L3-VE vs SkyActiv-G 1.5

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
SkyActiv-G 1.5 BEST 92/100
+8 points over L3-VE
0 / 100
BUY L3-VE Mazda
0 / 100
BEST SkyActiv-G 1.5 Mazda

Specifications

L3-VE
SkyActiv-G 1.5
Brand
Mazda
Mazda
Verdict
BUY
BEST
Reliability
84
92
Years
2002--2018
2013--present
Displacement
2261 cc
1496 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
150--180 hp
75--131 hp
Known Issues
1
4
Total Risk Cost
€0--€0
€0--€300

Character

L3-VE

"Mazda's naturally aspirated 2.3 MZR (Mazda6 2.3 166 PS, also Mazda3, Mazda5, MPV, Tribute and Ford models). Chain-driven, port injection, no turbo - a much simpler engine than the 2.3 MPS turbo. Its best-known weakness is increased oil consumption, so check the level often. Valve clearances need periodic adjustment (no hydraulic lifters)."

SkyActiv-G 1.5

"Mazda2 (DJ), Mazda3 (BM) and MX-5 (ND) 1.5, also the Mazda2-based Toyota Yaris iA. High-compression (up to 14:1) direct-injection petrol with a timing chain and no turbo. Few engine faults are reported: spark plugs and ignition coils wear faster on poor fuel, the plastic accessory-belt tensioner wears, and some engines use oil (Mazda allows up to 0.8 litres per 1,000 km). Direct injection can leave carbon on injectors and the intake."

Issues Comparison

L3-VE 1

● MODERATE
Increased oil consumption N/A--N/A N/A--N/A

SkyActiv-G 1.5 4

○ MINOR
Spark plug and ignition coil wear - misfire N/A--N/A N/A--N/A
○ MINOR
Accessory belt tensioner wear - belt can snap N/A--N/A N/A--N/A
○ MINOR
Oil consumption N/A--N/A N/A--N/A
○ MINOR
Carbon deposits on injectors and intake (direct injection) N/A--€300 100,000 km--200,000 km

Models

L3-VE 1

6 GG/GY 2002--2008

SkyActiv-G 1.5 10

2 DJ/DL 2020--2021 2 DJ/DL 2020--2024 2 DJ/DL 2021--2024 MX-5 ND 2019--present 3 BM/BN 2013--2019 CX-3 DK 2015--2024 2 DJ/DL 2014--2019 2 DJ/DL 2014--2024 2 DJ/DL 2014--2024 MX-5 ND 2015--present
Full L3-VE Report Full SkyActiv-G 1.5 Report