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Mazda3 to showcase CNG, Hybrid versions in Tokyo

Mazda has made huge gains in its competitive set with the introduction of its Skyactiv technologies, and the Japanese automaker appears to have no plans on slowing down. While we’re still waiting for the Mazda6 Skyactiv-D diesel to go on sale in the US, Mazda announced that it will debut new Skyactiv-Hybrid and Skyactiv-CNG versions of the Mazda3 (standard US-spec model shown above) at next month’s Tokyo Motor Show.

Matching up with what we heard earlier in the summer, the Mazda3 Skyactiv-Hybrid is intended for Japan only, but there are no details about this system regarding fuel economy, electric components or specs. Likewise, there are no details for the Mazda3 Skyactiv-CNG Concept, which is a bi-fuel version of the car running on both gasoline and compressed natural gas. As this car’s name suggests, the CNG model is a concept vehicle, and there is no indication that Mazda plans offering such a model here in the US.

In addition to these two vehicles, Mazda will also have an Atenza (Mazda6) on display showing off some vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) safety systems, called the ASV-5 (Advanced Safety Vehicle). Scroll down for Mazda’s official press release.

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MAZDA TO EXHIBIT ALL-NEW MAZDA3 POWERTRAIN DERIVATIVES AT TOKYO MOTOR SHOW

-World premiere of all-new Mazda3 powertrain derivatives including SKYACTIV-CNG concept and hybrid version
-All-new Mazda3 offered as “multi-solution”

Mazda will showcase the recently launched Mazda3 with a variety of engine types at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The latest model is now offered as a ‘multi-solution’ in response to diversifying fuel types. Beside news on the already released SKYACTIV gasoline, hybrid (for Japan) and diesel-engine models, the Japanese carmaker presents for the first time a Mazda3 SKYACTIV-CNG Concept, which runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). Alongside new-generation models, the displays show Mazda’s most recent technologies and hint at the direction of future models. The 43rd Tokyo Motor Show opens to the public on November 23 at Tokyo Big Sight.*

The Mazda3 is a core model in the Mazda line-up accounting for more than thirty per cent of the company’s global sales volume, and it is the third of Mazda’s new generation vehicles to be completely redesigned. Mazda is proposing the new Mazda3 as a ‘multi-solution.’ Capable of using a diverse range of energy sources, every model still offers Mazda’s trademark fun-to-drive experience. Furthermore, regardless of fuel-type, all models in the Mazda3 line-up feature SKYACTIV engines – a testament to the versatility of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY.

Based on an increasing demand for CNG-powered vehicles, the SKYACTIV-CNG Concept adopts a dual fuel system that runs on both gasoline and CNG. Since CNG engines burn fuel at high pressure and the SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine already achieves a high compression ratio it can easily be modified for CNG with only minor modifications.

Vehicles with CNG engines reduce emissions by about 20 per cent compared to those with gasoline engines of the same displacement.

The SKYACTIV-HYBRID models – on sale only for Japan – pair an electric motor with a specially-designed 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine. It realizes both exhilarating driving performance and outstanding fuel economy performance.

Also on stage in Tokyo is the Mazda Atenza (Mazda6) ASV-5 which is equipped with futuristic safety systems. In a world-first, one of these systems enables automobiles with an in-car autonomous sensor to communicate with streetcars, helping to prevent collisions and support a smooth and safe flow of traffic.

Lists of exhibits

Reference exhibits:

Mazda3 Sport SKYACTIV-D 2.2 [2 units] On sale Jan 2014

Mazda3 SKYACTIV-CNG Concept World premiere

Special Edition Mazda Demio (Mazda2) On sale Dec 2013

Mazda Atenza (Mazda6) ASV-5 (Advanced Safety Vehicle)

Currently available models: Mazda3 Sport (SKYACTIV-G 2.0 & 1.5) [3 units]; Mazda3 Hybrid (SKYACTIV-HYBRID) [2 units]; Mazda Atenza Sedan and Wagon (Mazda6) [2units]; Mazda CX-5 [2 units]; Mazda Premacy (Mazda5); Mazda Biante Granz (special needs vehicle); Mazda Roadster (MX-5); and Mazda Flairwagon Custom micro-mini

Technology exhibits: Interior model of the all-new Mazda3, SKYACTIV-HYBRID engine model, SKYACTIV-D 2.2 engine model, etc.

In addition to the above, Mazda will also participate in the SMART MOBILITY CITY 2013 exhibition organized by the SMART MOBILITY CITY 2013 executive committee and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association.

* Press days are November 20 and 21, 2013. Mazda will hold a press conference at 11:15 a.m. on November 20, 2013.

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