REDESIGNED MAZDA6 GETS TURBO POWER, FRESH INTERIOR
After earlier revealing that the redesigned Mazda6 would gain a 2,5-litre Skyactiv-G turbocharged petrol engine, the Japanese brand has now officially unveiled its fresh take on the large sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Mazda says its flagship saloon has been “thoroughly reworked underneath its sheet metal to deliver a refined experience befitting of a far more expensive car”.
The brand says the chassis has been “thoroughly revised” to provide a more supple ride as well as greater agility, along with improved refinement. The vehicle’s steering rack is now rigid-mounted to the chassis, while the suspension geometry has also been revised.
And the fresh interior – which Mazda says is “all-new, with only the steering wheel and small trim pieces carried over from its predecessor” – is now offered with brown Nappa leather and Sen wood accents. The front seats have also been redesigned.
Exterior styling updates include a new grille, fresh 17- and 19-inch wheel designs and the debut of the brand’s Soul Red Crystal paint.
A 2,5-litre turbo-four is now offered, mated as standard to a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. This forced-induction mill makes 186 kW and 420 N.m, although the brand has yet to reveal official performance figures.
As we’ve reported before, the Mazda6 was discontinued in South Africa in 2016 thanks to flagging sales. But Mazda Southern Africa managing director hinted to CARmag.co.za earlier this year that the local arm was “looking at the viability” of re-introducing the flagship sedan once it had been updated.
