Mazda Motor Corporation announced at last week’s Los Angeles Auto Show that it will offer the Skyactiv-D 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine in its newly refreshed CX-5 crossover sports utility vehicle. Models equipped with the diesel engine are expected to be in dealerships in the second half of 2017.

Mazda is the first automaker to announce a small-displacement diesel engine since Volkswagen’s diesel emissions became a scandal. This will be Mazda’s first foray into diesel power in North America.

“The Skyactiv-D 2.2 that will be fitted in the CX-5 provides a torque-rich driving experience and revs freely to high RPMs,” read a statement released by Mazda PR.
Mazda is certain that the engine will meet strict U.S. emission standards and make the all-new CX-5 one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class. The engine uses both Natural Sound Smoother and Natural Sound Frequency Control, proprietary technologies that reduce diesel knock for a quieter and more pleasing engine sound.

“We’re confident this engine offers a smart new option for North American drivers who want both performance and fuel economy,” said Akira Marumoto, Mazda’s Executive Vice President and Representative Director.

The new CX-5 will be available with a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission or a six-speed Skyactiv-MT manual gearbox. Also available is Mazda’s predictive i-ACTIV AWD system, which helps maintain control in all weather conditions with minimal drag on fuel economy. The 2017 CX-5 also adopts Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control, the first of a coming suite of vehicle motion control technologies.

Reaction from the diesel enthusiast community was swift and warm. “Today’s announcement is a clear signal that auto manufacturers remain committed to clean diesel as a key option for meeting consumer needs for fuel-efficient vehicles without compromising performance or utility,” said Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum. “Mazda’s success in the global diesel vehicle market is well-documented as they have played the most significant role of any automaker in the revival of diesels in Japan. Last year, Mazda accounted for 70 percent of diesel sales in the Japanese market.”

For the last four years, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has acknowledged Mazda as the most fuel-efficient automaker in the domestic market. In large part, this is due to Mazda’s commitment to optimizing the four-cylinder gasoline engine with its proprietary Skyactiv technology. Mazda offers no 6- or 8-cylinder engines at this time, and at the same time, has not delved into hybrid or all-electric technology.

Details on the new 2.2-liter diesel engine for America have not yet been released, but in Japan, the Skyactiv-D engine is known to use an all-aluminum engine block, a high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system, and a dual-stage single turbocharger for fast spool-up and consistent boost at high revs. Power output in JDM form is 173  horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.