2010 Mazda 3 i-Stop

The 2010 Mazda 3 is a Japan-manufactured compact car introduced in 2004.  Mazda has unveiled its i-Stop version representing the eco-friendly option to the line up.  Essentially an advanced fuel-saving start-stop system, the i-Stop switches off the engine completely while idling specifically when the driver encounters a red light.  The engine is designed to start back within a few seconds through the remaining energy in the pistons with the help of the starter motor.

Engine restarting happens through direct fuel injection which ignites the cylinders and forces the piston down.  The car is powered by an MZR 2.0L DISI engine and is combined with i-Stop for quick restart that is quieter than and twice as fast as the conventional system.  It is not yet marketed in North America but is currently being offered in Europe, Japan, and Australia.

The engine with green idle-stop technology provides horsepower of 151 hp @ 6200 rpm and torque of 141 lb-ft at 4500 rpm.  It is equipped with a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The engine computer takes in different factors to determine if the car has stopped and shuts the engine off.  The engine is restarted very quickly which is estimated at less than four-tenth of a second.

There is good reason why the i-Stop has been made available only to a limited market.  The desired increase in fuel economy can only be achieved when the car is used extensively in stop and go traffic, other than that, the i-Stop fails to deliver.  The i-Stop uses an unconventional approach but it has its reason and merit.  A few quirks have been observed with the i-Stop being unable to perform as planned due to some physical reasons such as high accessory loads, and low engine temperatures.  Slight movements on the brake pedal may mislead the engine computer into thinking that the driver is set to go and quickly sets off the engine without the driver meaning to.  The expected improvement appears to be unequal to the additional cost thus American consumers tend to shy away.

The 2010 Mazda 3 i-Stop has undergone considerable refinements in design and performance.  The i-Stop version bravely seeks to address an environmental concern, a feat not readily accepted by most car models.  Consumers need to be educated to fully appreciate the possibilities presented by the i-Stop.  This would not be easy because it would require changes in driving habits and mentality.  Buyers have to believe that this option will work if they are even to consider buying the 2010 Mazda 3 i-Stop.