Mazda adds hi-tech to new 6

Mazda will equip its new Mazda6 range with smart regenerative braking across the board when the new car comes Down Under.

Shown off at Moscow show recently, set to debut via press drive coinciding with this month's Paris Motor Show and due for local release in early 2013, the all-new 6 will pioneer the use of Mazda's i-ELOOP capacitor-equipped regenerative braking. And in what Mazda claims is a world first, it will be offered standard across the local 6 range – petrol and turbodiesel.

Today's announcement confirms that Mazda 6 will be offered Down Under with a version of the 2.2 litre SKYACTIV-D turbodiesel that features on the Mazda CX-5 , as well as the 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine previewed at the Moscow unveiling.

Says Mazda Australia, maximum outputs for the new 2.5-litre petrol engine on 91RON standard unleaded are 138kW and 250Nm (in Moscow Mazda claimed 141kW at 5700rpm and 256Nm at 3250rpm). Mazda says this is a 10 per cent increase in power and an 11 per cent increase in torque over the current petrol-powered Mazda6.

Diesel outputs have not been confirmed, however, suggesting the 6's oiler may offer a boost from the CX-5's 129kW and 420Nm. The outgoing Mazda6 diesel has more power (136kW) but is 20Nm shy of the SUV's peak torque.

i-ELOOP uses a capacitor to store electrical energy that is reclaimed when the car is coasting or under brakes. Electrical charge stored is then used to power the vehicle’s electrical systems. This reduces the load on the alternator and therefore the engine.

Mazda claims it can contribute to meaningful fuel economy benefits. Just how meaningful in ADR combined testing terms, however, it's still holding close to its corporate chest...

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