Revised Mazda6 saloon and Tourer head for UK market

Mazda has announced that the new Mazda6 saloon and Tourer will be available in the UK from 20 July.

This is the second revision of the existing 6, which remains on the same ‘GG’ platform. But across the vehicle there have been upgrades to the powertrain and cabin, plus revised exterior styling.

Looking at the powertrain, the range-topping SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre direct-injection, four-cylinder petrol engine (only GT Sport Nav+ trim level) now features cylinder deactivation. In practise, this capability allows two cylinders to be switched off between 25 and 50mph, helping to improve overall efficiency.

Other engine options include the 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G, which has been upgraded with the addition of new intake ports, pistons and revised fuel injection and cooling. In addition, the SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre turbodiesel has benefited from an increase in power to 184PS (+ 9PS over the previous version).

Changes to the suspension include front dampers with a wider diameter and new rebound springs. New urethane rear damper top mounts have also been fitted. The steering knuckles have been lowered to deliver a more neutral steering reaction, which is further improved by attaching the steering gear to the suspension crossmember with rigid mounts.

On the outside of the car the front of the new Mazda6 features a new grille design, revised LED headlights and a new bumper design. At the rear, the saloon version has a restyled boot lid, while the Tourer features a redesigned bumper. Other changes include new alloy wheel designs and Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint which, due to the Takuminuri paint technology, is reported to be 20% brighter and return 50% more depth over the previous model.

Across the interior of the new 6 there is a redesigned instrument panel, highlights of which include a larger 8″ central display screen. In the GT Sport Nav+, the interior includes real Japanese Sen Wood trim, plus leather and suede highlights.

To improve cabin refinement the new model has a thicker floor and upgraded rear wheel housing noise insulation panels. The body has also been reinforced in key areas to reduce vibration, including the centre tunnel and the roof lining. Other features include a flatter underbody, while there is also active aero that closes to help improve fuel economy when the engine does not need additional cooling.

The Saloon and Tourer (estate) range features 25 variants across four trim levels: SE-L Nav+; SE-L LUX Nav+; Sport Nav+; and GT Sport Nav+. The engine is driven via the SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic transmission.

Prices for the new Mazda6 range from £23,195 to £33,585.