The newest Skyactiv X 2.0 180ps automobiles are set to visit dealerships this week. This morning, I went for a test drive at my local dealer.
Absolutely happy with my 30 minutes driving the vehicle!. After being mildly disappointed with the "G hybrid" engine I test drove in May, this engine is just what it required. The SCCI technology is essentially faultless in operation. You really don't feel anything different than driving a regular petrol engine vehicle, and the power boost from the G's 122ps to the X's 180ps puts it on pace with my current 3rd gen 165ps sport nav.
The engine is quiet, with a minor "raspy" noise when pushed hard, which I assume is caused by the modest supercharger. If you're looking for "push you back in your seat" acceleration, you'll be disappointed since, with the exception of the classic rotary RX7, almost all standard Mazdas just don't provide it. However, in terms of a vehicle that has all of the current conveniences, is pleasant to drive, and can return high fuel efficiency, this car checks all of my boxes. I'd say it's a little more responsive than a Gen 3 but, to be honest, I think the biggest appeal of the car to me is how Mazda has improved the quality and feel of the interior compared to the previous generation and how much more has been done to reduce road noise levels, which was especially noticeable on the brief motorway run I took it on during the test drive.
As a middle-aged driver, comfort is considerably more important to me than 0-60 acceleration. However, you want and need the confidence that the torque is there when you drive out to overtake on the open road, and I feel the "X" engine delivers on this better than the "G" engine.
So, at the end of the drive, and after doing my research on Carwow, I sat down with the salesman at my local dealer and got myself what I consider a fair and mutually agreeable deal, and so I pulled the trigger there and then, placing my order for a hatchback 3 Skyctiv X Mhev Sport GT Tech in Soul Red Crystal.
Delivery is scheduled for the end of December, which is just great with me; I'm looking forward to picking up what will be my first brand new car.:)