Class action against Mazda’s SkyActiv engines is dismissed Driving
Owner claimed her SkyActiv-powered Mazda3 consumed 75% more fuel than promised; court ruled her driving was the problem
Owner claimed her SkyActiv-powered Mazda3 consumed 75% more fuel than promised; court ruled her driving was the problem
Author of the article:Nadine FilionPublished Jul 22, 2025 • 5 minute readJoin the conversation You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
Twelve years after a Quebec class-action lawsuit against Mazda Canada concerning the fuel consumption of its SkyActiv engines was introduced, a Quebec Superior Court Judge dismissed the case. The lawsuit alleged Mazda’s SkyActiv engine consumed (much) more fuel than advertised.
Judge Catherine Martel was blunt in her assessment of the plaintiff’s complaint, citing insufficient evidence, methodological flaws, a lack of legal rigor, and, perhaps most satisfying for Mazda Canada, inconclusive results. “It was up to the plaintiff’s lawyers to prove their claims with whatever evidence they deemed appropriate,” she wrote. “They failed to do so.”
tap here to see other videos from our team. Play Video In 2012, Mazda made headlines with its new SkyActiv powertrain. This in-house developed technology aimed to comply with the tightening global standards against vehicle emissions.
While rivals such as Toyota and Ford invested heavily in hybrid (gasoline-electric) powertrains, Mazda focused on improving its internal combustion engine, its Japanese engineers developing a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine with one of the highest compression ratios for a gasoline engine. At 13.0:1, it was almost diesel-like in how much it squeezed the incoming air/fuel charge.
We’ll spare you the other technical details, which you can read here, and get straight to the point: Mazda boasted a roughly 15-20% fuel consumption reduction for its “SkyActiv” vehicles compared to a similar conventional engine. And that was achieved without hybridization, downsizing, or turbocharging.
Learn more about the cars
PREV19.
2025 Mazda CX-52025 MazdaCX-5
3.60
out of 5
MSRP $32,550 to $45,550
Add to CompareRemove Vehicle 20.
2025 Mazda CX-302025 MazdaCX-30
3.40
out of 5
MSRP $29,300 to $41,350
Add to CompareRemove Vehicle 21.
2025 Mazda MAZDA32025 MazdaMAZDA3
3.70
out of 5
MSRP $25,250 to $38,450
Add to CompareRemove Vehicle 22.
2025 Mazda Mazda3 Sport2025 MazdaMazda3 Sport
3.70
out of 5
MSRP $26,000 to $39,950
Add to CompareRemove Vehicle 23.
2025 Mazda CX-502025 MazdaCX-50
3.25
out of 5
Add to CompareRemove Vehicle NEXTPREV26.
2025 Mazda CX-52025 MazdaCX-5
3.60
out of 5
MSRP $32,550 to $45,550
Add to CompareRemove Vehicle 27.
2025 Mazda CX-302025 MazdaCX-30
3.40
out of 5
MSRP $29,300 to $41,350
Add to CompareRemove Vehicle 28.
2025 Mazda MAZDA32025 MazdaMAZDA3
3.70
out of 5
MSRP $25,250 to $38,450
Add to CompareRemove Vehicle 29.
2025 Mazda Mazda3 Sport2025 MazdaMazda3 Sport
3.70
out of 5
MSRP $26,000 to $39,950
Add to CompareRemove Vehicle 30.
2025 Mazda CX-502025 MazdaCX-50
3.25
out of 5
Add to CompareRemove Vehicle NEXT3.60
out of 5
MSRP $32,550 to $45,550
3.40
out of 5
MSRP $29,300 to $41,350
3.70
out of 5
MSRP $25,250 to $38,450
3.70
out of 5
MSRP $26,000 to $39,950
3.25
out of 5
Add to CompareRemove Vehicle This is not what Katia Grand-Maison experienced, said her class-action suit. In March 2013, when she opted for a new Mazda3, her top priority, she told the court, was the fuel economy promised by the manufacturer. At the time, Mazda was advertising fuel consumption figures as low as 4.9 L/100 km on the highway and 7.1 L/100 km in the city.
The suit’s legal documents claim that it was these enticing ratings that motivated Grand-Maison to pay more for the SkyActiv version of the Mazda3 SkyActiv than for the base version of the car, equipped with a conventional engine. She testified in court that she was persuaded by her dealership to pay an additional $3,700 premium so that her new 2012 Mazda3 could benefit from fuel economy promised by the (then) new technology.
But, despite using her vehicle “in an ordinary and customary manner, driving at normal and regulated speeds,” and “mainly on freeways,” the plaintiff maintains that she never achieved fuel consumption of less than 9.5 L/100 km. Believing that Mazda Canada’s claims “misled her in her choice of vehicle” and led her “to pay an unjustified higher price,” Ms. Grand-Maison sought compensation not only for herself, but also other Quebecers in her situation.
Were these expectations realistic?
The problem was the class-action lawsuit was based on – and only on — Grand-Maison’s personal experience. The court noted that her experience was far from representative of the average Quebec motorist.
The expert hired by Mazda Canada also demolished the evidence submitted by plaintiff ProLad’s engineers. The judge enumerated these conclusions in a 47-page verdict, which we’ll summarize below:
- While ProLad’s engineers, hired by the claimant, are experts “in analyzing the causes of collisions and mechanical defects, they had no specific training or significant experience in evaluating fuel consumption or obtaining regulatory certification,” wrote the judge.
- The judge emphasized there was too much variability in ProLad’s testing. Different tests took between 37 and 56 minutes to cover the 23-km route established by the ProLad engineers, resulting in differing fuel consumption for the same Mazda3 on the same routes. As noted by the judge: “ProLad engineers could have used two drivers to carry out simultaneous tests and subject them to the same environmental conditions.”
- Despite these anomalies, ProLad’s tests actually did find that the SkyActiv engine consumed less fuel than the conventional engine. Indeed, though they didn’t match Mazda’s claimed saving (18.4%), their tests did see a fuel consumption reduction of 8.8%.
By the way, the judge did an excellent job of demystifying fuel consumption ratings, from how they are calculated based on laboratory tests, to how motorists should use the ratings (i.e. as a comparison tool when shopping for the most fuel-efficient models rather than a guarantee of real-life fuel economy).
Citing the Fuel Consumption Guide published annually by Natural Resources Canada, she said that “the ratings represent the consumption that a person ‘can achieve’ if they maintain their vehicle properly and adopt fuel-efficient driving.” Of course, no test — laboratory or road — can simulate every driving condition to which drivers are exposed. As we all know, a vehicle’s fuel consumption differs from the official ratings depending on where, when and, most importantly, how it is driven.
Our tips: If you want an even more precise idea of how frugal — or not — a given vehicle is in real-world conditions, check out Fuelly. This North American website tracks real-world fuel consumption based on over a million vehicles, some 25 billion kilometres driven and reported by more than half-a-million motorists after more than 60,000 fuel-ups. And since we are living in the Great Frozen North, target the vehicles that are logged with a Canadian flag because that’s far more accurate than any information Natural Resources Canada generates.
No impact on your credit score
Share this article in your social network- Share this Story : Class action against Mazda’s SkyActiv engines dismissed by Quebec’s Superior Court
- Copy Link
Nadine Filion
A journalist for three decades, and exclusively in the automotive sphere since the year 2000, Nadine Filion likes to focus on car advice for everyday consumers. Her research and writing have won her the Canadian Automotive Journalist of the Year award three times.Learn more about AuthorCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign inJoin the ConversationPostmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.
Read Next
- Latest from Gear Guide
Some home garage must-haves for those bitten by the DIY bug
If you’re looking to get your hands dirty and take on some DIY car projects, you will need these must have tools and accessories.
January 23, 2025 Gear Guide
- Advertisement 1Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
10 Best Car Accessories Under $100
Looking to make car ownership more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable? Here are our top under-$100 accessories for your car
October 9, 2024 Gear Guide
The 3 best top-rated windshield wipers available online
Here are the best windshield wipers on the market right now—these windshield wipers are highly rated both by users and testers
with Video February 8, 2025 Gear Guide
Best retrofit Apple CarPlay and Android Auto units
You don’t need to buy a new car to add Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
April 13, 2024 Gear Guide
Best Car Accessories Every Driver Should Buy
There’s lots of aftermarket gear out there, but get these add-ons first—they’ll make your daily drive more comfortable and safe
with Video8 Comments March 6, 2024 Gear Guide
Featured Local Savings
If you’re looking to get your hands dirty and take on some DIY car projects, you will need these must have tools and accessories.
Looking to make car ownership more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable? Here are our top under-$100 accessories for your car
Here are the best windshield wipers on the market right now—these windshield wipers are highly rated both by users and testers
You don’t need to buy a new car to add Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
There’s lots of aftermarket gear out there, but get these add-ons first—they’ll make your daily drive more comfortable and safe
FAQ
Is it okay to have a Stake account in Canada?
Your safety and security are our top priorities at Stake Casino. We are licensed and regulated by reputable gaming authorities, ensuring fair play and transparency. Our state-of-the-art encryption technology safeguards your personal and financial information, providing you with a worry-free gaming environment.
Is staking allowed in Canada?
Canadian securities regulators have permitted regulated crypto trading platforms operating in Canada to offer staking services to retail clients since October 2022, and the first Ether staking ETF launched in Canada in October 2023.١٧/٠١/٢٠٢٥
What gambling is legal in Canada?
Types of allowed gambling with licences are raffles, pull tickets, lotteries, bingo, slot machines, and certain kinds of sports betting. There are also other kinds of gaming that often take place in casinos, including card games like blackjack.
Which country is Stake legal in?
🌍 Where is Stake allowed? Stake.com is allowed in many countries including Austria, Canada, Argentina, Bolivia, Bahamas, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama, Uruguay, Peru, and Venezuela.
Is Stake Canada legit?
Stake Canada is a legitimate Curacao-based sportsbook with a casino and live dealer lobby.com casino anmeldelse 2025; Stake. explore markets and odds, and make your selections. There, they can purchase cryptocoins and play in the casino for real money.
What is the origin of the name Roulette?
What is the origin of the name Roulette? The origin of the name “roulette” is French and it means “little wheel”. The name is derived from the fact that the game is played on a small wheel that spins around, with players betting on where the ball will land. The word “roulette” was first used in its current context in the 18th century, although the game itself dates back much earlier.
How has technology influenced the game of roulette?
How has technology influenced the game of roulette, such as with electronic and automated versions of the game? One of the most significant technological advancements in the game of roulette has been the introduction of electronic roulette tables. These tables feature a digital display that simulates the spinning of the roulette wheel, and players can place their bets on a touchscreen interface. This allows for faster gameplay, as the wheel can be spun more frequently than with a traditional roulette table.
What is TP in WPT poker?
What is TP in WPT poker? Tournament Points (TPs) are used to buy into VIP tournaments on ClubWPT. All players start with a fixed amount of TPs (500) upon opening a VIP account. They cannot be reloaded, but will be automatically “topped up” once per day.
Which countries allow Stake?
Stake.com is currently only legally accessible in a set few countries and regions: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.14 thg 7, 2025
Stake Casino MacOS App – Your Ultimate Gambling Experience Step into the world of casino entertainment and exciting gambling opportunities with the Stake
This site only collects related articles. Viewing the original, please copy and open the following link:Class action against Mazda’s SkyActiv engines is dismissed Driving
