Mazda 6 – The Zoom-Zoom Effect
Mazda has been in the UK for many, many years; started back in year 1970 with the pretty, rear-wheel drive Luce followed by the Montrose 626, then came four generations of 626s, each-one of those less memorable than the last one. Until year 2002, the line continued, and previous Mazda 6 launched as the first of its New Generation. Mazda promised that the new 6 will have crispy looks and Zoom-Zoom marketing but it lacked what needed to compete with the rivals. Now again a new model, derived from the old one is here, but slightly bigger. The new car weighs around 35kg less despite of car’s extra size, more fuel-efficient engines are claimed and carbon emissions also lowered.
The new Mazda 6 is 15mm wider, 65mm longer and has wheelbase 50mm longer than before. Engines are Mazda’s own and the front suspension is by double wishbones. The 6 has a stiffer body-shell and weighs less than before, improved aerodynamics with 0.27 of Cd. As you get in the Mazda 6 and shut the door behind a fancy light-show begins, illumination starts gradually first with the heater controls, stereo controls comes up next, then on the fascia-top the words ZOOM-ZOOM display and then the white instrument needles. A three note zoom-zoom-zoom tune plays as you turn on the ignition and the display bids hello.
Rest of the things stays on but thankfully the tune can be disabled. There are other tricks on the display too, like it shows clock/trip computer readout, stereo settings, air-conditioner/heater settings, all these can be altered via the Cross-Function Network buttons and toggles on the steering wheel. Anyone with long-sightedness would find it hard to read the outside temperature, odometer and trip meter and the orange graphics does not looks so good. Mazda 6 petrol engines come in 1.8-litre with 118bhp, 2.0-litre with 153bhp and 2.5-litre with 168bhp.
Mazda 6 diesel engines are offered in 2.2-litre with 127bhp reaches 0-62mph in just 10.9 seconds and CO2 emissions just 133g/km and gives economy of 54.3mpg, 2.2-litre with 163bhp reaches 0-62mph in just 9.1 seconds and CO2 emissions just 141g/km and gives 53.3mpg, 2.2-litre with 180bhp that reaches 0-62mph in just 8.7 seconds and CO2 emissions just 141g/km and gives 52.3mpg. Making a front-wheel drive car fun to drive requires its cornering attribute very responsive to the throttle and Mazda had long thought it way back.
Mazda 6 managed to keep the under-steer in control which enabled it to be very soothing and fun to drive on the twisting road with its accurate cornering where each movement blend into the next in very tidy fashion. Agility and dynamic capabilities are given by the excellent damping that helps the feel of control. To eradicate the weaknesses of the old 6, a remarkable job has done in this new version of Mazda 6 making it top contender to a BMW 3-series or an Audi A4. Mazda 6 comes amazingly close to overall victory with its equipments and competitive price, intelligent engineering, well designed interior, but all of above it compliant ride and terrific handling.
