Mazda has released key economy information on its long-awaited Skyactiv-X engine – that benefits from diesel-like compression ignition in a petrol engine, leading to reduced fuel consumption and low CO2.

Skyactiv-X is the world’s first commercial petrol engine to combine spark and compression ignition

Making its debut in the Mazda3, Mazda’s Skyactiv-X engine will go on sale in the UK this autumn.

The engine features Mazda’s Spark Plug Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) technology, the 2.0 litre, four-cylinder Skyactiv-X engine is the world’s first commercial petrol unit to combine the spark ignition of a petrol engine with the compression ignition of a diesel.

The new engine technology is said to offer the free-revving performance of a petrol, with higher amounts of torque thanks to increased compression and a more complete fuel burn, similar to how a diesel engine operates. The Skyactiv-X engine will have a maximum power output of 180hp and 224Nm of torque. Skyactiv-X achieves WLTP-measured fuel economy of up to 52.3mpg and produces CO₂ emissions from just 96g/km (NEDC Correlated) – depending on transmission and wheel size.

The engine will additionally be equipped with Mazda’s 24V mild-hybrid ‘M Hybrid technology’ as standard.

The Skyactiv-X engine will be available on both the hatchback and saloon models later this year, with a choice of six-speed Skyactiv-MT manual or six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmissions. The Mazda i-Activ all-wheel-drive system will be available on the Mazda3 Skyactiv-X Hatchback.

Full UK specification and pricing details of the All-New Mazda3 Skyactiv-X will be announced next month.