Hybrid Mazda CX-5 locked-in: Next-gen family SUV to feature new Skyactiv-Z tech in 2027 as part of 'Multi-Solution' electrification strategy to battle Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander & Kia Sportage

For close to 15 years Mazda has been focused on wringing ultimate efficiency from its internal-combustion powertrains under the overarching banner of ‘Skyactiv’.

That engineering strategy also takes light-weighting and aero efficiency into account, but now the engine part of the equation has taken a significant step forward with more detail on the ‘Skyactiv-Z’ hybrid program.

In late 2022 Mazda announced its 1.5 trillion yen (A$15.8B) ‘Lean Asset Strategy’, a “multi-solution approach for electrification up to 2030”.

This includes development of a battery electric vehicle (BEV), to be built on the same production line(s) as internal-combustion engine (ICE) models, an approach Mazda says will allow “bundled planning” of products and technologies in the next five to 10 years.

And now Skyactiv-Z is set to supersede Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X technology with the aim of meeting strict emissions regulations including Euro 7 in Europe, as well as LEV4 and Tier 4 in the USA.

Mazda says its “technology is close to the ultimate combustion, achieving both high fuel economy and driving performance” adding the new proprietary hybrid system will power the next Mazda CX-5 (likely a 2.5L four) by the end of 2027.

Technical details are yet to be confirmed but in referencing Skyactiv-Z the brand has previously committed to "the lambda one combustion method" which is designed to achieve "high thermal efficiency by realizing super lean burn combustion over a wide range from low to high rpm, to provide excellent environmental performance and driving performance".

In a statement issued overnight, Mazda said, “Skyactiv-Z combustion improvement technology is deployed in inline six-cylinder engines for Large products, and is also utilized for emission development of the rotary engine.”

Tellingly, Mazda adds, “Including Skyactiv-Z, the number of engine units (variants) will be reduced to less than half, and the control software will be consolidated to two-thirds in the future.”

At the same time an in-house EV-dedicated platform - to be produced in Japan for global deployment and launched in 2027 - is designed to take continuing evolution of battery technology into account, “ensuring high flexibility to derive different model types”.

Mazda’s ‘2030 Vision’ management policy focuses on the transition to electrification from 2025 to 2027 with a more determined shift towards electrified vehicles with a full-scale launch of BEVs from 2028 to 2030.

The company has announced “it will endeavor to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain by 2050”.