Mazda i-Stop improves fuel economy

20 November 2009

The Mazda i-stop technology, which recently won an award, is said to improve fuel economy.

Used Mazda drivers wondering what steps the manufacturer is taking towards being greener might have heard about the i-stop.

This system "improves fuel economy" by 15 per cent in a Mazda3 and recently picked up the Automotive researchers' and Journalists' Conference of Japan Technology of the Year award.

When the driver brings the car to a stand-still, i-stop automatically shuts the engine down. But unlike other start-stop gizmos, it restarts in 0.35 seconds - according to Mazda, this is about half the time others take.

Owners of Mazda3s may already be enjoying the benefits of the system, as it was introduced in June of this year.

"We believe i-stop perfectly reflects Mazda's commitment to provide our customers with driving pleasure as well as superb environmental and safety performance," said the company's senior managing officer in charge of research and development, Seita Kanai.

The development comes days after the carmaker announced its plans to unveil the Mazda2 next month at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Brought to you by Autoweb.co.uk – for all your Used Mazda & Second Hand Mazda