Mazda hosted the 2015 SKYACTIV Challenge in partnership with Shell, who supplied fuel and oils for this fuel efficiency demonstration. The SKYACTIV Challenge saw 30 journalists participate in a 340km drive from Mazda’s BERMAZ Headquarters in Glenmarie to Johor Bahru featuring 3 of Mazda’s most popular models – the Mazda 2, 3 and CX-5. The last two models are locally assembled, too.
There were 5 of each making 15 vehicles in total. Participants competed to see who could achieve the best fuel economy scores. Of course the 3 Mazda models represented 3 distinct categories. We found ourselves in the largest of the three vehicles, the CX-5 SUV. It may have been large, but we managed a very decent average fuel economy of 5.6 l/100km.
That was nothing compared to the best light footed driver in a competing CX-5 who managed the trip from Glenmarie to Johor Bahru on just RM14.15 worth of petrol. That’s less than 7 litres of fuel on a trip more than 300 kilometres long in an SUV!
To ensure the legitimacy of the test, the hood, climate controls and fuel tank filler caps were all sealed to prevent tampering. Furthermore, measurements were carried out by an organisation independant of both Shell and Mazda.
What’s even more impressive is that the cars made 3 compulsory stops at fixed intervals and there was a 20 minute jam near the Kulaiaya exit. This year’s SKYACTIVE Challenge demonstrated that Mazda is a brand that can deliver on its ‘Zoom-Zoom’ promise of excitement while also returning great fuel economy throughout its range of vehicles.
Tomorrow members of the media who attended the drive will witness the opening ceremony of Azam Motors’ 3S Mazda dealership located on Jalan Permas, in Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru.
