…despite being better equipped and larger in all directions, the new 6 is actually lighter, more frugal on fuel and produces less CO2 emissions…
It’s been a busy year so far, with 2007 seeing an usually high number of large cars being unveiled. We’ve had the new Ford Mondeo, the Laguna III from Renault, the new C5 from Citroën and now it’s the turn of the Japanese to unveil the newlook, second generation Mazda6.
The Mazda6 reverses the common trend for heavier and more cumbersome cars, and follows the lead of its supermini, the Mazda2. So, despite being better equipped and larger in all directions, the new 6 is actually lighter, more frugal on fuel and produces less CO2 emissions than the previous model. This is aided by the body having a low drag coefficient of Cd 0.27.
The exterior will be instantly recognisable to existing Mazda6 owners, and follows a familiar design theme with a new large, V shaped front grille. From the front, the similarity between this and the RX-8 is clear, with accentuated front wheelarches and angular headlamps. The rear light clusters are larger than before and feature LED technology.
The single diesel powertrain choice is the familiar Mazda MZR-CD unit, as used in the previous model. In this application, it produces 138bhp from the 2.0 common-rail turbodiesel engine. It’s also fitted with a diesel particulate filter, (as was the previous model), and produces CO2 emissions of 149g/km in hatchback and saloon form. This all means that the new model drops down by one tax band, compared to its predecessor.
Technology enhancements have resulted in the inclusion of adaptive front lighting with bi-xenon headlights, tyre pressure monitors, and a Bluetooth mobile phone system for the first time. The colour satellite navigation system now features touch-screen and voice control functionality.
Hatchback and saloon models are available from Boxing Day, with the estate versions due on sale in March 2008. There will be five trim levels available, with prices starting at £15,620 for the 2.0D S hatchback, rising to £22,040 for the 2.0D SL Estate.
On sale: January 2008 // From £15,620
Drive Time
n/a
Fully Equipped
n/a
Pros
n/a
Cons
n/a
