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2019 Mazda3 European Specs: 116 HP 1.8L Diesel, 181 HP Skyactiv-X

The European engine lineup for the all-new Mazda3 hatchback has been detailed ahead of the model's launch in 2019. There's still more we want to know, but both a diesel engine and that fancy new Skyactiv-X have been detailed.
2019 Mazda3 European Specs: 116 HP 1.8L Diesel, 181 HP Skyactiv-X 1 photo
Photo: Mazda
The base engine for the Euro-spec 2019 Mazda3 will be the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G. Like the one on the older model, this makes 122 metric horsepower without too much fuss. Mazda continues to shy away from 1-liter turbo engines but promises to improve fuel economy through mild-hybrid technology and cylinder deactivation.

The primary alternative is going to be the Skyactiv-D 1.8-liter diesel. This replaces the old 1.5-liter and 2.2-liter unit, offering a single output of 116 HP and 270 Nm. On the CX-3, the same engine is being provided with 4x4, but we don't know if that's the case in Europe (Japan for sure).

Finally, there's the powertrain everyone keeps talking about, the Skyactiv-X 2-liter. We already know that it's supposed to offer the advantages of diesel in a petrol car using Spark-Controlled Compression Ignition, but an output number is finally available: 181 PS, which hints at 179-hp in North America (obviously, fuel will also play a part). It will be interesting to see if this unit replaces the 2.5L on the bigger Mazda6 sedan and sport combi.

We believe that all the units mentioned above will be offered with a 6-speed automatic option. Over time, other engines may also be added. For example, the older model was offered with a base 1.5-liter and two higher-output versions of the 2.0-liter.

The Mazda3 was introduced in 2003 as a replacement to the Mazda 323. It's by no means a big player with just 44,000 units delivered in Europe last year, a fraction of what segment leaders like the Golf or Focus manage. Something we don't love about the 2019 Mazda3 is the rear suspension, which now features a torsion beam instead of a multi-link setup. Mazda says it's done for NVH reasons, though we think it's more of a cost-cutting measure.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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