A new Mazda6 sedan will arrive in 2018, bringing improved performance and premium appeal to the brand’s passenger car flagship.
Revealed at the 2017 Los Angeles motor show on Wednesday, the car features subtly facelifted styling and a promise to push the sedan into new territory. Here’s what you need to know:
A boost under the bonnet
The headline news is Mazda’s decision to drop the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine from its CX-9 into the Mazda6, where it joins a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre motor and 2.2-litre turbo diesel already offered by the brand.
Mazda expects to offer the naturally aspirated engine - which now features cylinder deactivation - in entry and mid-range Mazda6 Sport and Touring models, reserving the new turbo motor and carry-over diesel for the high-grade GT and Atenza duo.
Producing 170kW of power and 420Nm of torque - the latter from just 2000rpm - Mazda says the new engine as similar pulling power to a compact V8.
Driving the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that provides a direct lock-up at speed that offers similar response to a manual transmission, Mazda says it will continue to shun CVT transmissions that sacrifice “connectedness between driver and car”.
The CX-9 that shares its engine with the Mazda6 is a favourite in the Drive office, winning back-to-back Drive Car of the Year Best Family SUV titles. Part of that is down to the real-world performance of its smooth and quiet engine, which features a clever turbo design to minimise lag.
Quiet performance
Mazda won plenty of support with the quiet cabin of its CX-9, helped in part by the hushed turbo engine and a new approach to vibration control.
The Mazda6 also promises to be better than before, and it’s not just because of the engine. Revised suspension is touted to bring “more supple ride, greater agility and dramatically improved NVH”, or noise, vibration and harshness, working in tandem with new body reinforcements and chassis bracing, thicker sheet metal and sturdier suspension mounts to shield occupants from the outside world.
The premium push
Surprised to find 60 per cent of customers for its full-sized CX-9 SUV are choosing high-grade GT or top-end Azami models, Mazda is pushing a premium line for its updated sedan. Sales of the range-topping CX-9 are 40 per cent higher than expected, so the brand is pumping up the premium appeal of the Mazda6 Atenza.
New front seats in a wider, more accommodating design feature heating and cooling in the Atenza, which is also available with brown Nappa leather seats inspired by aged wood in ancient temples. A cabin home to ornamental Sen wood traditionally used in Japan can be embellished by UltraSuede trim with a gold tint produced using a similar process used to create traditional kimonos.
Mazda’s latest soul red crystal (pictured) and machine grey paint finishes will also be an option.
Safety first
Australian Mazda6 models will feature full-speed active cruise control with stop-and-go functionality as standard, along with lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed assistance. Like every Mazda passenger model except the MX-5 and BT-50, the updated Mazda6 will be equipped with autonomous emergency braking as a standard feature.
High-grade models will also feature a 360-degree camera, updated 8-inch infotainment screen, a 7-inch digital dash readout and head-up display systems to improve driver awareness.
It arrives next year
Mazda’s new machine is set to arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2018 - possibly July or August.
Pricing for the model has not been confirmed, though it is likely that high-grade models with the turbo engine will cost a little more than the outgoing model, which is priced between $32,490 and $49,540 plus on-road costs.
For all the latest info, visit our Mazda showroom.
2 Comments
ekim | 30 Nov 2017 08:57
You know what drives like a manual transmission? A manual transmission! My wife has been bugging me for a bigger car with more rear seat legroom. She really likes our Mazda 3 SP25 and has been hinting at a 6 but I am willing to spend $0 on a car with a transmission I don't want. So F you Mazda, some of us like to drive stick and still have other nice features. I am going to get an I30N or wait for a bit longer for an electric car. I am done with your zoom-less cars now.
Selector_ 2 | 30 Nov 2017 11:41
Why on earth would anyone want a manual in a modern car ? Slower acceleration ? higher fuel consumption ? de-tuned engine to compensate for weaker manual transmission ? I imagine for some that will totally rule out electric cars - no transmission at all.