Mazda6: Successful Debut

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

The new generation of the Mazda6 will come to Germany at the beginning of February. The middle class of the Japanese presents itself after first driving impressions thereby extremely economical.

Mazda has been showing various studies since 2010 that should allow an outlook on the shape of the next generation of the Mazda6. At the Moscow Motor Show in August, the veils of the final production version were finally lifted, and now the mid-range car was ready for its first test drives. Station wagon and sedan are offered for the same price, at least 24,990 euros are due for the new Mazda.

Station wagon and limousine for the same price

The fact that the station wagon is no more expensive than the sedan with its coupé-like contours gives the series a unique position in the model range. However, both versions are of different sizes. The four-door is 4.87 meters in length and has a lush wheelbase of 2.83 meters, the station wagon is only 4.80 meters long and 2.75 meters in wheelbase. Despite the size disadvantage, it offers a considerable transport volume, a maximum of 1664 liters fit in its trunk. The sedan has 489 liters, which is not necessarily impressive in view of its lush format.

Kodo calls Mazda chief designer Akira Tamatani the design language of the new six. The Japanese term could be freely translated as "The soul of movement". In the flowing lines and soft curves of the body, patterns should be recognizable that can also be seen in nature in wind or waves. The accentuated fender edges could imitate such a natural movement, the chrome clasp under the newly interpreted radiator grille connects the two narrow headlights like a light reflex in the ice. Whatever - formally, the Mazda6 is successful, perhaps too much emphasis was placed on the massive bonnet, which arches dominantly in front of the windshield.

New Mazda6 noticeably lighter

Like the new models in previous generations, the new Mazda6 has also lost a lot of weight. The base model of the sedan weighs 1,300 kilograms, the station wagon weighs at least 1,320 kilograms. That is 50 or around 100 kilograms less than their comparable predecessors. Hiroshi Kajiyama, program manager for the Mazda6, says that every component was examined carefully and looked for less difficult alternatives in terms of the use of materials or the shape. The new "i-Eloop" system should also ensure lower fuel consumption. Here a high-performance capacitor stores the energy recovered during braking and then feeds it back into the on-board network in acceptable doses. In addition, all electrical consumers can be supplied for up to two minutes without running the engine.

Three petrol engines in the output levels 107 kW / 145 PS and 121 kW / 165 PS in the two-liter version as well as 141 kW / 192 PS as 2.5-liter petrol and two diesels (2.2 liters, 110 kW / 150 PS and 129 kW / 175 PS) are available in the new Mazda6. The less powerful diesel engine (around 25,500 euros) marks a peak in consumption with 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers, all engines are combined with an automatic start-stop system. The 2.5-liter petrol engine and both diesels are equipped with the i-Eloop system as standard.

Mazda6 with assertiveness

The Mazda6 is lively on the road with both diesel engines. Above all, they go to work quietly and do not lack power in any version. The 2.5-liter gasoline engine is much more grumpy, but can keep up with the more powerful diesel when accelerating (7.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h) and at top speed (223 km / h). However, the one consumes only 4.5, the gasoline engine 6.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers.

The circuit makes a somewhat bony impression, but works precisely and with short distances. The steering gives a good feeling of the road, but is not entirely free from the influences of the drive. The overview from the driver's seat is extremely good, but the seat is far too short, and on longer journeys there is a risk of fatigue. The well-balanced suspension can collect plus points, it is comfortable and not overwhelmed with a decidedly agile driving style. The result is little body tilt in curves, the brakes respond softly and easily.

Mazda6 with numerous assistance systems

An abundance of assistance systems is included according to the three equipment lines, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot assist and the city emergency braking function are on board. The latter actually works with the greatest vigilance and stops the Mazda6 even in front of the gates at motorway tollbooths that are only slowly opening with impressive consistency.

A decent amount of space can be found in the front and back. The headroom is particularly decent in the rear, and getting in and out is very easy. There are plenty of shelves and compartments on board, but what is not pleasing is the locking lever of the mechanical handbrake protruding diagonally into the driver's area and the not entirely stylish choice of materials and colors on the dashboard.

70 percent station wagon share for Mazda6

The new Mazda6 is a success. Formally and technically. In terms of consumption, he sets standards and in terms of price he doesn't have to fear the cheap Koreans. Mazda plans to sell 29,000 six-series cars in Europe in 2013, and the first cars will hit the streets here from February 2nd. 70 percent of this should be station wagons, the sedan, which is now bobbing around with less than five percent share in addition to the hatchback model, which will no longer be offered in the future, will, according to the expectations of Mazda planners, inspire significantly more customers than before. (SP-X)