The Mazda 3 III Hatchback (BM) 2.5 SkyActiv-G (184 Hp) Skyactiv-Drive, produced from July 2013 to 2016, represents a significant iteration of Mazda’s popular compact car. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the third-generation (BM) Mazda 3 lineup, this variant combined Mazda’s innovative SkyActiv technology with a comfortable and efficient automatic transmission. It was primarily marketed in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions, appealing to buyers seeking a balance of performance, fuel economy, and practicality in a stylish package. This model year marked a shift towards more refined driving dynamics and a more premium interior feel for the Mazda 3.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mazda |
| Model | 3 |
| Generation | 3 III Hatchback (BM) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 SkyActiv-G (184 Hp) Skyactiv-Drive |
| Start of production | July, 2013 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.4-8.7 l/100 km (28-27 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6-6.4 l/100 km (39.2-36.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.4-7.6 l/100 km (31.8-30.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Emission standard | PZEV |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 184 Hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Torque | 251 Nm @ 3250 rpm (185.13 lb.-ft. @ 3250 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 6500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | PY-VPS |
| Engine displacement | 2488 cm3 (151.83 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 100 mm (3.94 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 13:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, VVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.8 l (7.19 US qt | 5.98 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1362-1373 kg (3002.7 – 3026.95 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (min) | 572 l (20.2 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (max) | 1334 l (47.11 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4460 mm (175.59 in.) |
| Width | 1795 mm (70.67 in.) |
| Height | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1555 mm (61.22 in.) |
| Rear track | 1560 mm (61.42 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 155 mm (6.1 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.275-0.28 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.3 m (37.07 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission Skyactiv-Drive |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 295 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 265 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
| Tires size | 215/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Mazda 3 2.5 SkyActiv-G lies the PY-VPS engine, a 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is a cornerstone of Mazda’s SkyActiv technology, designed to maximize combustion efficiency and reduce emissions. Key features include a high compression ratio of 13:1, achieved through advanced engine design and precise fuel injection. The engine utilizes direct injection, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber for improved fuel atomization and more complete combustion. The dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, coupled with variable valve timing (VVT), optimizes valve opening and closing for enhanced performance across the rev range. The SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission is a six-speed unit with a unique torque converter lock-up strategy. Unlike traditional automatics, it aims to mimic the feel of a manual transmission by quickly and smoothly shifting gears, reducing torque loss, and improving fuel efficiency.
Driving Characteristics
The 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque produced by the 2.5-liter engine, when paired with the SkyActiv-Drive automatic, provided a comfortable and responsive driving experience. While not as overtly sporty as the manual transmission variants, the automatic offered smooth acceleration and adequate power for everyday driving situations. The transmission’s programming prioritized fuel efficiency, resulting in slightly slower shifts compared to a performance-oriented automatic. The gear ratios were tuned to balance acceleration and highway cruising, with a focus on maintaining low engine speeds at higher velocities. Compared to the 2.0-liter base engine, the 2.5-liter offered a noticeable improvement in power and torque, making it more suitable for highway merging and overtaking. However, it didn’t quite match the more aggressive performance of the Mazda 3 MPS (Mazdaspeed3) which was not available in all markets.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.5 SkyActiv-G with Skyactiv-Drive typically came in mid-level trim configurations, often designated as “Touring” or similar. Standard features generally included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels added features such as leather upholstery, a sunroof, automatic climate control, and advanced safety technologies like blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning. Interior upholstery was typically cloth on the base trims, with leather options available on higher-spec models. Dashboard configurations were consistent across the range, featuring a clean and modern design with a focus on driver ergonomics.
Chassis & Braking
The Mazda 3 BM utilized a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The suspension consisted of an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent multi-link setup at the rear, providing a good balance of ride comfort and handling. Stabilizer bars were standard on both axles to reduce body roll during cornering. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The chassis was designed to be lightweight, contributing to the car’s overall agility and fuel efficiency.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Mazda 3 2.5 SkyActiv-G with Skyactiv-Drive received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and fuel-efficient powertrain. The SkyActiv-Drive transmission was noted for its smoothness and responsiveness, although some reviewers preferred the more engaging experience of the manual transmission. Compared to competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the Mazda 3 offered a more dynamic driving experience and a more premium interior feel. Fuel economy was competitive, typically achieving around 30-32 mpg in combined driving. Reliability was generally good, with few reported issues specific to the 2.5-liter engine and SkyActiv-Drive transmission.
Legacy
The PY-VPS 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine and SkyActiv-Drive transmission have proven to be reliable and durable powertrains. In the used car market, the Mazda 3 BM 2.5 SkyActiv-G with Skyactiv-Drive remains a popular choice, offering a good balance of value, reliability, and driving enjoyment. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and transmission fluid services, is crucial for ensuring the long-term health of this powertrain. The SkyActiv technology introduced in this generation of Mazda 3 set a new standard for fuel efficiency and performance in the compact car segment, influencing subsequent Mazda models and inspiring competitors to adopt similar technologies.
