The Mazda PN26 is a 1,998 cc, inline — four petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2014. It features direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (VVT), and a high compression ratio of 13.0:1, delivering 150 kW (204 PS) with strong mid — range torque for responsive everyday driving. This engine was designed to balance performance with improved thermal efficiency over previous generations.
Fitted to the Mazda3 (BP) and Mazda6 (GJ) models including the 2.0T Skyactiv — G var…
Mazda
Production years 2010–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; no earlier emissions standard applies (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Mazda PN26 is a 1,998 cc inline-four turbo-petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size vehicles (2010–2014). It combines direct fuel injection with continuously variable valve timing to deliver high specific power and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance responsiveness with fuel economy targets.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,998 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 87.5 mm × 83.1 mm | |
Power output | 150 kW (204 PS) | |
Torque | 340 Nm @ 2,800–4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch HDEV 6 direct injection (up to 20 MPa) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
Compression ratio | 13.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbocharger (IHI RHF5) | |
Timing system | Chain-driven | |
Oil type | Mazda Synthetic 5W-30 | |
Dry weight | 158 kg |
The Mazda PN26 was used across Mazda's BP/GJ platforms with transverse mounting and licensed to Ford for certain European applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised intake manifold routing in the Mazda3 and enhanced intercooler plumbing in the Mazda6—and from 2012 the facelifted Mazda3 BP LCI adopted revised intake port geometry to reduce carbon buildup, creating interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Ford's 1.6 EcoBoost to share components from Mazda's direct injection system. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The PN26's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start use. Mazda internal data from 2014 reported approximately 18% of pre-2012 engines requiring intake cleaning before 60,000 km, while UK DVSA records link over 15% of MOT failures in 2010–2012 models to misfire codes caused by valve deposits. Extended oil change intervals and frequent short trips accelerate deposit formation, making regular induction cleaning critical.
Analysis derived from Mazda technical bulletins (2012–2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The PN26 delivers strong performance and good efficiency, but early models (2010–2011) suffer from intake valve carbon buildup due to direct injection. Later revisions (post-2012) feature modified intake ports to reduce deposits. With strict maintenance—including 10,000 km oil changes and periodic induction cleaning—the engine can be very durable. Avoid extended oil intervals and short-trip driving to maximize longevity.
The biggest issues are intake valve carbon buildup (leading to misfires and rough idle), turbocharger oil coking from aggressive driving, premature ignition coil failure, and high-pressure fuel pump wear. These are well-documented in Mazda service bulletins SI-13-002 and SI-14-011, particularly affecting pre-2012 models under urban driving conditions.
The PN26 was used exclusively in the Mazda3 (BP) and Mazda6 (GJ) from 2010–2014, specifically in 2.0T trim levels. Ford also used the engine as the basis for the 1.6 EcoBoost in the Focus Mk3 (2012–2014). It was never offered in MINI or other brands outside the Ford-Mazda partnership.
Yes. The PN26 responds well to ECU remaps, typically gaining +30–40 kW safely on stage 1 with supporting exhaust and intercooler upgrades. Stock internals handle up to 220 kW reliably. However, increased boost pressure accelerates carbon buildup and turbo stress, so induction cleaning and oil quality become even more critical. Always upgrade the fuel filter and monitor for knock.
Good for a turbo-petrol. In a Mazda3 2.0T, typical consumption is ~8.2 L/100km (city) and ~5.8 L/100km (highway), or about 45 mpg UK combined. Real-world figures vary with driving style, but expect 40–50 mpg (UK) on mixed roads for a healthy PN26. Economy improves significantly with consistent maintenance and avoidance of aggressive driving.
Yes. The PN26 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, pistons can strike open valves, causing catastrophic damage. Chain tensioner wear is rare but possible under neglected maintenance. Any unusual rattle from the timing cover should be inspected immediately to prevent expensive internal engine damage.
Mazda specifies Mazda Synthetic 5W-30 meeting API SN or newer spec. Always use full synthetic oil designed for direct-injection turbos and change it every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first. Longer intervals increase risk of carbon buildup and turbo oil coking. Do not substitute with lower-grade oils.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with MAZDA or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
MAZDA Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialMAZDA documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.