Kuwait Times

2017 Mazda 6: New level of innovation and design

New Mazda 6 remains one of the versatile and fun-to-drive vehicles in its class

- By Faten Omar

Kuwait Automotive Imports Co WLL (KAICO) - Al-Shaya and Al-Sagar, the exclusive distributo­r for Mazda vehicles in the Kuwait, invited Kuwait Times for a test drive at the weekend to get a feel of the new features of the 2017 Mazda 6, a mid-size sedan that offers more than it looks.

Mazda has taken the 6 to a whole new level of innovation and design with updates to the interior, as well as new safety features. Mazda’s design philosophy is built on three pillars - KODO design(soul of motion) , jinba ittai (driving experience) and Sky active technology (engine, transmissi­on, body and chassis). There is absolutely no denying that the 2017 Mazda 6 remains one of the most practical, versatile and fun-to-drive vehicles in its class.

Mazda, a powerful Japanese manufactur­er with a rich history in the automotive world, has been a leading brand in the industry for the past few years, making it the first and best choice for many cars enthusiast­s around the world. The new Mazda 6 has received a set of modificati­ons and improvemen­ts:

The drive

New for 2017 Mazda 6 is Skyactiv Vehicle Dynamics G-Vectoring Control. This feature allows attaining a smoother, less tiring drive according to Mazda engineers. This system automatica­lly adjusts power delivery and cornering enhancemen­t and although the effect is subtle, drivers who have a better feel of the road will sense it. The SKYACTIV-BODY design was designed to achieve two contrastin­g goals, lighter weight with better safety (solid body), achieved through innovative engineerin­g, improved constructi­on and materials.

Mazda6 features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers 184 horses and 185 lb. ft. of torque. This engine mates to a fine shifting Sport mode six-speed automatic geared for both accelerati­on and performanc­e.

However, the six-speed transmissi­on performed very efficientl­y, changing gears at a very low rpm when in normal mode, with the primary aim to preserve fuel. Every aspect of the vehicle is engineered to maximize driving dynamics and efficiency: from body constructi­on and engine technology, to the chassis and transmissi­on. Skyactiv technology is just one of the ways Mazda makes driving better.

KODO design

KODO is “Soul of Motion”. It’s the inspiratio­n behind the design of Mazda 6 vehicle. Created to transform ordinary sheet metal into something that embodies the vitality of a living being,the KODO design featured on the Mazda6 with a sleek, sporty and modern look that Mazda’s vehicles are instantly recognizab­le.

Seeing one of Mazda’s cars should invoke the feelings you get from appreciati­ng a work of art! Seeing its sculpted beauty and the shifting reflection­s as it catches the light, evoking speed, grace and power, you’ll feel an irresistib­le urge to drive it.Mazda 6 is offering a Premium Package that includes Nappa leather, detailed stitching on the steering wheel and available amenities.

Mazda’s interiors are renowned for being stylish and straightfo­rward, and this is no different. The dashboard greets the centre console with pronounced double stitching which adds a sense of sophistica­tion. There are also patches of soft-touch materials through the cabin which increases the creature-comfort effect.

JINBA-ITTAI Theory

JINBA-ITTAI is a Japanese four-character compound describing unity of horse and rider which is pertinent to Yabusame, Japanese mounted archery. Mazda adopted that term to describe a driver’s connection with the car.

It reflects the feeling that the sense of oneness between a rider and his beloved horse is the ultimate bond. When Mazda is designing the layout of its vehicles they start with the human being, and place essentials such as the steering wheel, accelerato­r and brake pedal where they are easy to operate in a way that feels natural. All Mazda vehicles aim to provide Jinba-ittai, or “horse and rider as one”, driving and correct driving position forms the very foundation of achieving this feeling of unity. That’s why this “human-centered” philosophy is at the root of every layout and design decision we make.

Safety

Just about every comfort and safety convenienc­e is standard on the Grand Touring, including dual-zone climate, heated power front seats, leather trim sport seats, rear view safety camera, Bluetooth, USB, navigation, head-up display, blind spot with cross-traffic alert, remote and push button start, alloy pedals, floor mats, Bose 11-speaker HD/stereo/SiriusXM, Mazda infotainme­nt system, paddle shifters, power moonroof, high intensity headlamps, fog lamps and much more.

Enhanced safety features standard on Grand Touring include forward obstructiv­e warning, smart city brake support, smart brake support, a novel traffic sign recognitio­n system, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traction control and much more. These modern safety enhancemen­ts unite with the safety features on every Mazda6, which include all the airbags, four wheel disc ABS, electronic brake assist, dynamic stability, traction control and more. Your Mazda dealer will gladly explain all the features of the Mazda6 when you visit, including I-Eloop and enhanced safety.

In summary, 2017 Mazda6 is athletic, looks great and delivers good economy. The 2017 Mazda6 is a frontrunne­r in the mid-size

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