Mazda 3 and CX-30: New base engine with 2.5 liters displacement!

140 hp from 2.5 liters of displacement – these were figures last seen in the mid-1970s: The entry-level versions of the large Opel models or the Citroen CX GTI had such displacements. Now Mazda is once again offering a large displacement for moderate power: The new e-Skyactiv G 140 with four cylinders and a displacement of 2.5 liters in combination with the Mazda M Hybrid System replaces the no longer available 2.0-liter gasoline engines e-Skyactiv G 122 and e-Skyactiv G 150 as the new entry-level engine.

Plenty of torque: 238 Nm is impressive for a naturally aspirated gasoline engine

In the lower and middle rev ranges, which are important for daily driving, the new engine delivers significantly more torque and scores highly with efficiency. Additionally, updates for comfort and connectivity, as well as a new equipment structure, enhance both compact Mazda series. The new e-Skyactiv G 140 is available for both body variants of the Mazda3 – the Mazda3 with a fastback and tailgate and the Mazda3 with a sedan – as well as for the Mazda CX-30.

The four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct injection is combined as standard with the Mazda M Hybrid System, which recovers braking energy and supports the combustion engine with electric assistance. The new unit develops a maximum output of 103 kW/140 hp at 5,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 238 Nm, which is an increase of 25 Nm. Moreover, the torque peak is reached at 3,300 rpm, previously this value was 4,000 rpm.

The higher torque in the lower and middle rev ranges not only benefits drivability and acceleration, but also improves real-world fuel consumption. Additionally, cylinder deactivation, which deactivates combustion in cylinders one and four through variable valve timing at low engine loads, contributes to reduced fuel consumption.

Another improvement over the previous 2.0-liter e-Skyactiv G is the balance shaft unit installed in the new 2.5-liter e-Skyactiv G 140, which eliminates unpleasant noise frequencies, further enhancing acoustic comfort.

The shift strategy also pays homage to efficiency

Power transfer is managed via either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. The overall gear ratios of both gearboxes have not been changed, ensuring that the additional engine torque is fully transferred to the drive wheels. The automatic transmission's shift strategy has been adapted to the increased engine torque, reducing gear changes, increasing comfort, and reducing fuel consumption.

The top engine for both the Mazda3 and the Mazda CX-30 remains the e-Skyactiv X 186 gasoline engine with SPCCI combustion process (Spark Controlled Compression Ignition), which combines the benefits of a gasoline engine with the efficiency of a diesel engine through its compression ignition. The engine develops an output of 137 kW/186 hp at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 240 Nm at 4,000 rpm. With this engine, the Mazda3 is also available with the i-Activ AWD all-wheel drive in combination with an automatic transmission.

Amazon Alexa supports infotainment

As part of the 2025 model update, the Mazda3 and Mazda CX-30 will also receive Amazon Alexa voice control for the Mazda Connect infotainment system. Users can access a variety of Alexa functions such as music apps, weather information, news, Amazon shopping, or control smart home devices, as well as control vehicle functions such as navigation and air conditioning via voice commands. Alexa voice control is part of the standard equipment for both models, as is the new hybrid navigation, which allows precise dynamic route guidance with online map updates and real-time traffic information.