Unfortunately, Motolite is the supplier of the Q85 deep cycle replacement locally. Like you, balong sir, I'm no fan. I've been repeatedly burnt over the years. That brand really slid when they siphoned resources from batts into KFCs & Mr.DONUTs...

Here are the Q85 equivalents i've dug for y'all w/ 2.0s to check & compare....
-Motolite 1SMF/NS50ZZL/D23L
-AC DELCO: SQ85D23LEFB
-OPTIMA YELLOW 8012021 FFP Group34
I'm not sure if Delco is any better, but that's what the Aussies get. Optima is good, tho, but they're sized differently...the fit could be a challenge.
Aside from Varta, BMW also used Exide, at least for MINIs....a buddy's still has 1 from 2006 working to this day.
The genius difference? The battery is in the trunk....better batt environment, lower temps, better weight distribution....[emoji106]
Mazda being an obvious believer in Bimmer drive dynamics should've taken cue. The consumer benefits far outweigh the manufacturer's cost...just a longer harness, a well rust-proofed & vented trunk batt compartment aren't difficult requirements. Perhaps in the facelift????
Unless the Q85 & equivalents go well beyond 2years, realize the math.....present local Q85 batt cost will never be recovered by iStop gas savings based on current pump prices & real data we've gathered from 2.0 buddies in local drive conditions....not to mention the local traffic effect on efficiency....&, the longevity of the capacitor. That will even be costlier once yojin leaves.....all these, the long term intention & more, pointed me to my hobo.
Simply put, I wanted SkyActiv not the iStop.
