All new Mazda2 engines combine the low fuel consumption expected of a sub-compact car with the lively Zoom-Zoom characteristics of a genuine Mazda.

When it goes on sale in autumn 2007, the new Mazda2 will initially come with two Mazda MZR petrol engines : a 1.3-litre that produces (depending on market) either 55 kW/ 75 ps or 63 kW/ 86 ps and a 1.5-litre unit that produces 76 kW/ 103 ps . Both petrol engines have sequential valve timing (S-VT) and optimised exhaust-valve timing . The new 1.5-litre adds a variable induction system (VIS) that enhances torque across the entire rev range.

Mazda will follow this duo up some months later with an especially fuel-ef?cient common rail turbo diesel for the European market, developed from the MZ-CD engine line, with 1.4-litre displacement.

The higher power version of the 1.3-litre engine produces 63 kW/86 ps from a displacement of 1,349 cc and, like the larger engine, is made completely of aluminium. This in-line, four cylinder engine has a double overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and develops 122 Nm of maximum torque at 3,500 rpm. The standard power version produces almost as much torque – 121 Nm at 3,500 rpm.

The 76 kW/103 ps, 1.5-litre engine has a displacement of 1,498 cc and produces a maximum of 137 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm . This is the most powerful Mazda2 and it achieves a top speed of 188 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 10.4 seconds (Mazda measurement, depends on car’s grade and test conditions).

Mazda engineers worked especially hard at optimising Mazda2’s petrol engines in terms of reducing internal frictional loss. The measures undertaken include changes to the piston rings and lands, ?ne-tuning the piston skirts, optimising the piston pin offsets and redesigning the oil passages.

CO 2 Emissions Reduced to 129 g/km for the 1.3-litre Engine
Because Mazda2’s engines are optimised for low friction and have a lower idle speed, the transmissions’ gear ratios are between 3 and 10 per cent higher and the new model boasts excellent aerodynamics , the new small Mazda is one of the most fuel-ef?cient cars in its class . The base model with 1.3-litre petrol engine uses only 5.4 litres of fuel per 100 km (combined cycle), which results in CO 2 emissions of 129 g/km . The 1.5-litre engine is not much thirstier and uses 5.9 litres per 100 km, for a CO 2 rating of 140 g/km.

All Mazda2 petrol engines are mated to a ?ve-speed manual transmission known for its easy operation and precise shift travel. Double-cone synchronizers are used for ?rst and second gears, which ensure easy shifting during both slow gear shifting and shifting during cold weather with low temperatures.

High-tech Mazda Engines
Both petrol engines of the MZR series operate with sequential valve timing (S-VT) which provides variable valve timing for the intake valves and optimised timing of the exhaust valves. In addition to this, the 1.5-litre adds a variable induction system (VIS) that boosts torque across the entire rev range. The intake manifold is made of plastic and ‘breathes’ through 600 mm long intake runners, making robust torque available at low engine speeds.

The intake manifold also has integrated tumble swirl control valves ( TSCV s) that ensure high combustion stability, even during slow driving, and together with the exhaust-gas recirculation, improve fuel consumption and emissions. Both MZR 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre engines have an electronically controlled throttle that translates pedal input quickly and precisely.