Mazda plans to be the first Japanese manufacturer to go down the diesel-electric route. Reports coming from Japan suggest that Mazda could be ready to reveal the technology by 2016.

Mazda engine details

Mazda does currently make a petrol hybrid that is sold in Europe and Japan. The Mazda3 SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre and its electric motor combined with the CVT transmission is capable of 3.2l/100km. Mazda reckons that if they were to go the diesel electric way they could manage an even lower number of 2.5l/100km.

Details are scarce at this early stage of development, but Mazda could be looking at implementing the diesel hybrid tech into the Mazda3 in 2016. The switch from petrol to diesel comes as growth in sales for diesel cars is on the rise. 50% of cars sold in Europe are diesel powered and even japan is showing year on year growth in diesel propelled cars.

*Mazda 3 Concept sketch pictured