The new Mazda CX-3 will arrive in the U.S. this autumn in time for the 2016 model year, but one of its best trim models won’t get a second look from most American buyers.
You’ll see a more detailed and thorough review of the upcoming CX-3 in the weeks to come. For now, we’re focusing on engines and the quality of the Mazda SKYACTIV 2.2 liter twin-turbo diesel found in the CX-3 I recently tested for a few days in London.
A mass market consumer car with a diesel engine is not a strange sight in the UK, Europe or Canada. Good luck finding too many here. In the case of the new CX-3, less than 10% of the diesel engines Mazda builds will sell in U.S. cars. That’s a shame when you consider how well and reliably these engines run — no matter who builds them.
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The advantages of diesel are numerous, but most American drivers have no clue about the upsides. The U.S. auto buyers often avoid the D Word at all costs, probably because of silly, outmoded fears of diesel’s ancient failures. There was certainly an era when buyers needed to be aware of diesels not starting in cold weather. The power plants were heavy and could make cars clumsier and slower. But, that was a long time ago. Cars used to run on steam, too. Everything moves on in the car world, as did diesel engineering technology.
The modern diesel engine, including the Mazda version that powers the new CX-3, are more efficient than standard engines. They improve mileage and overall energy output. They’re more reliable because they don’t need a high powered electrical ignition system. They run cooler, cleaner and longer — all while being easier to supercharge.
Admittedly, you do lose some cool engine noise with most diesel engines as they tend to putter a bit when idling and don’t rev loud when you stomp the gas. But, diesel gets you moving quickly enough, with or without the noise.
As for the eco-obsessed, diesel cars are better for the environment as they burn less fuel and give off cleaner emissions. When you consider the mess a hybrid can due to the environment over the long haul, smart car buyers should be pushing past the Prius and going diesel.
If automakers like Mazda continue to put out diesel engines in quality new cars like the CX-3, there’s hope that the U.S. market might get up to speed with the alternative engine. The CX-3 offered ample acceleration in street and highway conditions.
Mazda’s diesel is a great engine, battling well with similar sized engines from Volkswagen, BMW and other manufacturers. Here’s hoping more buyers out there get that message and make it easier for the automakers to bring diesel into the U.S. in greater numbers.
