The Mazda CX-5, which was unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show, will be the first Mazda built using Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology - but what does SKYACTIV really offer the consumer?

According to Mazda, SKYACTIV technology encompasses the whole car, through the intelligent application of advanced engine, transmission, body and chassis technology and lightweight engineering. Mazda say that breakthrough SKYACTIV technologies deliver uncompromised driving pleasure and class-leading environmental and safety performance and will be an integral part of every new Mazda model that comes to market from 2012 and not just selected “eco” models.

SKYACTIV centres on three key areas – advanced engines with world-beating compression ratios, highly efficient transmissions, and sophisticated lightweight chassis technology for outstanding crash safety performance and enhanced driving enjoyment.

Up to 80 per cent of the energy contained in fuel is lost within a vehicle’s powertrain, so Mazda’s engineers adopted a radical back-to-basics approach to boosting the outright efficiency of their next-generation engines.

The new petrol-powered SKYACTIV-G engine features a class-leading compression ratio of 14:1 – higher than that of a Formula 1 engine. The result is 15 per cent increase in fuel efficiency, 15 per cent drop in CO2 - leading to lower road fund licence and benefit-in-kind bills - and an equally impressive 15 per cent hike in torque across the entire rev-range.

The SKYACTIV-D diesel engine, features an exceptionally low 14:1 compression ratio, coupled with two turbo chargers it posts some equally impressive figures, a full 20 per cent more economical than the powerplant it replaces, leading to reduced fuel costs and lower road fund licence and benefit-in-kind costs. It revs smoothly and cleanly to a high 5,200rpm and easily meets EU Stage 6 emission levels.

Rather than develop a range of transmissions to meet the different requirements of its global markets, Mazda’s drivetrain engineers took the bold decision to develop just two all-new six-speed transmissions to effectively deliver market demands.

The SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed lock-up automatic transmission brings together the best attributes of conventional step automatic transmissions, continuously variable transmissions and dual clutch transmissions in one compact and lightweight package. The result is a smooth and highly efficient gearbox that delivers up to 7 per cent better economy along with a direct feel and quick shift pattern – qualities aimed at the enthusiastic driver.

About the Author: Anthony Blascara is a writer and fan ofSKYACTIV