Mazda3 2.5 e-Skyactiv G 140 HP manual 6v test (with video)

In a car sector where electrification is becoming more and more important, but where doubts continue to arise, it is a certain joy to find classic-style mechanics. That is the first thing I thought when I stretched a couple of gears with the Mazda3 2.5 e-Skyactiv G, the model and mechanics that are the protagonists of this test.

Yes, we agree that the control of polluting emissions and consumption Power is important. But while most car manufacturers seem to have gone crazy reducing displacements, cylinder numbers and supercharging engines; a traditional concept such as la atmospheric intake and high displacement It is giving very good results to Mazda, which in turn is an innovative brand.

Curious questions aside, this week we have been testing a car that, without being sporty, excites the most passionate drivers. And mind you, I want to make it clear from the beginning, the Mazda cars with gasoline engines they do not always suit every driver, except this one, whose torque delivery allows us to forget about the simple driving in the turbo.

Mazda3 with 2.5-litre petrol engine: the figures

Yes, as we said, the Mazda3 has recently introduced a whole range of engines 2.5 petrol engine without turbo, or what is the same, naturally aspirated. It is not a new engine, as the block has been sold in America for some time and is also the same one that powers the thermal part of the Mazda CX-60 and CX-80 plug-in hybrids. Logically, conveniently adapted.

This mechanic, which It is called e-Skyactiv G 140 It replaces the previous 2-litre Skyactiv G, which were offered with 122 and 150 hp. However, as a clarification, the 2.0 hp 186 e-Skyactiv X is still available in both the Mazda3 and its crossover counterpart, the CX-30, with which it shares architecture and mechanics.

I loved the concept too of the e-Skyactiv-X, with a very high compression ratio and an ignition never before seen in a gasoline engine, which is controlled by compression by the spark plugs, but it is true that Technically it is somewhat complexThis new 2.5 is much simpler and, therefore, more economical despite being larger.

First of all, let's talk about the performance which is homologated, something that, although it is not always a faithful reflection of how the car feels, we all like to know. We have 140 hp at 5.000 rpm and 238 Nm of torque at 3.300 rpmWith manual transmission it goes from 0 to 100 in 9,5 seconds, reaches 206 km/h and the approved consumption is 5,9 l / 100 km, although in this version, due to the slightly wider tires, it goes up a tenth.

Comparing with othersThe old 2.0 hp 150 delivered maximum power at 6.000 rpm and the torque was lower, with 213 Nm, and at 4.000 rpm. It is also true that it consumed a little less and was a little faster when pushing the gears. If we compare it with the 2.0 hp 186 e-Skyactiv-X, it is more technologically advanced, consumes a little less and is somewhat faster, but the maximum torque is practically the same (240 Nm at 4.000 rpm) and in this new 2.5 it is delivered a little earlier.

Driving

If I could only choose three words to describe this engine, none of them would be power, strength or performance. The most appropriate ones would be refinement, sweetness and pleasantness. Indeed, it is a 2.500 and “only” generates 140 HP, which for many people seems to be little. The approach of this car - of this engine, more accurately - is not to achieve high performance. You have already seen that Nor is its 0 to 100 km/h anything out of this world.

However, that low-rev torque and the balance of the entire mechanical assembly when it turns very close to idle It provides a driving pleasure rarely seen before. in a four-cylinder engine and never in a supercharged engine. In fact, even under difficult conditions, such as driving in fourth gear at 40 km/h, it is surprisingly smooth.

And watch out, you accelerate from so low and the engine responds. It does so instantly, without having to wait for a turbo that would require some patience. Its power delivery is constant and flat, noticing that when it exceeds 4.000 rpm it already pushes strongly because it approaches the maximum power zone, which is at 5.000, although the engine allows stretching up to 6.500 revolutions per minute.

With manual transmission it is like a perfect marriage

I am one of those who think that an automatic transmission is very comfortable and ideal in the vast majority of cars. In fact, I almost always recommend it. But when you come across what is for me The brand that best makes manual changes, it is difficult to justify the purchase of a “two pedal”.

Combining this delicious engine with the Mazda3's fantastic manual transmission is like seeing a perfect marriage, one of those that you know will last forever, that are truly made for each other and that will love and respect each other for the rest of their days.

The inserts are precise, the travel is short, it has a slightly hard feel and, in addition, the developments are perfectly chosen in each gear.. Because they have not only developed it with the idea of ​​reducing fuel consumption by a few tenths, but also making driving pleasant and useful.

Consumption How much does the 2.5 e-Skyactiv G petrol consume?

Ok, I've already told you that the engine runs very smoothly, that it responds well and that, although you can buy it with both a manual and automatic transmission, the manual will be much more satisfactory - unless you are frequently stuck in long traffic jams. Having said that, what about fuel consumption?

The truth is that It is not one of its greatest virtuesIn fact, it consumes a little more than the 186 hp e-Skyactiv-X. That extra half litre of displacement and the mechanical simplicity penalise it in terms of consumption, but it doesn't shoot up as much as many might think.

Throughout this test, with almost 1.000 kilometers traveled in all kinds of circumstances, we have obtained a average consumption of 7,6 l/100 kmIt is when we drive hard, especially in the city, that consumption shoots up; on the highway Travelling at the strict 120 km/h required by law, data of 6 or 6,2 l/100 km are achieved.The cylinder deactivation system also helps in these conditions.

By the way, the 24 volt mild hybrid system It is not noticeable, but it helps to achieve instantaneousness when stepping on the accelerator, partially improving the response. However, its main advantage is that it gives you the environmental label Eco of the DGT.

Mazda3 prices

And to finish, let's talk about price, because the tested version is 2.500 euros cheaper than the e-Skyactiv X of 186 HP if we match the equipment. Without a doubt, a difference that will make many customers opt for this engine even though it is slightly less powerful and has a somewhat higher consumption.

The most accessible version, with the simplest equipment, has a fee of 27.800 euros, combined with the manual transmission. On the other hand, if we prefer the 6-speed automatic transmission we have to pay at least 30.100 euros.

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