NEW MAZDA6: ROAD TEST
MAZDA says its all-new 6 is set to become the new benchmark in the large family car segment and after a weekend with the shapely saloon it’s not hard to see why.
This is a very good car and well up to the prelaunch hype.
More premium feeling, better equipped, more efficient and now even better to drive, Mazda says it is expecting a brand renaissance, with the new 6 not only retaining current customers but attracting a new profile of customer to the brand.
Certainly Mazda has come up with a car that looks that little bit different to the norm and with a standard spec that many competitors would find had to match at the price.
With a completely new exterior design, the new Mazda6 is the latest evolution of ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’, a design theme inspired by the movements of animals in the wild. That may be a little bit esoteric for most of us - suffice to say, it is distinctive and goes as well as it looks.
The interior is specifically designed with a driver orientated cockpit. The soft touch surfaces, premium quality finishes and satin-chrome detailing create the expectation of something special. But there is substance behind those good looks thanks to Mazda’s innovate new SkyActiv Technology. The Ethos behind SkyActiv Technology is to deliver best-in-class fuel economy, lower emissions without compromising driving performance.
During my weekend with the Mazda6, provided by Grannell Motors in Wexford, I achieved over 60 mpg during a long cruise on a national route.
The oil-burner was quiet, efficient and powerful. What else can you ask for? Mazda says its SkyActiv diesel engine will underpin the success of the car in Ireland.
The 2.2-litre diesel with the 6-speed manual gearbox is expected to be the big seller with an impressive 20% improvement on efficiency delivering 108g/km of CO2 and fuel economy of 4.2 l/100km (67mpg). Performance is not sacrificed thanks to 150ps of power and 380Nm of torque.
A 6-speed diesel automatic, with CO2 emissions from 127g/km is also available. In addition to being quieter and more aerodynamic, the new Mazda6 will also be a segment leader in terms of safety, with standard features on the diesel models including Smart City Brake Support, Hill Hold Assist, and Dynamic Stability Control.
The Sport Model in both the Saloon and Tourer Models will be the core seller in Ireland with very generous levels of standard equipment including: 17” Alloy wheels, 5.8” touch screen multimedia audio system, climate control, cruise control and Bluetooth®, front and rear parking sensors and Smart City Brake Support. Prices start from €28,745, with the Diesel Sport Saloon available from €31,795.