This week, Mazda officially unveiled its all-new direct-injected 1.3-liter four-cylinder at the Pacifico Yokohama convention center near Tokyo, Japan. The engine will be an important unit in the automaker’s suite of SKYACTIV technologies.

The SKYACTIV -G 1.3-liter engine features a compression ratio of 14.0:1 and has been engineered to be highly efficient, even under high load at low rpm. Compact combustion chambers were designed with a longer stroke which also improves efficiency.

Mazda will launch the SKYACTIV -G 1.3-liter engine in the updated Mazda2 (Demio) in Japan. When combined with other MPG-enhancing technology like an idle-stop system and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), Mazda says the updated Mazda2 is capable of achieving more than 70 miles per gallon.

Mazda has applied for more than 130 patents in relation to the engine as of the end of February, 2011, which just goes to show how innovative these engines are. Look for the first SKYACTIV in Mazda showrooms this fall within the refreshed Mazda3.