Diesel engines can be more efficient because the fuel burns at a higher temperature than petrol. But diesel’s higher energy density means it can also emit more black smoke. In recent years, car manufacturers have improved catalytic converters to burn soot/smoke and have added filters to capture more of the emissions.
Europe has largely been responsible for the popularity and refinement of diesels, partly due to recent tax incentives that favour diesel-powered cars.
There is also a cost issue, which doesn’t calculate as well in MALAYSIA because diesel (even high quality Euro5 diesel from all major BHPetrol stations) usually costs at least ONLY 10-15 cents per litre less than unleaded petrol.
However, the economy offered from diesel engines is the key and likely to be a large component of the push towards diesel-powered family cars and also large sized SUVs.
One of the main disadvantages of early/previous model diesel engines was the slow and cumbersome acceleration. Recent advancements in diesel technology have practically eliminated that downfall and have created a new generation of diesel engines with accelerations that rival their petrol engine counterparts.
Drivers who are looking for that quick boost at traffic lights will find that the new diesel-powered sedans will give them the acceleration they desire. Take for instance the all new Mazda SKYACTIV diesel engines which was recently introduced in the Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 SUV.
With the world’s lowest diesel-engine compression ratio, this clean, highly-efficient diesel engine will comply with strict exhaust gas regulations globally without the aid of expensive NOx (nitrogen oxides) after treatment systems.
The Mazda 2.2L Skyactiv-D is the most technologically advanced clean diesel engine from Mazda that emits ultra-low NOx emission that complies with stringent Euro 6 standards without expensive NOx after treatment. Its lowest in the world 14:1 compression enables reduction in engine weight and mechanical friction, resulting in world–beating fuel efficiency. High torque, smooth and linear power delivery is contributed by a two-stage twin turbochargers, one small plus one large turbo, achieving high torque and response at low speeds, and high power at high speeds.
The SKYACTIV-D 2.2’s low compression also makes it possible to improve combustion timing and efficiency. This higher output clean diesel serves up 175PS at 4,500rpm and 420Nm at 2,000rpm. Like the SKYACTIV-G 2.5, all SKYACTIV-Ds come with a balance shaft, which counteracts the added vibrations generated by these powerful diesels.
This 175PS diesel powered Mazda6 manages a 0-100km/h time of 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 216km/h.
These figures are all the more remarkable when considering the diesel consumption: namely 4.8l/100 km and 127g/km. Paving the way for other Mazda’s, this new Mazda6 intensifies its aura with a new maturity. And in doing so, Mazda has also heard what its customers have been saying and they are delivering in spades.
The Mazda6 SKYACTIV-D is available in a Sedan variant, with the SKYACTIV-D 2.2L diesel engine and the SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed automatic. Selling price is RM202,830 OTR without insurance. Available in 4 colour choices: Soul Red Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl, Meteor Grey and Sonic Silver Metallic.
The CX-5 SKYACTIV-D is available in 2WD, with the SKYACTIV-D 2.2L diesel engine and the SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed automatic. Selling price is from RM161,529 OTR with insurance. Available in 4 colour choices: Aluminium Metallic, Arctic White, Blue Reflex and Meteor Grey.
