Mazda PH looking to add e-Skyactiv engines in lineup
If you've noticed since the EVIDA law was enacted, we begin to see established and new car manufacturers add more and more electrified vehicles to their lineup.
Mazda Philippines is no stranger to that, as they've started to offer M hybrid variants of the Mazda 3 and CX-30 since last year. And now, it looks like we'll see more electrified models from them.
We have spotted that Mazda Philippines has received two approvals for a passenger car with 3.3-liter engines – the first is labeled as diesel, while the other has a gasoline fuel requirement. Currently, Mazda Philippines doesn't have a 3.3-liter diesel or gasoline engine powering their vehicles, but upon looking at the models they offer in other markets, we got an idea that they could be launching two all-new vehicles in the country.
The first model could be the Mazda CX-60. The midsize crossover had its world premiere last year, and it's currently the only Mazda vehicle that has an inline-six 3.3-liter diesel engine, and it comes in two options – the non-hybrid Skyactiv D with 231 PS and 500 Nm of torque, and a mild hybrid e-Skyactiv D variant with 254 PS and 550 Nm of torque. Both turbodiesels are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and send power to all four wheels.
Meanwhile, the other model could very well be Mazda's flagship crossover, the CX-90. Launched in North America back in December last year, the three-row crossover has 345 PS and 500 Nm of torque in its 3.3-liter e-SkyActiv gasoline turbo inline-six. It benefits from mild-hybrid tech via an electric motor placed between the engine and the transmission.
As to when they would launch, that would be anyone's guess. However, Mazda introducing e-Skyactiv engines in the country could prove to be a stepping stone in pushing their electrification efforts in the country. The e-Skyactiv engines could make their way before fully offering their PHEV variants, along with fully-electric vehicles like the MX-30.