When Size Doesn't Matter with CO2 Emissions

LONDON, June 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

• Recognition for SKYACTIV low carbon demonstrates that downsizing is not the only answer to go greener
• Mazda models with SKYACTIV technology prove popular for motorists looking to go greener with no compromise in driving fun
• The SKYACTIV models are winning many individual awards

Mazda Corporation is a company that thinks differently which is why the investment in its ground-breaking SKYACTIV programme has been so significant. "It's given us a point of difference to other car makers," said Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director of Mazda UK.

"We have always produced cars that people want to drive, cars that stand out from the crowd, and this continues with our new standout products, Mazda CX-5 and Mazda6, which have been tremendously well received."

Mazda's SKYACTIV engines are 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel and when the technology won the What Car? Ultra-Low-Carbon Award it proved that motorists don't have to downsize to achieve low CO₂, said Thomson. "Cars can still be fun-to-drive and offer low emissions," he added. "The What Car? award has given us real eco-credibility."

Motorists should look at MPG and CO₂ and not cubic centimetres, he said. Mazda6 CO₂ emissions start from as low as 108g/km (2.2-litre 150ps Diesel) with combined fuel consumption of up to 67.3mpg on the official cycle. To get that low, other manufacturers have smaller cars or use smaller engines or both, said Thomson (see table below).

Also, unlike other manufacturer's Eco brands, which often there is a premium charge for, Mazda's low emission SKYACTIV technology is standard on all sixth generation models, Mazda CX-5 and all-new Mazda6, and all future Mazda models. Indeed, i-ELOOP the Japanese company's unique brake energy regeneration system, is standard on the majority of Mazda6 models. "It's harvesting free energy," said Thomson.

The SKYACTIV models are winning individual awards as well. Mazda6 won the Fleet News award for 'Best Upper Medium' car, while Mazda6 Tourer was shortlisted in the 'Best Estate category' and Mazda CX-5 was highly commended in the 'Best Crossover category'.

This month, Mazda's sixth generation cars captured two 'Best Car' awards at the 'Fleet World 2013 Honours', the all-new Mazda6 took the 'Best Upper Medium' title, while the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV won the 'Best Small SUV' category. Earlier this year, CarBuyer website selected the all-new Mazda6 to receive two awards - 'Best Large Family Car' for the Mazda6 Saloon and 'Best Estate Car' for the Mazda6 Tourer and What Car? named the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV as Britain's 'Best Buy' SUV in the under £25,000 category.

The fleet awards are "a crucial achievement underpinning our critical offering to the fleet sector ahead of some very credible contenders," explained Thomson. "I hope for similar accolades as we bring new SKYACTIV technology cars to market over the next 18 months.

"We have been investing in SKYACTIV technologies since 2006 and that investment is now coming to fruition," he said.