While Mazda's new-gen Mazda6 sedan has proven to be hit with buyers, the automaker has just confirmed that the eagerly awaited introduction of its even-more-fuel efficient turbodiesel variant has been pushed back until April.
According to Robert Davis, senior vice president of U.S. operations for Mazda North American Operations, the delay is the result of additional time needed to accommodate final emissions testing and certification of its SkyActiv-D clean diesel engine.
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Originally due in showrooms by the end of 2013, this mileage-maxing version of Mazda's mid-size 4-door would have given -- and still may give -- the automaker bragging rights as being the first Japanese manufacturer to market a diesel-powered passenger car in the U.S. Beyond appearing in the Mazda6, the SkyActiv-D engine also will also be offered in other Mazda products here, with the CX-5 expected to be next in line. Although Mazda says it can easily meet short-term Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) mileage bogeys with its extremely efficient SkyActiv-G gasoline engine family, the 4-cylinder/2.2-liter SkyActiv-D alternative that's already proven successful in other parts of the world will play a significant role in helping the automaker raise its game to meet increasingly stringent CAFE numbers due to take effect during the latter part of the decade.
http://www.kbb.com
By Bob Nagy
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