The All-New Mazda6
Published: 25th October 2007
Responsive, confidence-inspiring suspension system
Whether driving in the city or on the motorway, the suspension system delivers a responsive and reassuring drive. The high-mounted double-wishbone front suspension is mounted on a subframe now attached to the body at six points instead of four, for a further refined steering stability. This dramatically reduces road noise by dispersing the transmission of vibration and balancing rigidity with the reassuring drive.
In the multi-link rear suspension, the front pivot of the trailing link is now placed higher to reduce tail-lift under braking, and the dampers are mounted more upright to improve the leverage acting on them and thus their responsiveness. These modifications enhance both handling stability and ride comfort.
Electronic power steering for sportiness and enhanced environmental performance
In order to achieve optimal steering assist at various speeds such as, comfortable handling at low speed and stable and rigid handling at high speed, the former hydraulic power steering is replaced with an electronic system. Also, to give a more natural steering feel, special attention was paid to reduce the inertia level. Similar to the Mazda RX-8, the motor is mounted on the steering rack and has further evolved with a brushless motor. Also, the fuel economy is improved by approximately two percent compared to the former hydraulic power steering.
Powerful, progressive, responsive brake system
The new Mazda6 is fitted with larger front brake discs and a larger-diameter master cylinder to enhance the performance level, and brake feel is optimised by various brake tuning measures. The result is a brake system with a very rigid and linear feel, with controllable brake performance that conforms to the driver’s intentions. The stopping distance from 100 km/h is 39m* on dry ground, among the best in the class.
*Mazda in-house measurement.
Lightweight body with greater rigidity
To further enhance the dynamic performance, reinforcement was added at key points, resulting in a rigidity level surpassing the original Mazda6. Compared to the previous model, both the bending rigidity (up by 32 percent for the sedan, 45 percent for the hatchback and 33 percent for the sport wagon) and the torsional stiffness (up by 14 percent for the sedan, 30 percent for the hatchback and 25 percent for the sport wagon). Also, to realise weight reduction, which contributes to the improved dynamic performance and fuel economy, optimal layout was ensured using CAE technology and the percentage of the high-tensile and ultra-high-tensile steel content was increased.
Aerodynamics among the best in the class
Attractive styling and aerodynamic efficiency go hand-in-hand with the Mazda6. From the early stages of development, Mazda engineers utilised simulation testing to the fullest in order to improve their initial designs, and then carefully fine-tuned them with prototypes and the wind tunnel. In the end, they achieved a remarkable drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.27 for the 2.5-litre versions of hatchback and sedan and 0.28 for the sport wagon. New horseshoe-shaped air deflectors ahead of the front wheels ensure adequate brake cooling despite the low Cd. Fore-and-aft lift balance is also optimised, keeping the car stable and firmly grounded at high speed.
Environmental Performance
In addition to top-class aerodynamics, the new Mazda6 achieves a number of other improvements in fuel economy such as reduced rolling resistance, electronic power steering and the use of LED stop lamps. And despite its increased size compared with the previous model, the new Mazda6 maintains approximately the same weight thanks to comprehensive weight-reduction measures.
With the newly developed MZR 2.5-litre engine, we achieved better fuel economy and CO2 emissions compared with the previous MZR 2.3-litre unit, despite the increase in displacement. At the same time, installing the catalyst directly downstream of the exhaust manifold assures sportier performance while boosting exhaust gas purification.
As well as being fun to drive and delightful to travel in, the all-new Mazda6 excels in safety and environmental measures to deliver maximum kizuna with its customers. Mazda sums up its responsibilities here as “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom”. This is an essential element in the evolution of Zoom-Zoom.
Mazda Mazda6
Our Mazda Mazda6 Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Mazda6 range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £15,110 - £22,130
Body Styles:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 21
We have road tested the Mazda Mazda6, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Mazda Mazda6 Review - Aug 2008
Mazda Mazda6 Review - Jun 2006
Mazda Mazda6 Review - Feb 2005
Mazda Mazda6 Review - Apr 2004
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 21st Sep 2008
