The Mazda HEE is a 1,496 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2016. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and variable valve timing (S-VT). In standard form it delivered 82 kW (112 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 142 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm, providing responsive performance for urban and suburban driving.
Fitted to models such as the Mazda2 (DE), Mazda3 (BL), and Mazda CX-3 (early variants), the HEE was engineered for fuel-efficient daily commuting with smooth throttle response. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise electronic fuel injection and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), allowing adherence to Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the S-VT actuator cam phaser, which can cause rough idle and timing-related fault codes. This issue, highlighted in Mazda Service Bulletin MZ-SB-10-015, is attributed to insufficient lubrication under frequent short-trip driving. From 2013 onward, Mazda introduced revised phaser components with improved oil flow passages.
All production years (2010–2016) meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Mazda HEE is a 1,496 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2010–2016). It combines DOHC architecture with S-VT variable valve timing to deliver responsive low-to-mid range torque and smooth operation. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances urban drivability with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,496 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.8 mm | |
| Power output | 82 kW (112 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 142 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point electronic fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with S-VT phaser | |
| Oil type | Mazda M5 5W‑30 (API SN/ILSAC GF-5) | |
| Dry weight | 110 kg |
The S-VT system provides smooth power delivery but requires consistent oil changes every 10,000–15,000 km to prevent cam phaser sticking and timing errors. Mazda M5 5W-30 oil is critical due to its compatibility with the variable timing actuator’s hydraulic circuit. Frequent short trips without full warm-up cycles accelerate sludge buildup, which can restrict oil flow to the phaser. The MPFI system is tolerant of standard UK petrol (EN 228), but ethanol blends above E10 may degrade injector seals over time. Pre-2013 engines should have the updated phaser installed per Mazda SIB MZ-SB-10-015 to mitigate rough idle issues.
Oil Specs: Requires Mazda M5 5W-30 specification (Mazda Owner’s Manual DE/BL). Equivalent to ACEA A5/B5 with Mazda-specific additives.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all HEE production years (2010–2016) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel (Mazda TIS Doc. TIS-MZ-HEE-01).
Mazda Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS-MZ-HEE-01, MZ-SB-10-015
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Mazda HEE was used across Mazda's DE and BL platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Mazda3 BL and compact accessory layout in the Mazda2 DE—and from 2014 the CX-3 adopted a slightly detuned variant for emissions calibration, creating minor ECU interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Mazda TIS TIS-MZ-HEE-01). The 7th VIN digit is 'H' for HEE-equipped vehicles. Early models (2010–2012) use a silver valve cover with 'SKYACTIV-G 1.5' branding; 2013+ units feature a black valve cover. Critical differentiation from later Skyactiv-G 1.5 (PE-VPS): HEE uses MPFI and lacks direct injection hardware. ECU part numbers beginning with GY61-18-xxx indicate HEE; PE-VPS uses GY62-18-xxx. Service parts require model-year verification—intake manifolds and throttle bodies are not interchangeable across DE/BL/DK platforms due to mounting angle differences (Mazda SIB MZ-SB-11-008).
The HEE's primary reliability risk is S-VT cam phaser wear, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Mazda internal data from 2014 indicated a notable rate of timing-related DTCs in vehicles with service intervals exceeding 15,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show low failure rates for emissions systems. Cold-start cycles without full warm-up increase sludge accumulation, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mazda technical bulletins (2010–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MAZDA HEE.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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