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07/10/2011
REVIEW by EWAN KENNEDY
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Mazda has announced a revamped Mazda6 lineup to try and lift sales of its popular midsize model. These see additional standard equipment and keener pricing. For the first time, all Mazda6 models now come with leather seat trim and parking sensors as standard.
With the Mazda3 selling its socks off in Australia – it briefly managed to take out overall number one spot earlier this year – the local importer is keen to take advantage of this buyer interest by promoting the Mazda6 as a family car in this country.
The Mazda6 Classic models are now being imported in Touring grade. The Touring sedan and hatchback have a recommended retail price that’s $300 below the equivalent Classic models. The Mazda6 Touring wagon has had its price trimmed by a very handy $3370 to better align it with the Touring hatch and sedan.
The Touring grades are far from being stripped down specials, having such features as rear parking sensors and power adjustable front seats, with a memory function for the driver’s seat. Then there’s Bluetooth, climate control, cruise control, trip computer, automatic wipers, six airbags and ESC as standard.
Five-door Sports models have been upgraded, with both the Luxury Sports and Diesel Sports receiving a satellite navigation system with 7-inch full-colour touch screen at no extra cost. Previously, satellite navigation was a $2800 option.
At the other end of the scale, the Mazda6 Limited sedan and Luxury sedan have been discontinued.
Mazda6 has long been admired for its styling, owners saying they like the modern looks, but enjoy the fact that the cars aren’t over the top in their styling.
Relaxed cruising and seat comfort are also items frequently praised when we talk to buyers who have chosen Mazdas. They also admire the high build quality and long term trouble-free running.
Interior space is good and Mazda Australia considers the ‘6 to be a family car. We find the back seat is suitable for tall travellers only if those in the front can give up a few notches on their seat adjustment. Luggage space is good and the Mazda6 is unusual in being offered in three different body configurations: four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and five-door station wagon.
The choice between petrol and diesel engines is appreciated, though it has to be said that most are going for the petrol unit as Japanese cars don’t have the same leaning towards diesels as do the European marques.
The new Mazda6 range is:
Touring sedan: $31,450 (manual), $33,450 (automatic)
Touring hatch: $32,450 (manual), $34,450 (automatic)
Touring wagon: $34,750 (automatic)
Luxury Sports hatch: $41,115 (manual), $43,115 (automatic)
Diesel wagon: $35,950 (manual)
Diesel Sports hatch: $42,515 (manual) |
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