Takami has a higher calling
Mazda is shining a light on its flagship sedan, writes David Linklater.
Arecent update for the Mazda6 range has brought a new flagship model called Takami. It’s the first Mazda outside the CX-9 to have the company’s 2.5-litre turbo engine and features a unique grade of interior trim. Loosely translated, ‘‘Takami’’ means ‘‘higher than the rest’’.
Where’s the Takami badge then?
Takami is a New Zealandspecific name for this model to reflect its upmarket status. Expect more Takami models in the future, with the big-selling CX-5 being an obvious candidate.
That’s not to say Takami is a smoke-and-mirrors specification tweak by Mazda NZ. This is a full factory model that’s called other things in other markets.
Takami has that muscular 170kw/420nm turbo engine and interior trim that includes Nappa leather, Sen wood and something called Ultrasuede NU, as well as unique equipment items like ventilated front seats (to go with the existing heating), new multi-information display, ambient lighting, frameless rearview mirror and a 360-degree camera. This is all stuff you can’t get on any other Mazda6, which makes the $5800 premium over the Limited model seem pretty reasonable.
But no, you can’t have a Takami wagon. At least not yet. You might have to wait for that (theoretical) CX-5 Takami.
The turbo sounds promising. Can I finally trade in my Mazda6 MPS?
What’s special about this turbo engine is that it’s tuned for realworld performance, serving up diesel-like torque at diesel-like engine speeds: 420Nm at just 2000rpm (Mazda’s 2.2 diesel makes 450Nm at 2000rpm).
So yes, Takami is quick. But the most relevant thing is that it’s smooth and effortless, just as an executive sedan should be. The transmission does have a Sport mode, but it sharpens up throttle response and shift protocol without upsetting that slick demeanour.
The same can be said of the chassis. The Takami is frontdrive so you can induce torque steer if you go silly, but the Mazda6 is really all about fluid cornering and refinement. It’s not shout-out sporty, but it does have a deeply confident stance on the road.
The latest Mazda6 model (Takami or not) has gained a steering rack rigid-mounted to the chassis and suspension geometry tailored more towards neutral handling.
The Mazda6 has also had G-vectoring Control since its previous upgrade – a Mazdaspecific technology that gently reduces engine torque as you turn into a corner, to improve steering response and body control.
You get the full suite of driver-assistance technology, including the latest adaptive cruise control with proper stopand-go function.
Are you saying this is more like Mazda’s Lexus?
That’s probably closer to the mark. A Takami doesn’t look and feel dramatically different inside to a standard Mazda6 in the way that a Lexus product feels different to a Toyota; the cabin architecture is unchanged, for example, although it is allnew for this range. But if you look and feel for the detail touches they are there.
Spine-centric seat design is another Mazda obsession at the moment and this model’s front chairs are fantastic. They’re not unique to Takami, but they add to the luxury experience of this flagship model.
Don’t forget the Takami still has a unique powertrain – the turbo engine, plus a different