Turbo boost for Mazda6

Mazda Australia has introduced its updated 2018 Mazda6 sedan and wagon, with new turbocharged variants now offering sharper performance.

The importer anticipates the new turbocharged variants in the 2018 Mazda6 range will account for nearly 40 per cent of the 3700 sales projected for the car's first full 12 months on sale.

Rated at 170kW and 420Nm, the force-fed engine has been sourced from the CX-9 SUV and powers the 2018 Mazda6 in the two top levels of trim, the GT and Atenza grades. In combined-cycle running the turbocharged engine returns an economy figure of 7.6L/100km. The new engine comes at a price – now $2300 dearer for the upgraded Atenza flagship – but it is not an unreasonable price, given the new or revised features that add value.

The premium for the petrol Atenza variants is due to not only the turbo engine in lieu of the naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder, but also buys front-seat ventilation, a new seven-inch trip computer screen in the instrument binnacle, a 360-degree monitoring system and Walnut Brown Nappa leather upholstery. The diesel Mazda6 Atenza has risen by $550.

Prices for the Mazda6 GT have increased by $1300 to reflect the change from the atmo engine to the turbo. Mazda has held prices steady for the entry-level Mazda6 Sport and has actually reduced prices for the Mazda6 Touring.

While the new engine is the big news, Mazda has also carried over both the naturally-aspirated petrol engine and the diesel – albeit in modified form. Available exclusively in the Sport and Touring grades, the 2.5-litre petrol engine is now offered with cylinder deactivation, like the recently updated CX-5, for improved fuel economy. Additional changes comprise revised air intake ports, pistons, piston rings, thermal management and fuel injection.

The 2.2-litre diesel has also received the same upgrades in the Mazda6 application as for the CX-5 from a month ago. It now produces significantly more power and torque (140kW and 450Nm), thanks in part to variable-vane geometry for its two-stage turbocharger. Other changes to raise efficiency or benefit refinement include rapid multi-stage combustion, revised thermal management, high-pressure DE boost control, natural sound smoother and natural sound frequency control.

Mazda has retuned the suspension and steering, with the front steering knuckles lowered, front lower control arms raised, anti-roll bars bonded to the mounting bushes, front damper diameter increased and damper valve structures revised. Rigidly mounting the electric power steering system to the subframe makes the steering feel more 'linear', according to Mazda.

The Mazda6 has undergone structural changes to reduce road noise in the cabin and improve ride comfort. These reinforcements apply to the cowl, tunnel members and thicker floor panels.

Styling details that distinguish the new Mazda6 from its predecessor are cosmetically upgraded grille, headlights, rear garnish and different designs of 17- and 19-inch alloy wheels. The interior has been redesigned too, with comfier, better-shaped seats front and rear, and new dash and centre fascia, with front vents pushed outwards to the door cards for a wider-looking cabin. A new Active Driving Display (a head-up display) is standard across the range and now reflects in the windscreen, rather than the separate pop-up unit between the windscreen and the dash.

Mazda has specified a larger trip computer system in the instrument binnacle, a 360-degree camera-based monitoring system and front-seat ventilation for the Mazda6 Atenza, which also features revised adaptive LED headlights.

The radar cruise control offered across the range, can now be activated from standstill and brings the car to a complete halt if the car in front does so first.

"Mazda6 has been a trusted and much loved staple in the Mazda range since the new-generation car was launched, back in 2012" said Mazda Australia MD, Vinesh Bhindi, at the launch of the new model.

"Over the last six years we've seen the Mazda6 change and evolve, each time becoming more refined and sophisticated – in line with Mazda's product direction. This update is more than a mid-cycle product refresh; Mazda6 has been thoroughly re-engineered and redesigned to offer customers the best in Mazda technology, design and comfort.

"New Mazda6 truly raises the bar for sedans and station wagons in the market, with a much elevated look, feel and performance."