Facelifted Mazda2 with SkyActiv 1.3L revealed in Japan

Along with a minor facelift, the five-door now rocks the first production application of the automaker's direct-injection, 1.3-liter SkyActiv gasoline engine. With an astronomical compression ratio of 14.0:1 and an intelligent start/stop system that requires less fuel to re-initiate the combustion cycle, the small-displacement four-cylinder promises to be one of the most efficient mills to ever wear a Mazda badge. The company says that the Demio returned the equivalent of 58.8 mpg on the JC08 evaluation cycle.

The engine uses a range of clever tech to help with efficiency, including a cooled EGR system that helps reduce knock, multi-hole fuel injectors that help cool the combustion chamber, a uniquely designed piston, dual sequential valve timing and lighter engine internals for reduced friction losses.