At the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show in November Mazda will reveal what’s next for the Mazda3 by unveiling two very important concept models. They preview a CNG-powered version of the car along with a SKYACTIV Hybrid model. They are both production-intended concepts.
By giving the car a diverse range of engines or ‘multi-solution’ as they refer to it, Mazda will enable the 3 to run on all types of available fuels, thus expanding the car’s range of capabilities. Both Mazda3 CNG and Hybrid will benefit from the SKYACTIV technology, which guarantees maximum efficiency, without any compromise on Mazda’s trademark fun-to-drive experience.
The Mazda3 CNG Concept uses the existing SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine as the base. Only slight modifications are needed to enable the already high compression engine to run on compresses natural gas. Vehicles with CNG engines reduce emissions by about 20 per cent compared to those with gasoline engines of the same displacement.
As for the Hybrid version, pair an electric motor with a specially-designed 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine. This being Mazda, they emphasize that the electric motor is there to enhance the performance of the car first, and then balance the fuel economy. Mazda3 Hybrid goes on sale only in Japan for now.
