Mature, elegant and refined Mazda6
I have to say I was very impressed with the new Mazda6 I drove during a recent test weekend.
The new model, the latest update to Mazda’s flagship model, offers enhanced quality in almost every detail, from its deeply sculpted front to its refined rear, is an illustration of how Mazda can take an already-great car and make it into a better one.
The new Mazda6 features a more mature, elegant and refined exterior design, and extensive interior revisions including completely new front and rear seating, premium quality trim and finish detailing throughout and, for models equipped with the MZD Connect multimedia system, the availability of Apple Car Play and Android Auto .
New technologies boost the performance of all SKYACTIV powertrains, and driving dynamics have been enhanced through increased body rigidity, steering and suspension system revisions, greater aerodynamic efficiency and reduced NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness).
The overall finish was superb, with brown Nappa leather seats, real Sen wood trim and suede finish materials highlighting the quality of this car, which was as good as it gets.
Behind the wheel, the Mazda6 was a delight to drive.
The heads-up display which projects vehicle information directly only the windscreen, was a real boon during a road test in which the heavens opened, causing some challenging driving conditions. The Mazda rose to the challenge and felt safe to drive despite the lake-like conditions.
Already high levels of safety have been further improved in this, the latest Mazda6, with a wide range of driver support systems through the adoption of advanced i-ACTIVSENSE safety features such as Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go , and a 360° View Monitor, which shows you the positions of other vehicles to the front and sides when you parking, indicating exactly where you should be in relation to them.
The car’s Smart City Brake showed its effectiveness during my weekend drive, at one stage applying the brakes when, with windows obscured by the rain, a car pulled out in front of me from a side street. We were way away from a potential collision, but it was reassuring to have the system on board.
The test car had adaptive LED headlights with high-beam control which meant that it automatically analysed vehicles ahead or those approaching to adjust between high and low beams by switching individual LED bulbs on and off – it’s a great feature once you, as a driver, learn to trust it and avoid manually switching beams.
On the comfort side of things, the power seat offered a wide range of options with a memory system so that the seat adjusts to your pre-set requirements. As well as heated seats, the Platinum Plus version offers a heated steering wheel. This was a first for me and it was a pleasant one too on a cold damp morning.
The full leather interior introduces a front seat ventilation system for the first time on a Mazda. All-new front and rear seat designs feature thicker padding and wider cushions, and the increased use of leather and fabric, combining improved comfort with the quality befitting a flagship model.
An eight-inch centre display screen makes its first appearance in a Mazda6. A seven-inch TFT LCD display is positioned within the driver’s instrument binnacle on higher grade models. Apple Car Play and Android Auto is now available for Mazda6 models equipped with the MZD Connect multimedia system .
A new storage compartment beneath the rear centre armrest features a pair of USB ports that let occupants charge portable devices and front and rear seat courtesy lamps contribute to greater convenience and safety.
New technologies introduced in the SKYACTIV- G 2.0 and SKYACTIV- G 2.5 petrol engines, as well as the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 clean diesel engine and all are homologated according to the requirements of the new WLTP/RDE test cycle, and meet Euro 6d temp emissions regulations.
SKYACTIV-D 2.2 (Fuel consumption: 4.4 – 5.4 l/100km, CO2 emissions: 117 – 142 g/km) while a new urea Selective Catalytic Reductions (SCR) system significantly reduces NOx emissions, achieving an excellent level of environmental performance and complying with strict EURO 6d temp emissions regulations.
In the petrol versions of the new Mazda6, the SKYACTIV- G 2.0 (Fuel consumption: 6.1 – 6.6 l/100km, CO2 emissions: 139 – 150g/km) features new high-flow intake ports, increased fuel spray pressure and redesigned nozzles for the multi-hole injectors, a new piston and piston skirt barrel shape, a coolant control valve for improved engine warming efficiency and asymmetrical oil rings.
As a result, low-end torque is boosted by 6.2 per cent, while the resulting efficiency gains mean emissions easily comply with the new WLTP / RDE test cycles, falling well under the particle number limits without needing a particle filter.
Mazda6 prices start at €32,945 for the four door executive SE Model. The road test car came in at a shade over €46,500.