Mazda’s all-new, more refined, more sophisticated, more premium Mazda6 made its World Premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show today (Tuesday 11 September). While giving the new Mazda6 enhanced Mazda DNA and a more emphatic Mazda character in its design, dynamic performance, packaging and craftsmanship, Mazda evolved its Zoom-Zoom spirit to a higher level. New Mazda6 is set to become a benchmark car in its class and will be available in three bodystyles – hatchback, saloon and estate.
With the new Mazda6, attractive styling and aerodynamic efficiency go hand-in-hand. Mazda engineers utilised simulation testing and then carefully fine-tuned prototype models in the wind tunnel. Ultimately, they achieved a remarkable drag coefficient of Cd 0.267 for the 4735mm long hatchback and saloon versions and Cd 0.284 for the 4765mm long estate. The car’s fore-and-aft lift balance was also optimised, keeping the car stable and firmly grounded at high speeds.
Despite the new model’s larger dimensions, Mazda’s strict weight-control policy, combined with excellent aerodynamics, results in highly-competitive fuel consumption and reduced CO2 impact. On the combined cycle, new Mazda6 records fuel consumption improvements ranging from 3.4-to-11.7 per cent, compared to the previous model.
Creating a sense of delight and kizuna
Chief designer Youichi Sato describes the design theme for the new Mazda6 as ‘bold and exquisite’. The exterior has a unique character and while inheriting the ‘athletic’ design that featured in the previous model, the new Mazda6 is an even stronger statement of driving dynamism that confidently embodies a Japanese design identity and will still look fresh in 10 years time.
Inside new Mazda6, the designers created a snug, cockpit-like driving environment with a relaxed driving position, clear instruments and intuitive controls. Richly curved surfaces, sophisticated materials and controlled glossiness generate a high-quality feel and add to the air of craftsmanship, along with the microfine accuracy of component fit – generating a feeling of kizuna (an emotional connection) for both the driver and passengers.
Zoom-Zoom Driving Dynamics
The development theme for the Mazda6’s dynamics was ‘driving performance that creates oneness between the car and driver’ – echoing the Jinba Ittai achieved by the Mazda MX-5. This was achieved by engineering driving dynamics, steering, handling, and brake performance that respond accurately to the driver’s intentions. A solid sense of security created by the confident, predictable handling is central to the Zoom-Zoom evolution concept embodied in the new Mazda6.
Customers will be offered a choice of powertrains as a new 170ps, 2.5-litre petrol engine (developed from the previous 2.3-litre unit) joins the line-up alongside the enhanced 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol engines and the MZR-CD 2.0 turbo diesel, all carried over from the previous Mazda6.
Confidence-inspiring Suspension Steering and Brakes
The new Mazda6’s fully independent suspension is a further development of the current model’s system and now delivers enhanced ride comfort, with significant reductions in road noise. The front subframe is attached to the body at six points instead of four, reducing unwanted flex. The multi-link rear suspension features improved geometry to enhance both handling, stability and ride comfort.
Electric power steering is adopted, similar to the Mazda RX-8, to achieve optimal steering assistance and reduce fuel consumption by two per cent. The braking system features larger front brake discs and boasts a very firm, linear feel and a controllable performance that is among the best-in-class.
Source: Mazda
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