Mazda3 2.0D: Even More Appealing Than Before
Published: 11th April 2007
Powertrain - New Sporty and Frugal Common-rail Turbo Diesel
- MZR-CD 2.0-litre common-rail turbo diesel with high power and high torque
- Low fuel consumption, returning 47.1mpg (combined cycle)
- Low operating noise for petrol-like refinement
The MZR-CD 143ps 2.0-litre turbo diesel is the ideal addition to the Mazda3 model range, which already offers five engines and two distinct body styles, plus the high-performance Mazda3 MPS super-hatch flagship model. The new 143ps diesel completes the diesel powertrain line-up – consisting of 90ps and 109ps derivatives of a MZ-CD 1.6-litre turbocharged engine – with a performance-oriented power unit targeting Europeans looking for Zoom-Zoomdriving fun without having to pay a penalty at the fuel pump.
The Mazda3 MZR-CD 2.0-litre turbo diesel is the same popular and responsive engine as used in the Mazda5 and Mazda6. This unit produces 143ps of power at 3,500rpm and an extremely generous maximum torque of 360Nm at just 2,000rpm. It employs a variable‑geometry turbocharger, which maximizes torque across a wide range of engine speeds.
The turbocharger has an optimised design that makes it smaller, with a turbine that has lower inertia. Combined with drive shafts strengthened specifically for the new engine’s high torque output, the variable-geometry turbocharger with intercooler contributes to smooth, linear acceleration and high maximum output while minimizing torque steer. It also makes the most of its 360 Nm of torque for superior engine response and sporty driving fun. Powered by this new engine, the Mazda3 hatchback accelerates to 62mph in just 9.9 seconds, reaches a top speed of 126mph and has a CO2 rating of 162g/km, qualifying for a Band D road fund licence.
Low NVH and Fuel Consumption, and a new Muffler System
Despite all this power and torque, Mazda3’s new 2.0 MZR-CD is nearly as smooth-running and refined as an equally powerful petrol engine. It achieves this in various ways, including an ultra-high pressure common-rail injection system (up to 1800 bar) that allows for multi‑stage injection of up to six times per cycle (including pre-injections at low revs), which prevents a steep pressure increase in the cylinders and suppresses diesel knock and overall combustion noise.
The engine also uses a dual-mass flywheel that limits transmission noise and vibration, while new insulation of the engine bay (introduced with Mazda3 facelift in 2006) and a newly-designed exhaust system, with a new pre-silencer, all combine to deliver excellent refinement.
Not only is Mazda3’s new turbo diesel sporty and refined, it also uses fuel sparingly. Its common-rail system has six-hole injectors designed to produce the best possible fuel atomization. Fuel injection volume, frequency and timing are electronically optimised based on accelerator pedal position, engine speed and other variables, to ensure the best possible overall combustion efficiency.
The 2.0 MZR-CD also employs a low compression ratio of 16.7:1, which has several advantages - it lowers pumping losses, improves thermal efficiency at middle and high engine load, improves fuel consumption and reduces idle noise significantly.
Mazda Mazda3
Our Mazda Mazda3 Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Mazda3 range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £11,440 - £19,495
Body Styles:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 12
We have road tested the Mazda Mazda3, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Mazda Mazda3 Review - Jun 2008
Mazda Mazda3 Review - May 2005
Mazda Mazda3 Review - Aug 2004
Mazda Mazda3 Review - Jun 2007
Mazda Mazda3 Review - Aug 2007
Mazda Mazda3 Review - Aug 2007
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 21st Sep 2008
