and a number of competitors to evaluate how each of these
technologies performed in the heat of the Red Rock Canyon
(Nevada). These competitors included:
4 Chevrolet Volt
4 Nissan Leaf
4 Toyota Prius
Two of each model were obtained and driven through the
desert on a 60 mile (roughly 100km) loop. The results are
noted in the column to the right.
The best fuel economy was achieved by the Toyota Prius;
however, the consensus amongst those who drove the
vehicles was that the Prius represented a greater compromise
than they were prepared to live with. The Chevrolet Volt failed
to live up to the hype while the Mazda3 delivered better fuel
consumption than both of the Volts. Finally, the Nissan Leaf
impressed with its refinement and performance, but both
vehicles were close to empty by the end of the loop – despite
the limited length of the drive and the moderate speeds.
In the end, it was the SKYACTIV Mazda3 that delivered a
combination of fuel efficiency, performance and value that
was unmatched.
As the pressure to improve the efficiency of the automobile
increases, technologies will evolve. No single technology will
replace the ICE and many of those technologies will be years, if
not decades, away from arriving. In the meantime, the Internal
Combustion Engine will remain a stable technology in the
automotive arena. Conventional vehicles, as well as hybrids,
will continue to depend on the proven technology represented
in the ICE. SKYACTIV represents the current benchmark in ICE
and will continue to evolve over time. SKYACTIV not only has the
ability to enhance the efficiency of all conventional vehicles, but
address some of the shortcomings of hybrids as well. In tandem,
Mazda is developing hybrid and electric technology to meet
future needs.
SKYACTIV technology results in vehicles
that are cleaner and more efficient without compromising
performance. This ensures that customers can feel good about
their choice of vehicle – and the way it drives.
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