The secret behind the SKYACTIV body!

IN SETTING OUT TO ENGINEER THE LIGHT AND STIFF VEHICLE STRUCTURE
REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT THE 2014 MAZDA3 IS EFFICIENT, SAFE AND FUN
TO DRIVE, THE COMPANY LOOKED TO THE SKYACTIV-BODY ARCHITECTURE.

The engineers took the basic body-frame structure of the CX-5 and Mazda6 and optimized it for the size and
performance characteristics of a compact car. In the process, they made comprehensive design changes to
the materials and structural elements in order to meet the conflicting needs for lower weight, better impact
safety, and higher rigidity.
Impressively, while the 2014 Mazda3 is roughly 100lbs (45kg) lighter, it is also significantly stiffer. Torsional
rigidity of the hatchback is improved by 31% and the sedan is 28% stiffer.
In order to accomplish this, the engineers utilized a number of key design approaches:
1. Straight Frame Structure
2. Continuous Frame Structure
3. Optimized cross-sectional shapes
and sizes of frame members
4. Having frame members serve more than one
purpose where possible (e.g. dual brace stiffeners
strengthen the floor of the trunk and also provide
a mounting point for the rear struts)
5. More floor members (positioned more effectively)
However, engineers didn’t just set out to create a lighter, stiffer structure that enhances performance – they
also wanted to create a vehicle that’s safer. In order to realize this important objective, they looked at how
impact loads are handled by the front structure of the vehicle.
To improve crash safety performance, Mazda adopted a multi-load path structure. The structure efficiently
absorbs the load at the time of a crash by dispersing it in multiple directions. For example, impact energy
from a frontal collision is dispersed along three continuous load paths that run from the front frame to the:
1. A-pillar 2. Side of the body 3. B-frame
In particular, the upper branch frame, which diverts the load to the A-pillar, is a multi-functional part that also
works to cancel the upward motion of the front frame. To create this kind of path, parts such as door hinges,
which do not normally play any role in absorbing shock, are important elements in the design. Naturally,
the multi-load path structure is adopted for lateral collisions and rear collisions as well – greatly improving
occupant safety in the process