Turbo’d-Up 2018 Mazda6 Detailed For Australia

by Jim Kem under News on 31 May 2018 11:49:40 AM31 May 2018

2018 Mazda6 - Australia16

Mazda Australia has introduced the updated version of their Mazda6, both in sedan and wagon forms, bringing a new more distinguished look, a cabin that’s a marked step up from its former evolution and a headlining new turbocharged petrol engine.

Available locally starting in June, the updated car was first seen late last year at the Los Angeles Motor Show, and nearly six months later we have it here for Aussie consumption. To match the panache of the altogether more well appointed interior and sharper exterior, Mazda have also made improvements to the 6’s dynamics and refinement levels.

The new SkyActiv-G 2.5T engine added to the 6 range is essentially identical to the unit slotted into the Mazda CX-9 SUV, even matching its 170kW and 420Nm power and torque figures. Cylinder deactivation also allows it to sip just 7.6-litres/100km, according to the automaker’s own claims.

The older naturally aspirated 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G petrol still remains in the range, however, as the new turbocharged unit is only available in higher grades of the Mazda6: GT and Atenza. Power for the N/A unit remains unchanged at 138kW and 250Nm.

Lastly, a heavily revised 2.2-litre twin-turbo diesel SkyActiv-D rounds out the Mazda6’s refreshed powertrain range and is still the most expensive. It now pushes out 140kW and a peak torque of 450Nm, an 11kW/30Nm improvement over the previous four-pot oiler. As before, all engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

At the top end of the 2018 Mazda6 family, the Atenza grade highlights how much effort the Hiroshima automaker has put into elevating their flagship passenger car higher up the premium ladder.

Of course, all variants benefit from the improved cabin materials and ergonomics, but the Atenza gains walnut brown Nappa leather upholstery on the redesigned ventilated front seats , paired with Sen wood accents and UltraSuede trim on the dashboard and doors.

The new Mazda6 also receives a more comprehensive array of safety features under the i-Activesense technology suite, now with radar guided cruise control with Stop & Go. The Atenza also agains a 360-degree camera system and a new 7-inch TFT display at the centre of the instrument cluster.

Mazda6 Sedan