If you want to know what the best-selling diesel-powered car brand is in Japan, you’ll be surprised to know that it’s Mazda. And the carmaker has celebrated a very important milestone: it has sold more than 500,000 cars equipped with Skyactiv-D there.

Opting for an unconventional approach to diesel engines, the Skyactiv-D uses a low compression ratio to greatly improve driving performance, fuel efficiency, and environmental performance. Since its introduction in Mazda vehicles in February 2012, it has sold 500,558 vehicles equipped with this cutting-edge engine. This accounts for about 52 percent of all diesel-powered cars sold in Japan (total cumulative sales of diesel-powered cars from 2012 to 2019 stands at 961,683).

Mazda says its Skyactiv-D powertrain has garnered a strong following due to its “overwhelming torque, and economy that makes you happy every time you refuel.” It’s also been recognized for its outstanding quietness.

In the Philippines, the 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D is offered in both the Mazda CX-5 AWD Sport and the Mazda6 Signature.