Mazda has launched a new look, re-engineered version of its flagship sedan at the LA Auto Show this week. The new Mazda 6 retains the striking silhouette of its predecessor but receives minor chassis and exterior tweaks, a new interior and Signature trim level as well as a turbocharged SkyActiv gasoline engine with cylinder deactivation technology.
Apart from the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter gasoline engine and 2.2-liter turbo-diesel engine on offer, the 2018 Mazda 6 now comes in a 2.5-liter turbocharged SkyActiv gasoline four cylinder option that made its debut in the second-generation Mazda CX-9.
Power and torque are rated at 250 hp (187 kW) with an impressive 310 lb-ft (421 Nm), respectively, that is put to the ground via Mazda's six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission. As part of the 2018 update, the turbo and naturally aspirated versions of this engine feature cylinder deactivation that shuts down the outer-two cylinders under low engine load to improve fuel economy.
The interior of the 2018 Mazda 6 is all new and is now being offered with the luxurious Signature trim level first offered in the current-gen CX-9. The Signature trim level offers re-designed Nappa leather seats, a Sen wood dash and suede-lined door cards to give the interior a more premium feel. In addition, the new Mazda 6 can be optioned with a 360-degree View Monitor, a configurable 7-inch TFT instrument cluster with a head-up display, an 8-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system, radar cruise control and a windshield wiper de-icer.
Mazda has been quite subtle with its exterior updates but some changes include a handsome-looking wire mesh grille, updated LED headlights with integrated fog lamps, the choice of 17-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels, and prominent chrome accents on the front that now extend further to the edges of the headlights.
Chassis updates include a rigidly-mounted steering rack to improve response and feel, thicker sheet metal in the rear wheel-wells and thicker suspension trailing link mounts to improve stiffness.
The new Mazda 6 is expected to go on sale in spring 2018 (Northern Hemisphere) with a similar price-tag to the current-generation model at US$22,000-31,000.
New Atlas is on the ground at the 2017 LA Auto Show, so keep coming back for all the latest news on upcoming models. Meanwhile, check out the LA Auto Show unveiling of the new Mazda 6 in the video below.
Source: Mazda
