PEY6, PEY7 Engine

Mazda 2.0 SKYACTIV-G (160 hp PEY6/PEY7) – Experiences, issues, fuel consumption and buying tips

Key points (TL;DR)

• Reliability: One of the most reliable modern petrol engines on the market. Naturally aspirated design means fewer parts that can fail (no turbo).
• Timing chain: The engine uses a timing chain that is extremely durable and rarely requires replacement before very high mileage.
• Performance: Not a “racer”. Being naturally aspirated, it needs higher revs for overtaking. Power delivery is linear, without a sudden torque punch.
• Fuel consumption: Surprisingly economical for a 2.0-litre engine in an SUV body (CX-5), thanks to SkyActiv technology and high compression.
• Maintenance: Requires quality fuel and regular oil changes due to direct injection. Carbon buildup on intake valves can appear at higher mileage.
• Drivetrain: The 160 hp variant is specifically paired with AWD (4x4) in the CX-5, which makes it an excellent choice for all weather conditions.

Contents

• Introduction and engine significance
• Technical specifications
• Reliability, oil and servicing
• Specific parts and costs
• Fuel consumption and performance
• LPG and remapping
• Gearbox and drivetrain
• Used-buying tips and conclusion

Introduction: The last of the naturally aspirated Mohicans

While other manufacturers were downsizing and adding turbochargers, Mazda went its own way with SkyActiv technology. The 2.0 SkyActiv-G engine with codes PEY6 and PEY7 is an engineering feat – a naturally aspirated petrol engine with an exceptionally high compression ratio (14:1), offering diesel-like efficiency without diesel complications.

This 160 hp (118 kW) version is specific because it was mainly installed in the Mazda CX-5 with all-wheel drive (AWD). Unlike the 165 hp version used in front-wheel-drive models (due to a different 4-2-1 exhaust manifold that sometimes could not be fitted the same way on AWD models, or due to marketing positioning), this engine is a “workhorse” aimed at a family SUV.

Technical specifications

Specification	Value
Engine displacement	1998 cc
Power	118 kW (160 hp) at 6000 rpm
Torque	208 Nm at 4000 rpm
Engine codes	PE-VPS, PEY6, PEY7
Injection type	Direct injection (GDI / DISI)
Aspiration	Naturally aspirated
Cylinders / Valves	4 / 16

Reliability and maintenance

Timing system: Chain or belt?

The Mazda 2.0 SkyActiv-G uses a timing chain. This is great news for owners, as the chain on this engine is of very high quality and not prone to stretching like on some German competitors from the same era. There is no scheduled replacement interval and it often lasts as long as the engine itself, provided oil is changed regularly. A rattling noise on cold start is a warning sign, but it rarely appears before 200,000–250,000 km.

Most common issues

This engine is considered one of the most reliable on the market, but it is not completely trouble-free:

• Ignition coils: They can fail, causing rough running and a “Check Engine” light.
• Serpentine belt hydraulic tensioner: It can sometimes weaken and leak oil, which shows up as rattling or oily traces around the alternator belt.
• Carbon buildup on intake valves: Due to direct injection, fuel does not “wash” the intake valves. At higher mileage (over 150,000 km) carbon deposits can build up, slightly choking the engine and increasing fuel consumption. Cleaning (decarbonization) solves the problem.
• Oil pressure sensor: There have been cases of leaks at the sensor itself.

Service intervals and oil

A minor service is recommended every 10,000 to 15,000 km or once a year. A classic “major service” (timing belt replacement) does not exist; instead, the condition of the serpentine belt and its tensioner is checked and they are replaced as needed (usually around 100,000–120,000 km).

Oil: The engine takes approximately 4.2 litres of oil including the filter. Mazda recommends 0W-20 (Mazda Original Oil Supra-X) for maximum fuel economy and easier cold starts in winter. However, in warmer climates or for drivers who enjoy spirited driving, 5W-30 is also perfectly acceptable and provides a slightly thicker oil film at high temperatures.

Oil consumption

SkyActiv petrol engines generally do not consume oil to a worrying extent. Consumption of 0.5 litres per 10,000 km is acceptable, but most owners do not need to top up between services. If it uses more than that, the PCV valve or possible leaks should be checked.

Spark plugs

Special iridium spark plugs are used. Their replacement interval is long, usually at around 120,000 km. Do not experiment with cheap plugs; this engine requires the correct heat range and gap due to its high compression.

Specific parts (costs)

Dual-mass flywheel

Yes, models with a manual gearbox have a dual-mass flywheel. Although this is a petrol engine, the dual-mass flywheel is used to reduce vibrations. The good news is that it lasts significantly longer than on diesels, because petrol engines have lower torque and fewer vibrations. Models with an automatic gearbox do not have a dual-mass flywheel; they use a torque converter instead.

Injection system and injectors

The engine uses advanced high-pressure direct injection. The injectors are precise and generally long-lasting. Injector failures are rare, but if they occur, replacement is expensive (depending on the market, they are among the pricier components). Symptoms include hard starting or a smell of petrol in the oil.

Turbo, DPF, EGR, AdBlue

• Turbo: NONE. This is a huge advantage for a used car. No turbocharger to fail, no intercooler, no oil leaks from the turbo.
• DPF / GPF: Models before 2018 (Euro 6b) generally do not have a GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter). Newer models (Euro 6d-TEMP) may have one. Always check by VIN.
• EGR valve: It does have an EGR valve. It is not as prone to clogging as on diesels, but it can be cleaned if needed.
• AdBlue: NONE. AdBlue is used only on diesel engines.

Fuel consumption and performance

City driving and motorway

For an SUV weighing around 1,400–1,500 kg with all-wheel drive, this engine is quite economical.

• City driving: Expect real-world consumption between 8.5 and 10.5 l/100 km, depending on traffic and how heavy your right foot is. The automatic uses about 0.5 to 1 litre more.
• Open road: It can go down to 6.5–7.5 l/100 km.
• Motorway (130 km/h): Consumption is around 8.0–8.5 l/100 km.

At 130 km/h in top gear (6th), the engine spins at about 2,700–3,000 rpm. Sound insulation in the CX-5 is decent, but at these speeds the engine is more audible than on turbo competitors that run at lower revs.

Is the engine “lazy”?

This is subjective but important. With 208 Nm of torque available only at 4,000 rpm, this engine requires you to work the gearbox. If you are used to a turbo diesel that pins you to the seat at 1,800 rpm, this engine will feel lazy. It is not slow, but it delivers power linearly. For overtaking you need to drop one or two gears and let it rev past 4,000 rpm. Then it goes perfectly respectably.

Additional options and modifications

LPG conversion

Because of direct injection, an LPG conversion is complex and expensive. It is possible to install systems that inject liquid gas (the most expensive option) or mixed systems that use both petrol and LPG (e.g. 80% LPG, 20% petrol to cool the injectors). The cost-effectiveness is questionable unless you cover very high mileage (over 20–30k km per year), given the high price of the system and its maintenance.

Remapping (Stage 1)

Since the engine is naturally aspirated, remapping does not make much sense. Gains are minimal (maybe 5–8 hp and a slightly better throttle response). You will not get a dramatic difference as with turbo engines. It is better to invest that money in quality tyres and regular maintenance.

Gearbox

Manual vs automatic

• Manual (SkyActiv-MT): One of the best manual gearboxes in its class. Short throws, precise, with a sporty feel (inspired by the MX-5). Very reliable. Clutch kit replacement is a standard cost, and if there is a dual-mass flywheel, the price is higher (very expensive at the dealer, acceptable in the aftermarket).
• Automatic (SkyActiv-Drive): A conventional 6-speed automatic with a torque converter. Very smooth and reliable. It is not as fast as DSG/DCT gearboxes, but it is more durable and cheaper to maintain.

Gearbox servicing

Mazda often states that the gearbox oil is “lifetime fill”. Experienced mechanics disagree.
For the automatic gearbox, it is recommended to change the oil and filter every 60,000 to 90,000 km. This drastically extends the life of the mechatronics and torque converter.
For the manual gearbox, changing the oil at 100,000 km is a small investment that protects the synchros.

Buying used and conclusion

What to check before buying?

1. Cold start: The engine should run smoothly immediately after starting. Chain rattle at startup is a bad sign.
2. Mirrors: Check whether the side mirrors fold properly (a common CX-5 issue, not engine-related but costly).
3. Oil leaks: Look around the timing chain cover and belt tensioner.
4. Diagnostics: Check injector parameters and for any “misfire” related fault codes, which may indicate issues with coils or carbon buildup on valves.

Conclusion: Who is it for?

The Mazda CX-5 with the 2.0 SkyActiv-G (160 hp) engine is an ideal choice for rational buyers. This is a car for those who want to avoid expensive repairs of turbos, DPF filters and dual-mass flywheels (on automatics). It is not a speed champion, but with regular maintenance it will serve you faithfully for hundreds of thousands of kilometres. If you mostly drive in the city and on country roads, with occasional motorway trips, this is one of the best petrol engines you can buy.