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Mazda has recently released the updated version of the Demio -- known in Europe as the Mazda2 -- for the market in Japan. Mazda’s new 1.3-liter SKYACTIV-G direct-injection gasoline engine is featured in the 2012 model year. This unit, which was presented in May at the Pacifico Yokohama convention center near Tokyo, Japan, features dual sequential valve timing as well as an ultra high compression ratio. The SKYACTIV-G 1.3 and Mazda’s i-stop idling stop system results to a record high compression ratio of 4.0:1.

These are combined with avoiding technologies such as piston cavities that are meant to maintain ideal combustion and multi hole injectors to achieve precise fuel injection. Mazda filed 130 patents for the new 1.3-liter, which delivers 82 hp at 5,400 rpm (62 kW) and 112 Nm (83 LB-FT)of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Japanese test cycles show that the Demio offers 30km/l (for the combined cycle). This is equivalent to 3.33 l/100 km or 70.6 mpg US.

In addition, Mazda has developed a system named i-DM that tracks the movement of the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals. It also monitors the vehicle speed. The driver is made aware about his capabilities through a gauge and colored lights on the dashboard. Mazda said that the score from each trip is utilized to measure a driving skill level, ranging from Stage 1 to Stage 3. Mazda believes that when drivers go up the stages, they will know if there’s an improvement to their driving skills. The Demio is priced between JPY1,149,000 to JPY1,621,750 (US$14,000 to $20,000).  [via - 4wheelsnews]

photo : 2011 Mazda2 (Demio) Facelift