2014 MAZDA 6
Anonymous, it’s not . . .
The more established members of the mid-size sedan class are in for a shock once they spy the latest Mazda6. But for Mazda, shaking up the automotive establishment is all in a day’s work.
Always the rebel, Mazda has a reputation for going against the grain in product development. The automaker refuses to offer a hybrid powertrain option, which is tantamount to sacrilege. Instead, it pursues internal-combustion-engine refinement under the SKYACTIV label. The 2013 CX-5 wagon was the first all-new Mazda fitted with this technology (direct fuel injection, etc.) and the recently launched third-edition Mazda6 is following suit.
From most angles the Mazda6 is more expressive than the previous version and closely resembles Mazda’s Shinari and Takeri concept cars that revealed a new styling direction. The front-end treatment is arguably the best looking in this class, while the rest of the car doesn’t stray too far from the past and retains the familiar sweep of the roofline and truncated rear.
The distance between the front and rear wheels has been increased by about five centimetres (the longest among its direct competitors, claims Mazda) for extra passenger room, while overall length has been reduced by about the same amount.
Interior styling doesn’t quite match the exterior on the panache-o-meter, but the straightforward dashboard avoids the use of excessive knobs and switches.
The new-design Mazda6 sheetmetal is the gift-wrapping that hides considerable technological advancements beneath the skin. The base engine — in fact the only available powerplant at this point since the V6 is toast — is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder that makes 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. That’s up from the previous 2.5’s 170/167 rating.
The uniqueness of the new four-cylinder is its higher-than-usual 13:1 compression ratio that gives the engine much of its extra punch. In addition, its specialized components, including the pistons and direct fuel-injection system (which actually cools the combustion chambers), actually allow it to run on regular-grade fuel.
Transmission choices include a sixspeed manual that uses a MX-5 Miata-inspired short-throw shifter, or optional six-speed automatic. Selecting the former pegs the drivetrain’s estimated fuel economy at 8.1 l/100 km in the city and 5.3 on the highway, with the numbers improving to 7.6/5.1 for the automatic. Those ratings are nearly equal to the class-champ Nissan Altima’s 7.4/5.0 numbers, but without resorting to a continuously variable transmission.
Following its initial launch, Mazda will offer a Volkswagen-challenging 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel option that also receives the SKYACTIV appellation. It features lowered engine compression that Mazda says makes it clean burning without any nasty particulates exiting the exhaust. A recent drive in one of Mazda’s test mules confirms that the diesel 2.2 generates plenty of torque, but that it also drives just like a gasoline engine without the usual tell-tale clatter normally associated with diesels. Exact power and torque specs will be released closer to launch.
The base GX model that lists for $26,200, including destination charges, comes with the usual power and comfort ingredients and push-button start. It also comes with a touch-screen display with Bluetooth networking and a rearview camera.
The mid-level GS increases the content level with dual-zone climate control, power driver’s seat and a power moonroof, while the GT bulks up with standard navigation, premium Bose-brand sound system and 19inch wheels (17-inchers are standard).
Arriving later in the model year is Mazda’s Intelligent Energy Loop (i-ELOOP) option. The system’s compact capacitor stores energy from the alternator, then feeds it directly to the car’s numerous electrical components. Mazda claims the iELOOP will reduce the Mazda6’s fuel consumption by about five per cent overall.
With its dedicated approach to improving power, reducing overall energy consumption and creating a heartbeat-skipping shell, the Mazda6 will generate plenty of look-sees, or at least make buyers seriously ponder this nifty, thrifty sedan.