SKYACTIV is Mazda's term for a series of engine and drivetrain technologies that helps boost efficiency and increase performance, and the 3 is the first mainstream Mazda model to get the application. The main difference is the new SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that is mate to either a new SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission or a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual gearbox.

The new engine is lighter than the existing MZR 2.0-litre engine, and adopts technologies like multi-hole injectors to enhance fuel spray characteristics and achieves a high compression ratio of 12.0:1. The SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre unit produces 155bhp and 200Nm of torque, compared to 148bhp and 183Nm of torque for the existing engine.

The facelifted Mazda3 also features a few styling tweaks, like the larger underbody covers and increased rigidity of the front tyre deflectors. There is also the updated five-point grille opening, restyled front and rear bumpers, and new alloy wheel designs, while the interior gets new colour and trim options.

To distinguish the cars fitted with SKYACTIV technologies, Mazda has also given the facelifted Mazda3 a few unique additions, like an all-new engine cover featuring a deep blue metallic paint finish with black sections along either side; headlamp units outfitted with a transparent blue ring around the centre lens, and SKYACTIV badges around the car.

Source: Mazda