Modern, Low-Consumption, Clean Engine

The new Mazda2's engine is both cleaner and uses less fuel than before, while the new lighter car promises to be quicker than before.

All models are powered by a Mazda developed MZR petrol engine: a 1.5-litre unit that produces 76kW (EEC). The engine has sequential valve timing (S-VT), optimised exhaust-valve timing and a variable induction system (VIS) that enhances torque across the entire rev range.

High-tech Mazda Engine

The 1.5-litre MZR series engine operates with sequential valve timing (S-VT) which provides variable valve timing for the intake valves and optimised timing of the exhaust valves. In addition to this, the 1.5-litre adds a variable induction system (VIS) that boosts torque across the entire rev range.

The intake manifold is made of plastic and 'breathes' through 600mm long intake runners, making robust torque available at low engine speeds. The intake manifold also has integrated tumble swirl control valves (TSCVs) that ensure high combustion stability, even during slow driving, and together with the exhaust-gas recirculation, improve fuel consumption and emissions.

The new Mazda2's engine has an electronically controlled throttle that translates pedal input quickly and precisely. It has a displacement of 1,498cc and produces a maximum of 137Nm of torque at 4,000rpm (EEC).

In manual form the new Mazda2 is expected to accelerate from 0-100kmh in about 10 seconds and has a theoretical top speed of about 190km/h.

Mazda engineers worked hard to reduce internal frictional loss. The measures undertaken include changes to the piston rings and lands, fine-tuning the piston skirts, optimising the piston pin offsets and redesigning the oil passages.

Fuel consumption is improved with the new Mazda2 using an average of just 6.4L/100km on the ADR 81/01 cycle compared with 6.6L/100km on the present model, while automatic transmission versions now average 6.8L/100km compared with 7.0L/100km for the superseded model.

Mazda2 offers an easy shifting, precise five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The manual gearbox has double-cone synchronization on first and second gears ensuring easy slow gear shifting and shifting during cold weather.