1. This diesel engine has a maximum power of 110 kilowatts, about 148 horsepower, and a peak torque of 280 pound-feet, about 380 Newton meters.

    The 2014 Mazda3 will be available with a choice of SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission, which has the same quick, crisp shifts as the MX-5 Miata, and SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission, which has a more direct, quick shift feel, provides the best acceleration, and maximizes the advantages of traditional torque converter systems.

    The new Mazda 3 uses Mazda's i-ELOOP brake energy regeneration system, which uses an energy storage device to collect energy generated when the vehicle brakes. The brake energy regeneration system helps the vehicle improve fuel economy and provides the most efficient energy utilization for the vehicle in any driving mode. Unlike other regenerative braking systems, it does not store energy in a battery, but has an independent energy storage device, in which the collected energy can provide power for the vehicle's electrical systems such as air conditioning and information systems.

    The new Mazda 3 combines a body and chassis that uses SKYACTIV technology, using high-performance, lightweight materials to achieve a high-strength body and increase chassis stability. The carefully designed load-transferring body structure also improves vehicle grip. The SKYACTIV body rigidity is increased by 30% compared to the previous generation Mazda 3 body, and the weight is reduced. More than 300 individual parts of the entire body are made of high-tensile strength steel, which also plays a role in lightweighting.

    Through the adjustment of the damping springs, shock absorbers and stabilizers in the suspension system, the straight-line stability, tire grip and driving comfort of the new Mazda 3 have been improved. In terms of steering, the new Mazda 3 adopts a mechanical electronic power steering assist system, which is compact and lightweight and can provide a wide steering ratio of 14:1. The vehicle's braking response has also been improved, improving the operating experience, and its braking distance is at the leading level among vehicles of the same class. The rolling resistance of the tires has been reduced.

    The dashboard and floor mats are made of new lightweight sound-absorbing materials. When equipped with i-ELOOP and active variable air intake grille, the body wind resistance of the 5-door and sedan models is 0.275 and 0.255 respectively. The active air intake grille is a new configuration in the new Mazda 3, which can keep pace with the driving state, enhance aerodynamic performance and improve vehicle fuel efficiency.

    The 2014 Mazda3 is lower and wider. The new car's wheelbase is 106.3 inches, 2.4 inches longer than the previous generation, and the five-door version of the new Mazda3 is 1.8 inches shorter than the previous generation, at 175.6 inches. The height is 57.3 inches and the width is 70.7 inches. The new Mazda3 has a 0.6-inch lower ceiling height, but hip room has increased by 1.6 inches, so headroom is almost the same as the previous generation, and legroom is 35.8 inches.

    The rear seatbacks are 2 inches taller for better headroom, and shoulder room has been increased to 57.2 inches in the front and 54.4 inches in the rear.

New human-computer interaction system

    The 2014 Mazda 3 uses a new next-generation human-machine interaction system. Based on the concept of a head-up display cockpit, this concept will help drivers get all kinds of vehicle and road condition information without taking their eyes off the road, increasing driving safety. The information provided to the driver by the system will be divided into several groups, using an innovative screen layout, allowing the driver to obtain surrounding information while driving safely.

    The 2014 Mazda3 features the industry-leading Active Driving Display system, a pop-up panel that displays vehicle speed, navigation information, and other key driving information behind the instrument hood. This configuration not only provides important information to the driver, but also minimizes the driver's distraction and aligns with the driver's natural line of sight. The system automatically retracts and hides in the instrument hood when the ignition switch is turned off.

    The North American 2014 Mazda3 will be equipped with the following safety systems:

    High Beam Control (HBC): The system automatically switches between high and low beam to avoid dazzling oncoming vehicles.

    Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Detects the blind spot areas on both sides or at the rear of the vehicle and alerts the driver with a flashing light and a beeping sound on the side-view mirror.

    Lane Departure Warning LDWS: By monitoring the position of the lane markings relative to the vehicle, it determines whether the vehicle has deviated from the lane and warns the driver. This system is not advanced, as many models are already equipped with lane keeping systems that automatically correct lanes based on warnings.

    Front Obstacle Warning (FOW): The system detects objects ahead and issues audible and visual warnings, giving the driver enough time to take evasive action. The system is effective at speeds between 14 and 148 km/h.

    Smart City Braking Support (SCBS): When the vehicle speed is below 31 km/h, the system will help the vehicle to brake automatically. When the built-in radar sensor detects that the vehicle is at risk of rear-end collision with the vehicle in front, the brakes will be automatically applied.

    Mazda Radar Cruise Control MRCC: This system is similar to an automatic cruise control system and can automatically adjust the following distance according to the speed of the vehicle in front.

    These safety systems in the 2014 Mazda 3 are all based on i-ACTIVSENSE. Most rely on millimeter-wave radar and cameras as sensors to enable drivers to predict accidents in advance, avoid accidents or reduce the severity of accidents.