REPORT: Mazda3 gets fuel-sipping start-stop tech abroad
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Jan 22nd 2009 at 3:55PM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mazda3 five-door hatchback
Even brands with overtly sporty pretensions must be concerned with their fuel economy and emissions, a point that is further evidenced by Mazda's intent to launch start-stop technology in the U.K. on its newest 3, which has proven to be the Japanese brand's most popular model. Before the end of 2009, Mazda plans to add the eco-friendly tech to both the 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter gas-burning four-cylinder engines. Oddly, the car's optional diesels, which are significantly more fuel efficient than their petrol counterparts, will miss out on this bit of tech. It's interesting to note, however, that the 2.0-liter MZR four is the only powerplant is available in Japan, Europe and America, so it seems possible all three markets could benefit from stop-start if Mazda were so inclined.
Those that care little of fuel savings will be happy to welcome the Mazdaspeed (MPS across the pond) version of the 3 hatchback that is slated for release in March at the Geneva Motor Show. A twin-clutch DSG transmission is also reportedly in the works for the 2010 model year, so there's certainly plenty to look forward to from the Zoom Zoom company.
Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Mazda3 five-door
[Source: Autocar]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Torrent 3:58PM (1/22/2009)
If it's sipping fuel- why such a big mouth?
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TurboPanzer 4:06PM (1/22/2009)
Marvin, that big mouth is obviously for something else naughty.
dinnercoat 4:09PM (1/22/2009)
Ever heard the phrase "beating a dead horse"?
TurboPanzer 4:18PM (1/22/2009)
@dinnercoat: What about the phrase "beating off to a dead horse"?
[Tom Green is coming. RUN!!]
Rev 6:51PM (1/22/2009)
A horse this ugly deserves endless beatings.
Or at least until the 2011 refresh...
TomdeTomTom 7:41PM (1/22/2009)
It helps if you raise you hand to cover everything below the headlights... Then, it's smashing!
Matt 4:02PM (1/22/2009)
Kill it with fire!
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mapoftazifosho 4:08PM (1/22/2009)
Just saw this in person at the NAIAS. I hated it in photos, but love it in the flesh.
The interior is amazing for the its category.
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Michael 4:21PM (1/22/2009)
Can someone tell me what manufacturers do to make this technology safe for the engine?
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Nightcrawler 4:43PM (1/22/2009)
Why wouldn't it be safe to the engine? Oil draining down to the pan so the engine is momentarily without oil on the restart, as it is in the initial engine start of the day now perhaps?
I guess that makes sense. But how fast would the oil drain out of the engine? Quickly enough that there is none left after a minute at the stoplight? Oil is pretty low viscosity these days, so it might drain pretty quickly. Though for a warm restart it would presumably get pumped back to where it's needed quickly as well.
nardvark 5:46PM (1/22/2009)
I believe I've read previously that Mazda's new system puts the engine in a specific point in the timing when it stops, so that it stops in the same place every time. Then, instead of using a starter motor to get it moving, it uses combustion (they can do this more easily, because the motor is direct injected). This wouldn't be possible if they didn't know exactly where the cylinder is when they want to restart, but their system takes care of that by braking it at the correct location.
jimmy_ngai 7:13PM (1/22/2009)
don't know which company makes the best system.
but there is a article about mazda's start stop system.
http://www.wheels.ca/article/32454
Swede 6:22AM (1/23/2009)
Uprated starter motor, battery and generator.
dinnercoat 4:21PM (1/22/2009)
Interested to see what kind of MPG gains will be had by the stop-start and if it will be enough to put it closer to the Civic/Corolla and how/if this system will work on a manual transmission.
Twin clutch DSG on the Mazdaspeed version will be very cool but I hope a manual cog swapper will still be available...
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ASEVENSEE4 4:24PM (1/22/2009)
Yes of course the manual will still be available
But a DSG Speed3? WHATTTT?! Awesome surprise if it does happen!
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dinnercoat 4:28PM (1/22/2009)
Well I'm just worried cos the Nissan GT-R didn't come offered with a standard transmission.
Then again Nissan is all kinds of whack-o about that car anyway like not selling the engine separately for any reason (like that will be hard for tuners/hobbyists to get around).
Jimbo 4:43PM (1/22/2009)
The Autocar article doesn't mention the DSG-type engine for the MS3, only for the regular 3. I really do hope it is on the MS3 as well but it would really need some beefing up (compared to what is needed for the 1.6 and 2.0 L) to handle the 300 hp the MS3 is expected to have. It's too bad they aren't developing it for the 2.5 L since that's what the majority of U.S. 3's will be.
sjd 4:32PM (1/22/2009)
The 2.0 MZR offered in Europe & Japan is direct injected, our 2.0 MZR is not. I wouldn't expect the start stop tech here because of that.
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MikeofLA 4:46PM (1/22/2009)
anyone else feel that this car need the MazdaSpeed 6's AWD system. Not a full heavy AWD, but just the ability to direct 50% to the rear wheels would be sufficiant. Then you have an R32 competitor.
I love this car but WILL Not buy a FWD.
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Richard 4:58PM (1/22/2009)
I feel the same way...I was heavily considering buying a MS3 but I went for a G8 GT instead(I know completely different) I'll trade a manual transmission for RWD anyday. I wish the RX-7 was faster.