2014 Engine Options...Article From Yesterday

[Gregx-5]

Normally speculation about future engines is not worth it, but Mazda is in a pretty unique position right now. I cant wait to see what they do for 2014, even if they do put out a diesel option or 2.5l on the CX-5, I won't be disappointed in my purchase. It's kind of like I found a new car company to believe in (I'm a bit late to really getting deep into mazda, even though I really love cars, motorcycles, racing and really any kind of mechanical technology). I am helping to fund Mazda's future by buying a nearly brand new product, which is a heck of a good first try on their part.

I did some research on Mazda's skyactiv technologies yesterday, particularly their engine tech. It is harder to find information than you might think, it seems like they are keeping the information pretty close. But I did learn something interesting... like say compared to the American manufacturers who are cutting cylinders and engine size and turbocharging, Mazda is sticking to the non-turbo route. The reason for this is that they are looking to add compression ignition, which essentially means that they will forgo spark plugs and allow the compression of the air and fuel mixture to auto ignite, sort of like a diesel. This will add power and further fuel efficiency gains. Making the engine smaller wouldn't allow this to be as effective, so certainly the 2.0l is here to stay for a long time.

So Mazda definitely understands what we all want... Handling, mpgs, and power. I listed power last because it shouldnt be the most important factor in buying a car. I think throwing in the 2.5 right away and taking a step back in the mpgs is a bad, knee jerk reaction. To me, those who buy a fully optioned out CX-5 should not be the market they chase, that the value in the 2wd CX-5 (and the skyactiv mazda 3) is what will get people into the brand.


Using premium fuel could possibly help power on the US spec egine, but it would never match the Euro engine's which have higher compression. The engines adjust the timing of fuel delivery to prevent knock, so in theory the premium fuel would be able to be injected slightly earlier in the compression stroke so it mixes better with the air and then the spark plugs would be able to fire later as the higher octane has a better resistance to auto ignition. The programming in the ECU might not allow the engine to work in that envelope as a precaution though.

One thing I couldn't find any information on is the variable valve timing in the 2.0l skyactiv-g engine. Anyone know something?

 

[Canadian-ES-GT]

So Mazda definitely understands what we all want... Handling, mpgs, and power. I listed power last because it shouldnt be the most important factor in buying a car. I think throwing in the 2.5 right away and taking a step back in the mpgs is a bad, knee jerk reaction. To me, those who buy a fully optioned out CX-5 should not be the market they chase, that the value in the 2wd CX-5 (and the skyactiv mazda 3) is what will get people into the brand.

Interesting with the compression ignition idea.

Although I agree with your handling first, mpg, than power, I think it is a good idea to put the 2.5 gasser in North American CX-5s. Even though I would have no problem with the less powerful version, Americans in Canadians in general like power. Since it is a CUV, some may be pulling trailers or loading it up to the brim. The 2 litre may be a little down on power for those applications.

 

[Dimcorner]

I'm wondering how will a FWD CX-5 compare to a 2.3 Mazda3 in terms of acceleration.
I feel my wife's Mazda3 is good enough and if the CX-5 is about that then I'm good to get one.

 

[Snowie78]

I will pretty much guarantee you that the launch of the Mazda CX-5 with one engine option in the North American Market is nothing more than well executed marketing. In order for the CX-5 to get the launch it is getting with Skyactiv technology on its shoulders (even though the 3 has skyactiv, the cx-5 is the first with the full pkg) they could not launch it with multiple engine options. So they released it with the best mpg engine option giving them something tangible when marketing the new CUV as best in class mpg!!!.......and boy did it work as Mazda can barely keep up with production. lets face it, did the 3 have one engine option? did the cx 7??.....This was Mazda putting all there eggs in one basket launching this product with the full skyactiv technologies and making sure they give the launch as much pop as possible. Excellent marketing execution.....other engine options have been sitting in there back pocket all along. My personal belief is the 2.5 gas will hit the N.A. market and the ever elusive diesel....well we will see.

 

[Canadian-ES-GT]

One thing I couldn't find any information on is the variable valve timing in the 2.0l skyactiv-g engine. Anyone know something?

Mazda managed to minimize pumping loss (20% reduction) with a continuously variable dual S-VT (sequential valve timing) system on the intake and exhaust valves, enabling the air intake quantity to be controlled by the valves rather than the throttle. During the intake stroke, the throttle and intake valves are kept wide open while the cylinder moves downward. The intake stroke finishes when the piston reaches bottom dead center(BDC). But if the intake valves close here, there is too much air inside the cylinder when only a small amount of air is needed at lower engine loads. In order to push out the excess air, the intake S-VT keeps the intake valves open when the piston starts to move upward during the compression stroke. The intake valves then close when all unnecessary air is pushed out.

From: http://www.greencarcongress.com/2011/08/skyactiv-20110804.html

This is the only info I stumbled upon.

 

[under200]

Very well put V8toilet .

 

[ALafya]

Overall, I do agree with you on most points and, yes, nobody really needs more power.

However, for safe passing, you may want more power. Why do you need to pass?
Well, if you are on a 300 mile road-trip, which there is very little to see on the way, the difference between 65 MPH and 70 MPH is almost 20 minutes, over 37 minutes to 75 MPH. For "only" 70 miles through a 45 MPH road, it will take almost 47 minutes longer if you are stuck behind a 30 MPH RV, which refuses to use any of the paved turnouts. Yes, they are in retirement and have the rest of their lives, so they could not care less if others only have a short weekend.
This is where passing comes in.
Now, driving my wife's Prius, which is somewhat under-powered, I can tell you that some passing was not possible to do safely, especially on mountain roads. In town, or about level highway, I think there is no need for anymore power.

The other reason for more power is the fun factor. Granted, I do not really care how long it takes to 60, but it is pleasant if the vehicle has sufficient oomph to back the great suspension this vehicle has. 2.5L seems just right for me, it is far from 'race car' level but better than grandma.

[
On my daily commute I see all the behaviors you've mentioned, but also see drivers keeping an unreasonable distance of 1/2 mile or more in front of them, while driving very well below the speed limit and keeping a very long line of cars behind them. I see drivers taking their sweet time X 2 clearing an intersection with a short light, driving below the speed limit in the left most lane and forcing everyone to pass on the right. I am not saying everyone should drive fast. However, common courtesy should be given both ways; it's impolite to drive slow on the left lane; if I drive my wife's Prius slower (64 MPH vs. 65 MPH speed limit) than other drivers, I keep to the right. If I am on a twisty road and my wife asks to slow down, I use turn-outs to let other drivers go by easily and if I drive 60 MPH on a mountain road with cars behind me, I don't accelerate when it becomes a 2 lane road and let them pass.
]

 

[zoomzoom_cx9]

So now that the 2014 Mazda 6 is confirmed with the 2.5L gas engine putting out 189hp and 189ft of torque, plus 2 diesel options with the large one being the 173hp with 303ft of torque I can see these engines fitting nicely into a CX-5.

 

[GAXIBM]

One thing I couldn't find any information on is the variable valve timing in the 2.0l skyactiv-g engine. Anyone know something?

Take a look at this site. http://www.motoiq.com/magazine_arti...l-introducing-mazdas-skyactiv-technology.aspx
At the bottom of the story you can page forward and back to see more details of Sky G engine tech.

 

[mpnret]

well, i am kinda all over the place.

but these are the ones i am considering.

acura rdx
toyota highlander
mazda cx-5
honda cr-v
hyundai santa fe

What no Subaru Outback in there? 2.5l, 173hp, 174ft-lb, 24mpg city, 30 mpg highway. Very nice. I just picked up one for my wife. I would get another for myself but I don't want 2 of the same. That's why I am here about to get the cx-5 for myself until I stumbled onto this thread. I was a little concerned about the power but getting to pull the plug on a GT anyway but now I am considering waiting for the 2.5.

 

[PSUENGR]

Seeing a lot of people excited for the 2.5L engine, but to me the diesel is the one worth waiting for. You'll be giving up maybe 16hp but gaining 120 lb-ft of torque and probably something around 25% better fuel economy. The torque difference will be huge in daily driving situations and probably significantly help real fuel economy due to people being lighter on the gas pedal.

I would guess the diesel option would show up about the same time it does on the new 6 which will probably sometime in the spring. The next VW Tiguan will be offered with a diesel here in the U.S. and I'd bet that the new RAV 4 will have a hybrid option so without a hybrid powertrain coming Mazda will need something to hit the 40s in MPG in order to compete, and the diesel already offered in this car in europe will fit that bill..

 

[pt00323i]

I'm open to both 2.2L diesel and 2.5l g but it doesn't matter because most likely they will all be Autos. since I cannot locate any 6sp, 4 dealers near by but they all told me they get 1 manual every 2 month, are you serious? they said they can't sell them.

I will wait until these options are avail and see if they offer them in 6speed, but I"m not holding my breath.

 

[PSUENGR]

Yeah, they won't offer a MT in the "premium" engine options in the U.S. I'd love one too, but I could never convince my wife to drive it and since this will be her car, I will have to live with paddle shifters for the AT. Still better than a CVT...

 

[Evan55]

Diesel costs the same or more than premium gas, has a higher initial vehicle purchase price, and much lower availability at gas stations.

And all the deisel fanboys on the internet who say they will buy one never do, because if you really wanted one, youd already be driving a volkswagen tdi.

Ill take the 2.5 thank you very much. And hopefully sooner rather than later.

 

[xwedge]

Diesel costs the same or more than premium gas, has a higher initial vehicle purchase price, and much lower availability at gas stations.

And all the deisel fanboys on the internet who say they will buy one never do, because if you really wanted one, youd already be driving a volkswagen tdi.

Ill take the 2.5 thank you very much. And hopefully sooner rather than later.

Here in los angeles, diesel is currently cheaper than regular.

 

[CX-SV]

Here in los angeles, diesel is currently cheaper than regular.

It flucuates here in northern California, often it's more expensive than premium, some stations don't sell it.

 

[Evan55]

Here in los angeles, diesel is currently cheaper than regular.

gasoline shortages will do that.

not really applicable since its a screwy one time temporary situation.

 

[ZuluCX]

in Canada Diesel is cheaper than regular gas...

 

[CX-SV]

in Canada Diesel is cheaper than regular gas...

And demand and market share of diesel passenger vehicles is higher too from what I remember.

 

[PSUENGR]

Diesel costs the same or more than premium gas, has a higher initial vehicle purchase price, and much lower availability at gas stations.

And all the deisel fanboys on the internet who say they will buy one never do, because if you really wanted one, youd already be driving a volkswagen tdi.

Ill take the 2.5 thank you very much. And hopefully sooner rather than later.

Diesel prices fluctuate as much as gasoline prices do and vary from market to market. Here in Chicago I can get diesel at one of the two gas stations that seem to be on every corner. It's usually only 1 pump, but it is there and currently the station by my house is charging $0.10 more than regular so it's about $0.15 cheaper than premium. Cost per mpg it is obviously cheaper.

I also think it is totally inaccurate to say that a lot of the people talking about diesel will never buy one since there have not been many cars available until very recently, and certainly not something a lot of people want to drive. Unless you can afford a BMW or Mercedes or want to drive a full size truck, VW has been your only choice and until the last 2 years (new passat & jetta), VWs were expensive cars for what you were getting as far as size and features/options. I think a lot more people will consider diesel in the future now that it is being pushed into the US market. Mazda apparently thinks so too which is why they are going to offer one in the new 6.

For me, a diesel is like a hybrid but with stones. Pricewise they are going to be very competitive with hybrids since you don't need a home charger installed and I believe the hybrid tax breaks have been either reduced or eliminated...