The Mazda Y6Y1 is a 1,496 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2013 and 2019. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout with variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust cams, delivering 81 kW (110 PS) and 141 Nm of torque. The Atkinson-cycle-inspired combustion strategy enhances thermal efficiency for improved fuel economy without sacrificing low-end drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Mazda2 (DY), Mazda3 (BL), and Mazda CX-3, the Y6Y1 was engineered for urban and suburban driving, prioritizing fuel efficiency and smooth operation. Emissions compliance was achieved through direct injection, a three-way catalytic converter, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), allowing all variants to meet Euro 6 standards.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to port fuel injection being absent; this issue is highlighted in Mazda Service Information Bulletin SI-17-002. Accumulation can lead to rough idle and misfires. Mazda introduced revised intake port designs and updated ECU strategies in 2016 to mitigate deposit formation in later production units.
Mazda
Production years 2013–2015 meet Euro 5 standards; 2016–2019 models meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Mazda Y6Y1 is a 1,496 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact vehicles (2013–2019). It combines gasoline direct injection with dual continuously variable valve timing to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances everyday performance with economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,496 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 84.8 mm | |
| Power output | 81 kW (110 PS) | |
| Torque | 141 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Gasoline Direct Injection (GDi) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2016); Euro 6 (2016–2019) | |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven | |
| Oil type | Mazda Genuine Oil 0W-20 | |
| Dry weight | 108 kg |
The GDi system provides precise fuel control and improved efficiency but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals to prevent carbon accumulation on intake valves. Mazda Genuine Oil 0W-20 is critical due to its low SAPS formulation minimizing deposit formation. Extended idling and frequent short trips accelerate carbon buildup, leading to rough idle or misfires. Periodic induction cleaning per Mazda SIB SI-17-002 is recommended for high-mileage units. Chain tensioner wear is not a known concern; replacement is only required during major service intervals.
Oil Specs: Requires Mazda Genuine Oil 0W-20 specification (Mazda SIB SI-17-002). Supersedes ACEA C2 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to pre-2016 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6 compliance is mandatory for 2016–2019 models.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standard. Power figures apply to standard-output variants only (Mazda Group PT-2021).
Mazda Technical Information System (TIS): Docs S-1145, SI-17-002
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
Mazda EPC Document MZ-2019-044
Mazda Group Parts Technical Manual PT-2021
Mazda Lightweight Engineering Report #LWR-Y6
The Mazda Y6Y1 was used across Mazda's DY/BL/CE platforms with transverse mounting and licensed to Ford for use in European-market B-Max and C-MAX models. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifold routing in the Mazda2 and modified ECU calibration in the Mazda3-and from 2016 the facelifted models adopted the updated GDi system with revised intake port geometry, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the right cylinder head near the alternator mount (Mazda TIS Doc. S-1145). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('J' for Y6Y1 series). Pre-2016 models feature a single-stage variable valve timing (VVT) system with a distinctive black plastic intake manifold cover. Post-2016 units have a redesigned intake port geometry and a metallic intake manifold. Critical differentiation from Mazda Z6: Y6Y1 uses GDi with no port injection; Z6 uses combined port and direct injection. Service parts require exact model year verification - air intake kits for pre-2016 models are incompatible with post-facelift units due to revised throttle body and sensor placement (Mazda SIB SI-17-002).
The Y6Y1's primary reliability risk is carbon buildup on intake valves, with elevated incidence in stop-start urban use. Mazda Service Information Bulletin SI-17-002 confirms that prolonged short-trip driving accelerates deposit formation, while VCA MOT data shows a significant portion of emissions-related failures in 2013–2017 models correlate with intake valve clogging. Cold-start cycles and infrequent high-speed driving increase valve deposit accumulation, making periodic induction cleaning critical.
Analysis derived from Mazda technical bulletins (2013-2019) and UK VCA MOT failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MAZDA Y6Y1.
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