As you might already know, the 2012 model year now features the Japanese carmaker’s new 1.3-liter SKYACTIV-G direct-injection gasoline engine. The four-cylinder unit features dual sequential valve timing and an ultra high compression ratio.
Combined with the automaker's i-stop idling stop system, the SKYACTIV-G 1.3 features a record high compression ratio of 14.0:1 together with knocking avoiding technologies like piston cavities designed to support ideal combustion and multi-hole injectors for precise fuel injection.
The unit deliveries a best-in class fuel economy of 30.0km/L (10-15 mode test cycle) or 25.0km/L (Japan’s new JC08 test cycle). A total of 130 patents had to be filed by Mazda for the new 1.3-liter, which develops 82 hp at 5,400 rpm (62 kW) and 112 Nm (83 LB-FT)of torque at 4,000 rpm. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the SKYACTIV-G 1.3 variant of the Demio starts from an affordable 1,400,000 yen (including taxes), which is equivalent to about $17,300.
The Japanese carmaker has also developed a system named i-DM that monitors the movement of the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals, as well as the vehicle speed, to inform the driver about his skills through a gauge and colored lights on the dashboard. “The score from each trip is used to calculate a driving skill level, from Stage 1 to Stage 3. By progressing through the stages, drivers can feel that their driving skills are improving,” Mazda says.
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