Mazda launches CX-3 diesel in Japan

28 February 2015

Mazda Motor Corporation has launched the all-new Mazda CX-3 compact crossover SUV in Japan. In Japan, the CX-3 is equipped exclusively with the SKYACTIV-D 1.5-liter diesel engine.

Mazda has been aggressively promoting diesel engines in Japan—a market dominated by gasoline vehicles (~79%) and hybrids (~19%). Diesel cars make up only 2-3% of the market, with just 79,000 sold in Japan in 2014.

The new CX-3 is the fifth model in Mazda’s line-up of new-generation vehicles featuring the full range of SKYACTIV technology and KODO-Soul of Motion design. The new CX-3 powered by the SKYACTIV-D 1.5-L diesel achieves a fuel economy of 25 km/L (4 L/100 km = 59 mpg US). The engine delivers torque up to 270 Nm, surpassing that of a 2.5 liter gasoline engine. All model grades are available with either SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic or SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission, and Mazda's new-generation all-wheel drive system, i-ACTIV AWD.

The CX-3 is the first vehicle to feature Mazda “Natural Sound Smoother” combustion noise reduction technology, which will be available as an option on higher-end variants of the CX-3, only in the Japanese market. The technology uses a hollow, cylindrical pin in the piston to reduce diesel combustion noise.

Mazda expects to sell 3,000 units of the diesel CX-3 per month in Japan at a base price of 2.376 million yen ($19,931). The vehicle is eligible for government’s clean energy vehicle promotion subsidies and tax breaks.

Overall Mazda plans to build about 150,000 CX-3s a year in Hiroshima, to be sold in 120 countries starting with Japan. The CX-3 will be also available with a 2.0 L gasoline engine in some markets outside Japan.

Source: Mazda