By mid-2013, Mazda will be offering a diesel engine sedan in the U.S. market, the first diesel car from an Asian manufacturer here in recent times. The Mazda 2.2-liter SkyACTIVE-D diesel engine will be available in the all-new 2014 Mazda6 along with a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine, the latter coming first. Both engines can be mated with either the SkyACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic or SkyACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission.

Compared to the 2.2-liter MZR diesel engine already powering Mazda models in other markets, U.S. bound Madza6 variants get the more advanced – and 10 percent lighter – 2.2-liter SkyACTIV-D diesel that develops greater torque.

Other improvements include a 20 percent reduction in internal friction and improved fuel economy. The SkyACTIV-D features a new two-stage turbocharger and a 14:1 compression ratio, much lower compression than typical diesels.

Mazda says this low compression ratio results in cleaner burning with lower nitrogen oxides, producing virtually no soot. This means no additional NOx aftertreatment is needed, as is the case with many other modern diesel engines.

The 2014 Mazda6 is first production vehicle to feature Mazda’s unique i-ELOOP (‘Intelligent Energy Loop’) braking regeneration system. Unlike virtually every other regenerative braking system that uses batteries to store electrical energy created during braking or coast-down, i-ELOOP uses a capacitor for energy storage. The recouped electrical energy is used to power all Mazda6 electrical systems.

Among its advantages is that i-ELOOP avoids the need for a dedicated electric motor and battery, making the system more efficient, compact, and lighter than traditional regenerative braking systems. Also, capacitors can charge and discharge rapidly and are resistant to deterioration even in prolonged use.

Small cars can be cool. That seems to be a new mantra in the auto industry as it seeks to market downsized and lighter cars that are not only more fuel efficient, but also snappy and fun to drive. Nissan has taken this to heart with its high-profile LEAF electric car as well, showing that small electric cars can also offer a cool factor with a few styling tweaks.

True, the electric Nissan LEAF looks different right out of the box. But that didn’t stop Nissan Motorsports International Co. racing division (Nismo), which focuses largely on the automaker’s motorsports activities, from showing how a LEAF fashion update and attention to detail could take things to the next level.

The Nismo Concept features a stylish full body kit with an aero front bumper sporting integrated LED lighting, extended side sills, and rear diffuser. The LEAF’s standard 16-inch wheels and tires have been replaced with more aggressive 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped by low-profile tires.

 

Designers at Nismo built on the ‘smart fluidity’ design language of the LEAF’s flowing exterior, aiming to enhance the car’s low stance and center of gravity while making a more powerful visual statement. Subtle, but mission accomplished. The secondary mission that presumably speaks to functionality with the aero modifications creating more downforce to enhance handling and grip at higher speeds is, well…sort of questionable. How fast is a factory-stock electric LEAF likely to go? Still, we like it.

Other eco-champions have blazed the fashion trail before, most notably specially-equipped Toyota Prius GT and Prius land speed record cars with eye-catching styling treatments. Both cars also incorporated performance modifications because of their specific missions, although this is not the norm for stylized eco-cars that focus on efficiency. Obviously, speed has its needs.

Toyota’s Prius Aerius embraced the same straightforward stylistic approach as Nismo’s LEAF Concept by creating a smooth and pleasing look with a custom aerodynamic body styling kit, custom waterborne paint, tinted windows, and 19-inch alloy wheels with low rolling resistance Yokohama orange oil tires. The Aerius also received attention in its interior with eco fabrics and plastics plus electronics upgrades.

Those who want to customize their own eco-rides have that opportunity with gear available from companies like JuicedHybrid.com, which offers aftermarket accessories for various hybrids with special emphasis on the Prius. We especially like their complete Prius aero styling kits from 5 Axis, Modellista, and West Coast Customs that definitely add that desired cool factor.

Eco-centric cars needn’t require sacrifice on the part of auto enthusiasts. With the right touches even the most mainstream cars can take on whole new personalities that can evoke a smile from passers-by and, importantly, from behind the wheel.