[stavb]

Greetings from Greece.
While waiting for my CX-30 Skyactiv X to arrive, possibly until the end of January, I found some articles claiming that Mazda is bringing a new ecu software update for the Skyactiv X engine, which increases horsepower to 190PS and torque to 24Nm. I' ve contacted my Mazda dealer to check with him if my car has the updated software and he told me that all MY2021 Skyactiv X models come with 186PS and 23,6Nm, I suppose that's the same thing (updated software) with slightly lower specs maybe due to emission regulations.
Do you have similar information from your dealership ?

 

[Thomas D]

Greetings from Greece.
While waiting for my CX-30 Skyactiv X to arrive, possibly until the end of January, I found some articles claiming that Mazda is bringing a new ecu software update for the Skyactiv X engine, which increases horsepower to 190PS and torque to 24Nm. I' ve contacted my Mazda dealer to check with him if my car has the updated software and he told me that all MY2021 Skyactiv X models come with 186PS and 23,6Nm, I suppose that's the same thing (updated software) with slightly lower specs maybe due to emission regulations.
Do you have similar information from your dealership ?

Where did you read this ? I think there was something about an extra 4hp kicking about here recently.

 

[stavb]

I found it here

Updated Mazda3 (with more power for SkyActiv-X) detailed in Japan…

Mazda in Japan has released details of its updated Mazda3 hatchback and sedan range, which includes a power boost for the Skyactiv-X engine.

www.carmag.co.za

and here

2021 Mazda 3 update adds power and suspension upgrades

New model year will see Mazda 3 Skyactiv-X variants add power, improve ride and handling

www.whichcar.com.au

and a thread in a German CX-30 forum

Skyactiv X Software Update 186 PS, 240 NM - Mazda CX-30 Forum

Hallo zusammen Für den Skyactiv X soll anscheinend ein Software Update kommen das die Leistung auf 190 PS und 240NM anhebt. Das Update sollen anscheinend alle Skyactiv X erhalten! Link: http://www.automotor.hu/hirek/…w8uM9yJycLGJu0ZBJy80t4BRk Lässt…

www.cx30-forum.de

 

[jonceebee]

I am slightly disappointed with my X engine, the power is there but only seems available above 4000 revs when the supercharger kicks in. At lower revs I find the power is no better than my previous CX5 Skyactive G engine, perhaps the software tweak should address this giving more acceleration at lower revs.

 

[Thomas D]

I am slightly disappointed with my X engine, the power is there but only seems available above 4000 revs when the supercharger kicks in. At lower revs I find the power is no better than my previous CX5 Skyactive G engine, perhaps the software tweak should address this giving more acceleration at lower revs.

Have found my own questionable. I have now adjusted to getting into the gears.

 

[savcom]

I am slightly disappointed with my X engine, the power is there but only seems available above 4000 revs when the supercharger kicks in. At lower revs I find the power is no better than my previous CX5 Skyactive G engine, perhaps the software tweak should address this giving more acceleration at lower revs.

I have to say, you do need to work the engine to wring any real power out of it and, like you, I am a little disappointed with the lack of get-up-and-go.

I wonder if 4hp would make any material difference to the power available - unless the update is also a slight re-map changing the characteristics of the engine at lower rpm.

 

[fauii]

I am slightly disappointed with my X engine, the power is there but only seems available above 4000 revs when the supercharger kicks in. At lower revs I find the power is no better than my previous CX5 Skyactive G engine, perhaps the software tweak should address this giving more acceleration at lower revs.

That's probably the reason why they updated the system. I have been disappointed too on a test ride and I'm glad to have the opportunity to order the updated model.

 

[fauii]

I have to say, you do need to work the engine to wring any real power out of it and, like you, I am a little disappointed with the lack of get-up-and-go.

I wonder if 4hp would make any material difference to the power available - unless the update is also a slight re-map changing the characteristics of the engine at lower rpm.

Not the hp but the Nm !

 

[savcom]

Not the hp but the Nm !

True, the new torque figures are more impressive - it goes from 224 to 240 Newton-meters which should improve pick up at lower revs.

 

[savcom]

Sorry, @fauii - Welcome to the forum!

 

[jonceebee]

True, the new torque figures are more impressive - it goes from 224 to 240 Newton-meters which should improve pick up at lower revs.

The biggest problem will be to get dealers to update it. I recently updated my CX30 connect software to V1049 myself as the dealer said the current version was 1047 and this later 1049 update did not exist.

When I collected my car in Jan 2020 it has version 1042 when I discussed with them the 1045 and 1047 updates they claimed to know nothing about them. At the time I was having serious problems with continual battery problems and complained directly to Mazda UK about the usability of the vehicle and the dealer blaming me for draining the battery. Mazda UK contacted the dealer forcing them to update the CPU to resolve the known battery drain problems. When I collected the car strangely the V1047 update had also been added. So I have no confidence that the new software will be implemented without Mazda instructing them to do it.

 

[stavb]

The biggest problem will be to get dealers to update it. I recently updated my CX30 connect software to V1049 myself as the dealer said the current version was 1047 and this later 1049 update did not exist.

When I collected my car in Jan 2020 it has version 1042 when I discussed with them the 1045 and 1047 updates they claimed to know nothing about them. At the time I was having serious problems with continual battery problems and complained directly to Mazda UK about the usability of the vehicle and the dealer blaming me for draining the battery. Mazda UK contacted the dealer forcing them to update the CPU to resolve the known battery drain problems. When I collected the car strangely the V1047 update had also been added. So I have no confidence that the new software will be implemented without Mazda instructing them to do it.

Have you resolved the battery drain problem with the updates ?

 

[Kilo Watt]

I think that there might be two different paths:

Spirit 1.1 update that some websites speak about. It means "hardware vers 1, software version 1" which might be a software update of the existing 2019-2020 180hp engines. However the websites I've seen that give some details about this speak about the engine with 15 compression ratio, which is the "Japanese" version. Couldn't find any reference to a potential update of the "european" engine with 16.3 compression ratio.

2021 engine, 186hp and 240nm has has also hardware modifications. I'm almost sure that this is a different parallel path. This might be the "spirit 2.0" version.

There could be similarities between the software of the (hypothetical) spirit 1.1 and spirit 2.0, and some improvements that can be done for the existing version will be integrated directly into the new one. But based on what the dealers say 2021 engine comes also with different hardware (different compressor, electrical engine etc), meaning that the software update of the 2020 engine will not convert it into the 2021 version.

My understanding is that this hypothetical spirit 1.1 update is not only concerning the engine management but also the AT, the adaptative cruise control, the mild hybrid, etc. I personally think that adaptative cruise control can and should be improved, so I would be glad to get this spirit 1.1 update with or without any power increase...

 

[jonceebee]

Have you resolved the battery drain problem with the updates ?

Yes, whatever Mazda UK instructed the dealer to carry out seems to have resolved it. Previously I had to call out Mazda recovery no less than seven times due to the battery discharging overnight. Following a new battery bring fitted the dealer than tried to blame me for draining the battery.
After I complained to Mazda UK asking for the vehicle to be exchanged ( I had less than 400 miles in the speedo) they then sent a technician around to the dealer who updated the CPU. I can now leave the car for more than 14 days without starting problems.

 

[steve67]

I am slightly disappointed with my X engine, the power is there but only seems available above 4000 revs when the supercharger kicks in. At lower revs I find the power is no better than my previous CX5 Skyactive G engine, perhaps the software tweak should address this giving more acceleration at lower revs.

What you're saying about the X engine is what the press reported before release and also what I found on my test drive...we went for the g spec based on this.. hopefully a software update will improve the X engine.. it a good idea but needs more development.. I'm sure it will improve over the years..

 

[jonceebee]

I have received official confirmation from Mazda UK today relating to this update. We early buyers are not to see any upgrade in engine performance, so once again it pays not to purchase a brand new model first build.
Here is their reply to my question:

Thank you for contacting Mazda UK.
I have shared your question with the Mazda Brand Specialists for advice and they have advised that we are aware of revisions to the Skyactiv-X engine which will be available in the 2021 Mazda CX-30. We have recently communicated the information to the Mazda UK dealer network on the details and availability of this newly revised model which will be available early 2021. We can confirm that there is no power/torque upgrade available to existing vehicles as this is not possible due to a number of firmware and mechanical updates.
Existing Mazda CX-30’s have been type approved at their current power/torque level, and any change to the engine output also has a bearing on the vehicle emissions. Upgrading the power levels of a vehicle post type approval could invalidate the mandatory certification relating to the vehicle and cause further compliance issues later in the vehicle’s life.
I hope this helps in answering your question and if there is anything else I can do to help, please feel free to reply to this email or call us on 03457 48 48 48.
Yours sincerely
Hayley Warner
Customer Relations Manager
Customer Service Division

 

[steve67]

I have received official confirmation from Mazda UK today relating to this update. We early buyers are not to see any upgrade in engine performance, so once again it pays not to purchase a brand new model first build.
Here is their reply to my question:

Thank you for contacting Mazda UK.
I have shared your question with the Mazda Brand Specialists for advice and they have advised that we are aware of revisions to the Skyactiv-X engine which will be available in the 2021 Mazda CX-30. We have recently communicated the information to the Mazda UK dealer network on the details and availability of this newly revised model which will be available early 2021. We can confirm that there is no power/torque upgrade available to existing vehicles as this is not possible due to a number of firmware and mechanical updates.
Existing Mazda CX-30’s have been type approved at their current power/torque level, and any change to the engine output also has a bearing on the vehicle emissions. Upgrading the power levels of a vehicle post type approval could invalidate the mandatory certification relating to the vehicle and cause further compliance issues later in the vehicle’s life.
I hope this helps in answering your question and if there is anything else I can do to help, please feel free to reply to this email or call us on 03457 48 48 48.
Yours sincerely
Hayley Warner
Customer Relations Manager
Customer Service Division

Oh dear.. not what you wanted to hear...

It gets me that you read manufacturers spend millions and years developing a car, yet just months after launch they are doing updates..it wouldn't be so bad if it was offered fix to the new cars already on the road.... The buyers who put there trust in the cars development..

 

[Kilo Watt]

This kind of sucks. You buy a newly launched, cutting edge car and its outdated 6 month later.
În a lot of countries a 6% increase in power / torque is legal with no re-approval needed.

Let's wait for a serious tuner coming up with an "update". În Netherlands there is already one who claims increasing the power to 198hp.

 

[steve67]

.... Similar thing with the g spec engine... They gave it an update from 122 to 150hp in Europe but not the UK...

 

[sc489]

.... Similar thing with the g spec engine... They gave it an update from 122 to 150hp in Europe but not the UK...

Is there any chance of an upgrade to the G engine for the UK which is of more interest to me?