Mazda’s new SKYACTIV-X engine

The story behind the SkyActiv-X engine is the so-called Spark Controlled Compression Ignition. It’s mission is to balance performance and economy in not just sports cars, but an everyday compact hatchback like the Mazda 3. That means it also has to operate smoothly so the driver doesn’t notice what the tech under the hood is doing to achieve that balance. Gasoline engines have spark plugs to ignite the air and fuel mixture to combust and make the engine operate. Diesels use compression ignition, which forces air and fuel to combust without a spark, improving efficiency but resulting in higher emissions. And compression ignition engines also suffer in terms of refinement compared to spark ignition cars, Mazda engineers say, which they think would turn off prospective drivers who aren’t as swayed by fuel economy claims as others.