Ever since Mazdas first went “Hmmm,” the company has been innovative in its engine technologies. Now, the newest version of Skyactiv is ready to hit the market. With a compression ratio of as high as 18:1, these direct-injection engines operate at 17 percent better fuel economy than their predecessors. The newest Mazdas also convert kinetic energy to electricity whenever the driver brakes, and this lightens the load on the engine. The resulting five percent boost to fuel economy is indicative of Mazda’s commitment to breaking new ground, and AutoWeek has, for the last three years, praised the company’s continuing efforts.