 |
| New Mazda6 |
The new, more premium Mazda6 is now on sale in Ireland priced from €31,945 - €45,295, writes Trish Whelan.
Both Sedan (Saloon) and Tourer body styles are offered.
The last mid life upgrade to the car was in 2015.
The latest model is the most comprehensive yet offering improved quality in almost every detail both inside and out, placing this car at the head of their model range.
Mazda Ireland say the Mazda6 is now a true alternative to premium rivals and should be a genuine consideration for any driver looking for an upmarket, fun to drive car, even in the era of SUV and crossover dominance. Avril Brophy, Senior Manager Marketing/PR for Mazda Ireland, said at the car’s international launch in Mallorca last week that the brand is moving more premium with this car and they expect it to gain conquest sales from top brands with its competitive price and big list of standard equipment. Most sales are expected to come from business executives in the 35-plus age bracket.
Mature Elegance was the buzz phrase at the press conference in Mallorca.
Designers have kept the overall elegant theme of the car that has served them well through the years but have upgraded the styling with a new 3D signature grille for a more sophisticated look, changes to light clusters, a new chassis and redesigned suspension for better ride quality, as well as a more luxurious interior which includes ventilated seats, a projection active driving display, 360-deg parking display, some new advanced safety features, and an upgraded engine.
The Mazda badge is now more prominent than before. Exhaust pipes are bigger and have been moved out to the corners to give the car a wider look. The profile character line, which previously swept back upwards, now gives more expression to the side look. New 17” and 19” wheel designs are another feature.
The inside design points to the future of Mazda interiors with a more refined cabin which is now a lot quieter and includes reductions in NVH, and is also far more comfortable.
Every surface is new except for the steering wheel with good quality materials and trims. Air vents have been moved outwards to create a wider look to the dash. Seats have been redesigned with thicker padding and wider cushions for greater comfort and natural posture and there’s also a new seat adjustment panel. Buyers can opt for seat ventilation on all leather seats which I used on my drives to keep my back nice and cool in the sweltering 30degC heat of the Spanish island.
The Heads Up Display on the windscreen included sat nav directions as we travelled the busy roads out from Palma airport across to the eastern side of the island. The speed limit on this main road is 100km/h and there are roundabouts every few kilometres. This HUD feature is part of a package and helps you keep an eye on the road. The centre display has now been increased from 7” to 8” and is clear and easy to read. Apple Car Play and Android auto are options.
Three grades are available — Executive SE, Platinum and Platinum+.
 |
| New Mazda6 Tourer |
Engines are two 2.0 petrols with 145hp or 165hp (6.1-6.6 L/100kms and road tax of €390); diesels are a new 2.2 with 184hp and a more frugal but still sporty 2.2D 150hp (4.4-5.4 L/100kms, road tax of €200-€280). Manual or automatic transmissions are offered with both fuel types. While Mazda Ireland anticipate good petrol sales, I believe the diesel saloon will be the volume seller here.
I got to drive the 184hp 2.2 diesel Tourer with auto transmission and AWD in a really attractive Snowflake White Pearl exterior colour. While providing a very easy and satisfying drive experience, I don’t expect many takers for this spec of the car in Ireland, but it will do well on the continent where wagons sell well. This was followed by the 2.0 petrol with 164hp in a new stunning Soul Red Crystal colour, and also with leather upholstery. Both colours highlighted the beautiful contours of the car’s KODO - Soul of Motion design.
I’m looking forward to driving the new model on Irish roads.
 |
| Mazda6 Saloon |
