Mazda will blow the wraps off the new Mazda3 Skyactiv-CNG Concept at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show next month, alongside the already released Skyactiv gasoline, diesel and hybrid models (the latter only available in Japan). As the name suggests, the Mazda3 Skyactiv-CNG Concept runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). The prototype features a dual fuel system than runs on both gasoline and CNG. Mazda says its Skyactiv-G gasoline engine needs minor modifications to run on CNG as well, since it burns fuel at a high pressure and it has a high compression ration, just like a CNG engine.
According to the company, the Mazda3 Skyactiv-CNG responds to market trends and that vehicles with CNG engines reduce emissions by about 20 percent compared to those with gasoline engines of the same displacement. The Japanese carmaker didn’t say whether the study will spawn a production model but that is likely to happen, since in European markets like Germany and Italy CNG vehicles are popular.
Skyactiv-CNG study aside, the Mazda booth will also include Skyactiv-Hybrid models, which are on sale only in Japan, where the Mazda3 is called Axela. The hybrid pairs an electric motor with a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline engine.
Mazda will also present in Tokyo the Atenza (Mazda6) ASV-5, which is equipped with next generation safety systems. One of these systems enables automobiles with an in-car autonomous sensor to communicate with streetcars, helping to prevent collisions and make traffic smoother and safer.
By Dan Mihalascu
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