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 variants, the PN26 was engineered for sporty drivability with refined operation at higher RPMs. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalyst and optimized combustion control, meeting Euro 5 standards across all markets during its production run.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the direct injection system, highlighted in Mazda Service Information Bulletin SI-13-002. Lack of fuel washing on valve surfaces leads to deposit accumulation under low-load, city driving conditions. Mazda introduced revised intake port designs and updated ECU calibration in late 2012 models to mitigate this issue.
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 direct injection system provides excellent throttle response and fuel efficiency but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using Mazda Synthetic 5W-30 to prevent carbon accumulation on intake valves. Low-speed, stop-start driving accelerates deposit formation, necessitating periodic intake cleaning. The IHI turbocharger demands clean oil flow; prolonged idling after hard use increases risk of bearing seizure. Fuel must meet EN 228 standards to prevent knock or sensor faults. Revised intake port geometry in post-2012 models reduces clogging risk, but pre-2012 units benefit from induction cleaning per Mazda SIB SI-13-002.
Oil Specs: Requires Mazda Synthetic 5W-30 specification (Mazda SIB SI-13-002). Supersedes ACEA A5/B5 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2010–2014 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 4 variants were sold in EU markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires premium unleaded fuel (RON 98 minimum) as specified in Mazda TIS Doc. P-0112.
Mazda Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P-0088, P-0112, P-0145
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
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.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front right cylinder head near the camshaft sensor (Mazda TIS P-0188). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('P' for PN26 series). Pre-2012 models have silver intake manifolds with visible ports; post-2012 units feature black plastic manifolds with smoother internal contours. Critical differentiation from MZR-CD diesel: PN26 has a large air-to-air intercooler mounted above the intake manifold. Service parts require production date verification – intake cleaners and valve stem seals for pre-2012 models differ from later revisions due to port redesign (Mazda SIB SI-13-002).
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.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MAZDA PN26.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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