Mazda reveals new tech advances from Japan

Mazda, having already committed itself to improving the fuel economy of its vehicles, has revealed three new technological advancements.

The developments, currently nearing completion in Japan, are all focused on improving fuel economy, starting with the Smart Idle Stop System (SISS).

This automatically stops the car's engine and then starts it again, using direct-injection helped by a starter motor action.

Both the compression-stroke and expansion-stroke pistons are stopped at exactly the correct position to ensure the right balance of air volume in each cylinder.

Mazda states this system is a global first, because it begins indexing the pistons before the engine starts up again, unlike standard systems that do this after an electric motor starts turning over the engine.

According to Mazda, the system starts nearly twice as quickly as its rivals.

Secondly, the MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, launching in Europe early next year, will provide 185 PS of power and 400 Nm of torque.

Ultra high pressure fuel injectors and a lower compression ratio are included to help improve efficiency.

Finally, Mazda has made progress in the field of plastic moulding technology, looking to reduce the weight of plastic parts in its vehicles.

This is done without compromising strength or rigidity and also cuts consumption of oil-based resins by around 20 to 30 per cent.

Potentially, this could be applied to virtually all plastic parts used in cars.