New diesel engine adds real sparkle to the Mazda 6
THE Mazda6 which was launched in 2008 competes in one of the most competitive segments of the Irish car market, that of the family saloon or hatch. Rivals include the superb Ford Mondeo, excellent Opel Insignia, Renault Laguna, VW Passat, Peugeot 407, Toyota Avensis, and Honda Accord to name but a few. So it needs to be good to compete with the likes of those rivals.
Road tested by Hugh Maguire
Mazda have seen their market share grow steadily in Ireland on the back of a very nice and very fresh range of cars. The line-up now consists of the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5 MPV, Mazda6, MX-5, RX-8, and the Mazda CX-7 Sports Crossover SUV.
The 6 is available in both saloon, 5-door hatch and Touring (estate), with both petrol and diesel powerplants including a 1.8 petrol, 2.0 petrol, and two 2.0 litre diesels, one producing 121 PS the other 143 PS.
That range has now been joined by a fabulous new low emission 2.2 litre four cylinder turbo diesel, which boasts tremendous performance allied to great economy and low emissions. It is available in low 126 bhp, mid 163 bhp and high power 185bhp versions. The 2.2 litre powered car is sold as the Mazda6 2.2 Sport.
This engine will find its way into many other Mazda cars such as but not limited to the Mazda3 and CX-7 SUV.
First Impressions
Well it most certainly is one very sleek good-looking car. Many who commented on it said it looked distinctive and dynamic unlike many of its rather dull looking rivals. The sports kit includes a stylish rear spoiler and clear rear lens which look rather well.
So on the style side of things the new 6 diesel sport seems to be a hit. The Sport model adds 18 inch alloys and my test car was finished in a very attractive Mica Black metallic (the only option at l47) which set off the lines of the car very well indeed.
Behind The Wheel
The cabin is just about perfect. It looks great, very modern and well designed while reflecting the dynamic curves and contours of the exterior.
The instrument cluster has sporty overtones with aluminium look surrounds, a theme that is carried over to the steering wheel face and centre console and it all looks very well. The fit and finish is beyond reproach with high quality materials evident throughout. It's roomy too with ample room for up to five adults and a huge boot accessed via the large tailgate to swallow their luggage.
Standard equipment on the diesel Sport is impressive and includes the aforementioned 18 inch alloy wheels, front fogs, heated and folding door mirrors, DCS (stability control), TCS (traction control), ABS, EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) and EBA (electronic brake assist), as well as twin airbags, side curtain airbags and day running lights. Owners will also appreciate the dual zone heating with auto climate control, cruise control, a lovely stereo CD system with MP3 compatibility, and multi function steering wheel.
Performance
This 2.2 litre turbo 6-speed diesel packs a real punch with huge reserves of mid range torque making this a very quick car even in 6th gear. On paper Mazda give the 0 to 100km dash as taking 9 seconds (it feels quicker!) and a top speed of 212km/h.
Max power in this the mid-power version is a handsome 163 bhp yet its low emissions of just 147g/km put it in class C for VRT purposes and it costs just l302 per year to tax.
This new 2.2 litre Mazda6 will soar past the motorway limit unnoticed and gobbles up rows of traffic with ease making for safe and rapid overtaking. The short change 6-speed gearbox is light and easy to use and takes rapid shifts easily adding to the sporting dynamics of the car.
Probably the single most impressive action of this sweet sounding new diesel is the massive surge of acceleration it will deliver in a high gear. Put your foot down in 5th or 6th say from 80km/h and the car leaps forward as though you were in a much lower gear quickly blasting past the legal limit if you were to let it! All in a most refined and unfussed manner.
Finally it also proves economical burning just 6.9 litres of diesel per 100km giving the new Mazda6 a range in excess of 850 km between refuels. This really is a very impressive new diesel engine.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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