These are the first images of the facelifted Mazda 6, which will make its world premiere at the Geneva motor show in March.
A choice of six power units will be available in some markets for the Mazda6 facelift, including a new 2.0-litre DISI petrol engine that's claimed to use less fuel and produce fewer emissions than the 2.0-litre engine it replaces, however the engine range will remain unchanged for Australia.
In addition to an all-new Touring wagon variant, Mazda says the five-speed automatic transmission was fine-tuned especially for the new European spec petrol engine to "deliver an optimal combination of acceleration and fuel economy".
Updated versions of the MZR 1.8 and 2.5-litre engines complete the petrol line-up (although Mazda is yet to release technical details pertaining to these).
Meanwhile, the MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine will be offered in three power derivatives -- ranging from 95 to 132kW. Mazda claims all are "highly responsive, with improved fuel-efficiency and lower CO2 emissions".
The Mazda6 facelift also features new chassis settings and new active safety features -- such as a pivoting adaptive front lighting system and hill-launch assist. All in all, it adds up to what Mazda claims is "one of the safest and easiest-to-drive cars in its segment".
The external revisions are relatively subtle, with a revised bumper/grille/spoiler assembly being the most obvious change. The headlight and tail-light clusters have also come in for some minor tweaks.
The updated Mazda6 goes on sale in Europe in April/May, and it will be one of three premieres (along with the new Mazda5) due to be unveiled during Mazda's press conference at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2.
The existing Mazda6 was the second-best seller in the medium-car class in Australia last year, even though its tally of 8758 sales was well adrift of the segment-leading Toyota Camry (20,846 sales).
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-- with staff