MAZDA 6
CX-9’S brilliant turbo engine crowns a new layer of sheen
More refined mid-sizer now with turbo-petrol power
“YOU’VE asked for it, and we’ve delivered.” That’s how Mazda Australia kicked off the launch of its significantly overhauled medium-size sedan and wagon range, adding a turbo engine option for the first time since the short-lived, manual-only Mazda 6 MPS (2005-’07) huffed its way into the history books.
But this isn’t just any turbo engine. It’s the same Skyactiv-g unit that helped power the larger, heavier Mazda CX-9 to our 2017 Car of the Year title. Producing the same outputs as in the CX-9, this turbocharged debut is but one of a series of sweeping changes to the 6 range, including a new look forward of the wing mirrors and across the rump of the sedan.
Inside, the steering wheel is the only recognisable carry-over. Perceived quality is up, with air vents that seem to blend into the doors giving a sense the 6 is wider than it really is. Softer seats and an easier to read instrument cluster with an integrated – not flip-up – head-up display stand out. Even the sunvisors have a new tactility to them.
The range-opening atmo 2.5-litre direct-injection petrol engine now features a cylinder deactivation system, and active shutters in the grille of nonturbos improves aerodynamics. Outputs are up by 2kw/2nm, to 140kw and 252Nm, with a slight consumption penalty (7.0L/100km – up 0.4L/100km). The 2.2-litre diesel fares better, gaining 11kw/30nm for peaks of 140kw and 450Nm, and drinks 0.1L/100km less, at 5.3L/100km.
The turbo-petrol engine is fitted only to upper-level GT and Atenzaspec sedans and ($1700-pricier) wagons, with the cheapest, the GT sedan, starting at $43,990 and the most expensive (Atenza turbo wagon) stretching to $48,990.
The turbo Mazda 6 is like a breath of fresh (forced induction) air. Acceleration, best described as progressive in the atmo-powered version, is more urgent with turbo power, and provides decent in-gear shove.
More noticeable is how quiet and comfortable the 6’s cabin has become. Refinement on Bridgestone Turanza 225/45R19 hoops isn’t class-leading, but it’s a hell of an improvement over the car this 2018 version replaces. Mazda’s engineers worked hard to eliminate reflected noise, filling gaps and holes to prevent sound transmission to the cabin. The headliner absorbs more vibrations, while the underbody is flatter and more aerodynamic, reducing wind rush.
The way the Mazda 6 drives has also improved markedly. The steering box has a more rigid mount, and the steering knuckles sit lower, making the front end feel pointier. Anti-roll bars are bonded to the mounting
bushes to improve rigidity; the front suspension now includes rebound springs and 3mm diameter-larger shock absorbers; and front and rear damping valves have been tweaked to further improve refinement.
It shows, with a smoothing of rough, patchy backroads, and even a section of dirt, on our drive route through central Victoria with what must come close to class-leading suppleness. In our hoofing of the 2.5 turbo it held up to Mazda’s claims the tendency to axle tramp has been suppressed.
Incremental improvement to the atmo petrol engine (just as to ride and refinement), more significant gains for the diesel, and the adoption of the muscular 2.5-litre turbo – all allied to the excellent, carryover six-speed automatic – brings welcome drivetrain appeal and choice. The turbo top-spec versions mightn’t wear an MPS badge, but they make effortlessly accelerative mid-size family cars.