Mazda has just announced the next phase of its long-term vision for technology development: “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030.” And at the cornerstone is the confirmation of one of the most highly anticipated engine technology yet: gasoline compression ignition. Called Skyactiv-X, Mazda will debut this next-generation engine as early as 2019.

Continuing their efforts to perfect the internal combustion engine, Skyactiv-X is the world’s first commercial gasoline engine to use compression ignition. This proprietary engine combines the advantages of gasoline and diesel engines to achieve outstanding power, acceleration, and environmental performance.

Skyactiv-X overcomes the two common issues with gasoline compression ignition: maximizing the zone in which compression ignition is possible and achieving a seamless transition between compression ignition and spark ignition. by using a new combustion method called Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SCCI). With this, Skyactiv-X achieves a seamless transition between compression ignition and spark ignition (the spark plug is a used as a control factor). Plus an added bonus is that it can run on 91 octane fuel just like the current Skyactiv-G engine.

Aside from compression ignition, Skyactiv-X will be fitted with a supercharger to deliver better engine response and torque. Mazda claims this next-generation engine will deliver 10-30 percent more power than the current Skyactiv-G engines while boosting efficiency by some 20-30 percent. The super lean fuel burn enables Skayctiv-X to equal or even exceed Mazda’s own Skyactiv-D diesel engine in fuel efficiency.

While Skyactiv-X forms the core of Mazda’s powertrain efforts, their long-term technology development doesn’t stop there.

As indicated by their recent capital and technological alliance with Toyota, Mazda has also announced that starting 2019, the automaker will also introduce electric vehicles or electric vehicle drive technologies to certain markets around the world.

Mazda will also continue to refine its Jinba-Ittai philosophy further while also introducing more advanced safety technologies under the Mazda Proactive Safety philosophy. This includes the fitting of i-Activsense in more markets starting next year as well as the introduction of their own autonomous driving technology dubbed Mazda Co-Pilot. Said to pioneer in 2020 (standardization target is 2025), Mazda Co-Pilot will only take over from the driver during unexpected situations such as sudden loss of consciousness, as they have previously stated. In these cases, the car will override the driver, automatically contact emergency services, and drive safely to a more appropriate location.

Mazda is expected to show off the Skyactiv-X engine, which will initially be available in a displacement of 2.0 liters along with a concept version of the all-new Mazda3 by the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show in late October.