Mazda6 gets a refresh

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AutoTrader NZ
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Published 3 September 2020

The refreshed Mazda6 covers all eight variants across three body styles of sedan, sport hatch and wagon, powered by 2.0 and 2.5-litre engines.

“Mazda’s design team has further developed these characteristics with a number of subtle enhancements and I think drivers will appreciate the changes and notice a more refined driving experience,” said Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director, Mazda New Zealand.

The most prominent change is the vehicle’s front fascia which has adopted the second-generation family face, as seen on the new Mazda3 and CX-7.

Each of the new Mazda6 models feature redesigned lighting systems with chrome-plated inner bezels and round fog lamps framed within a new side intake.

The side view includes newly-designed 17-inch alloys and 18-inch alloy wheels for the GSX and Limited models. The wheels incorporate slight twists which improve aerodynamics and reduce the incidence of brake dust, as well as a weight saving from the outgoing model. GLX grades retain the wheel cap design of the current model.

The rear of the vehicle features newly-designed rear combination lamps with a chrome-finished wing-shaped decoration on the outer surface.

Inside the Mazda6 glossy piano black replaces the matte silver framing around the centre console and steering wheel controls, while chrome plating has been fitted to the inner door handles, gear lever and climate control and audio dials for durability.

Mazda says improvements to legibility and visibility of key controls on the dashboard make it easier for drivers. A new Human Machine Interface has enhanced the instrument panel and information display making it easier to read and use while the Odometer and Trip Meter displays are larger for better visibility. The Cross Functional Network, which displays key operating information such as fuel consumption and speed warnings, has been evolved so that only one function corresponds to each push of the INFO button on the steering wheel.

Further improvements to functionality include automatic on/off headlamps and rain-sensing wipers on the GSX models, as well as the sliding armrest which has until now only been available on Limited grade models. Limited variants acquire some bonus features such as an auto-dimming day/night mirror to improve rear visibility in various lighting and weather conditions.

Bluetooth has been equipped across all new Mazda6 models with operating controls configured on the steering wheel in GSX and Limited grades for remote operation.

The Mazda6 already has the maximum 5-star ANCAP rating.

As part of the model’s enhancement’s, improvements in spring rates across front and rear suspension layouts provide for greater stability and a gentler response to take-off, while increased crossmember rigidity delivers greater vibration dampening to reduce cabin shake over coarse road surfaces.

The six-speed Manual transmission on the Limited Hatch now has a Hill Launch Assist function. The five-speed Activematic transmission has Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) which includes a slope-control function that selects gears according to the upward or downward slope of the road.

All models now run on 91 regular unleaded petrol and provides a reported fuel economy of 8.2 to 8.9 L per 100km (combined cycle).

See new Mazda6 and used Mazda6 for sale.