NEW MAZDA6 SLIDES INTO SA

The all-new Mazda6 brings about the second phase of Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom philosophy, taking Zoom-Zoom to the next level. The first generation Mazda6 was launched in South Africa in 2002, changing the face of the Mazda brand and sparking an ever-increasing era of sales growth.

Powertrains – New MZR 2.5-litre Petrol

Further enhancing Mazda6’s exclusive experience is a new top of the line engine, the MZR 2.5-litre petrol, replacing the MZR 2.3-litre petrol of the outgoing model. It not only produces more maximum power of 125kW at 6000rpm and more maximum torque of 226Nm at 4000rpm than the 2.3-litre, it also uses 6.9 percent less fuel per 100 km/h.

It employs sequential-valve timing (S-VT) and a variable intake system (VIS). At the same time, the new MZR 2.5-litre petrol has reduced exhaust resistance for better engine efficiency.

The 2.0-litre engine has been significantly modified producing 109kW of maximum power at 6500 rpm and maximum torque of 184Nm at 4000 rpm, while using 10.3 percent less fuel than the previous model.

The new Mazda6 comes with a choice of two transmissions to include a six-speed manual gearbox and a five-speed Activematic with manual shift mode. For ease of driving, the steering wheel is fitted with paddle shift gear controls on all Dynamic Activematic models. This allows for a quick, natural-feeling fingertip control during fast-paced driving.

Design – Japanese Aesthetics

The new Mazda6 inherits the same athletic look as the outgoing model, but communicates this in a more radical way. Longer, wider and taller with a longer wheelbase, its exterior design is executed with exquisite build quality and a sense of form based on Japanese aesthetics for high emotional appeal that is unmistakably Mazda.

It is longer, wider, taller and has a longer wheelbase than the outgoing model. It features a flowing roofline that is steeper at the C-pillar with a sculptured rear end for a sporty elegance.

Inside, the new car is roomier than before, showing higher levels of quality feel with interior forms that are appealing to look at and use. Its cockpit allows the driver to feel one-with-the-car and it has a floating-look instrument panel that gives a sense of roominess.

Quality, Comfort & Equipment – Premium Look and Feel

Mazda6’s design appeal does not come at the expense of roominess and practicality. In fact, it has more of both. The new Mazda6 has more rear legroom (+20 mm) and shoulder room (+ 9 mm) thanks to its larger vehicle dimensions. The driver enjoys a better view of the road with one of the segment’s best forward-upward visibility and it has newly-designed rear head restraints and door mirrors for a better view to the rear. It is more convenient than before as well with 519 litres of luggage space (rear seats in place). Loading and unloading are made easier with a best in class load opening area of 700mm.

Comfort is apparently improved too, with new seat frames for good long-trip and side support and a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system with separate temperature controls for the driver and the passenger.

The cockpit is now even sportier with a one-with-the-driver feel. It features blackout driver metres (depending on grade) with new amber-red illumination circled by indirect blue lighting, new sports car-like steering wheel and gear shift lever positions that are closer to the driver for easier control and shifting.

New features such as Bi-xenon headlamps, Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), Smart Start System which includes keyless entry with a push-start button and a premium BOSE audio system make any journey more bearable in Dynamic and Individual models.

Chassis & Safety – Sporty, Predictable and Safe

Thanks to new technologies and manufacturing processes, the new Mazda6 being up to 2.4 percent or 35kg lighter than the outgoing model, which contributes to better handling, crash resistance and fuel efficiency.

A high-mount double wishbone front suspension system is employed with two new perimeter frame mounting points, new dynamic dampers for the upper arms and stiffer damper settings for excellent overall rigidity and ride comfort.

All external components were wind optimised to produce a coefficient of drag (Cd) of only 0.27.

Active and passive safety systems round up the new Mazda6’s package of attributes. It has Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) on all models. The top of the range Individual model adds Traction Control (TCS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as standard. Bi-xenon head lamps and an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) is available on all Dynamic and Individual models.

On the inside there are new active head restraints to protect the neck in case of a rear impact, six airbags, front seat belts with pretensioners and load-limiters and collapsible brake and clutch pedals to reduce the chance of leg injury in a frontal impact. Also onboard are ISOFIX child safety seat mounts and tethers in the outer rear seats, a visual seat belt warning system for rear passengers, pillar trim with energy absorbing ribs and a further improvement of pedestrian protection measures.

The Mazda6 offers 15 000 km service intervals, 4-year/120 000 km fully comprehensive manufacturer warranty, as well as the Mazda Motion 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan. A three-year roadside assistance plan comes standard with the purchase of any Mazda vehicle.

Mazda6 Pricing

Mazda6 2.0 Original R 219 990

Mazda6 2.0 Active R 239 990

Mazda6 2.5 Dynamic Activematic R 271 990

Mazda6 2.5 Individual R 278 990