The all-new Mazda 6 has stayed true to last year’s acclaimed Takeri concept, as these first official pictures of the production car reveal.
Mazda has been selective in not showing the new 6 from all angles ahead of its Moscow motor show launch later this month, but the images reveal the Takeri’s basic design themes have carried over for production.
These include a front-end inspired by the CX-5, including a large grille, a curvaceous, stepped bonnet and sleek headlights. Mazda calls its latest design theme ‘Kodo, Soul of Motion’.
The car has not yet been revealed in profile, but the rear shot shows that the Takeri’s sloping roofline also carries over to the 6 saloon. Indeed, Mazda believes the saloon looks sleek enough not to have to offer a five-door hatchback version of the new 6.
The new 6 follows the CX-5 crossover in ushering in Mazda’s new SkyActiv technology. It is based on a lightweight new modular chassis that can underpin anything from a Mazda 3 family hatchback to a Mazda CX-9 full-size SUV in size.
Two new SkyActiv engines introduced on the CX-5 will be offered with the 6. The Moscow show car will be fitted with the firm’s 162bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual will also be offered for production.
Of most interest to UK buyers will be the 148bhp and 173bhp versions of the latest 2.2-litre turbodiesel, which will be offered with both automatic and manual transmissions.
Insiders have revealed CO2 emissions of the lower-powered diesel model will be less than 105g/km thanks to the introduction of Mazda’s new brake energy regeneration system, i-ELOOP.
This was previewed on the Takeri concept at last year’s Tokyo motor show. It features a series of capacitors behind the nearside headlamp. When the driver lifts off the accelerator, the momentum is turned into electricity by the alternator and stored in the capacitors.
This energy is used when the car is stopped by the stop-start system to power ancillaries including headlight and air con, which means the engine doesn’t have to generate electricity.
Following the launch of the 6 saloon at Moscow will be the estate version at the Paris motor show in September.
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Hasn't the 6 Hatchback been a better seller than the Saloon?
I think Mazda build a great range and I was really looking forward to the new 6 being a replacement for my current hatchback. Why no 6 hatchback? Haven't manufacturers found them to be much better sellers? I don't think the estate version will look as good as the saloon or offer the practicality I'm looking for. I guess manufacturers like BMW and Audi differentiate by focusing on saloons and estates in the 'executive' market. Perhaps Mazda is looking to move into that market sector with the 6? I think that ambition will be the expense of losing sales to other rivals that do provide good looking, practical and competitive hatchbacks. Mmm, perhaps I'll just have to keep my old car trundling along and save up for the new skyactiv based mx-5. That should be brill!
Looks good, a lot better than
Looks good, a lot better than the "stay puft" look of the Mazda3.
Japanese reliability with these looks are a winner. Almost a reversal of the Nissan Cherry Europe/Arna...
As for the hatch / saloon conundrum. I prefer saloon shapes though "fastback" shapes like the Xantia or SD1 can look good too, why do more manufacturers not offer a dual boot option like the Skoda Superb? Saloon boot for lifting a few shopping bags, a hatch for those few times a year you go to ikea*.
*Other furniture shops are available. Apparently.
At last, a Japanese stunner!
A break from the current Japanese norm of dullness and blandness. This looks superb and just carries on from where the previous Mazda 6s left off. This is probably not only the best looking Japanese saloon at the moment, but probably the best looking in the class. Combine this with the 6's tradionally excellent dynamics, and hopefully a high quality interior to go with the normally excellent build, and we could well have a new class leader.
Honda, Toyota - You wonder why your 6 rivals are struggling in some markets....... Take a leaf out of Mazda's book.
Lanehogger wrote: Honda,
Though technically, they'd have to take a LEAF out of Nissan's book!