For many years, the current-generation Mazda6 has been easy to single out as one of the sportiest and best-driving mid-size sedans on the market. Yet it's somehow missed the mark and very few shoppers have paid attention, or even put this excellent model on their shopping list.
Now Mazda is in effect giving this sedan a rethink, with an all-new third-generation 2014 Mazda6 due sometime in early 2013. It adopts the philosophies of its lean-performance SkyActiv engineering initiative, gets a new look that's more voluptuous and muscular than ever, and should offer improved interior space, better safety, and a more extensive feature set. Mazda has also moved production for the U.S. version back to Japan.
Design-wise, the Mazda6 builds on the Kodo “soul of motion” design language that it's used for its new CX-5. We like what we see in initial pictures, with a curvaceous, cohesive look outside, and details in front and in back that stray from identikit sedan convention. The side mirrors have been moved rearward, along the doors rather than on the A-pillar, to help improve visibility. Inside, we see a continued development of Mazda's more driver-focused layout, with dark and contrasting trims and hooded gauges, but tweaked here for an upright layout that should lend more of a feeling of spaciousness.
The much-loved (but also thirsty and slow-selling) V-6 model of the Mazda6 is now gone from the lineup, replaced by two different versions of the SkyActiv four-cylinder engine. A 2.0-liter version making about 155 hp, while a new 2.5-liter SkyActiv engine will make its debut in the Mazda6, making about 189 hp and 189 pound-feet of torque. In the Mazda3 this smaller engine gets up to 40 mpg, while it gets up to 35 mpg in the CX-5, so we anticipate a highway rating of 36 to 38 here in the Mazda6.
Essentially, we expect the next-generation Mazda6 to drive with the leanness and frugality that we've experienced in the all-new Mazda CX-5, as well as the revamped Mazda3. Transmissions will include six-speed manual or six-speed automatics, and at least at launch all Mazda6 models will have front-wheel drive. All models will get electric power steering. It's also the first model to include the i-ELOOP system that combines start-stop with a higher-capacity (capacitor-based) brake-energy regeneration system—although it's unclear at this point whether this will be offered in the U.S., or in a special green model.
A diesel is reportedly on the way, too, and likely to come to the U.S., although it might not join the lineup until the 2015 model year.
Packaging hasn't changed dramatically, although the new model is slightly narrowed and shorter; wheelbase is just slightly longer, while front and rear overhang have been reduced. One potential issue we see in early pictures is that the roofline looks more rakish than ever, and that could interfere with the usability of the back seats (legroom and kneeroom are improved, however). Otherwise materials and cabin appointments look a big step ahead compared to the last car, which felt rather drab in its base trims. Mazda boasts that the new model has a class-leading 0.26 coefficient of drag, and as with Mazda's other new models we expect noise and vibration to be improved (it never was much of an issue with the outgoing car).
New active-safety features in the 2014 Mazda6 will include High-Beam Control (HBC) and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), and a Hill Launch Assist feature will be included. Rear Vehicle Monitoring, a Lane Departure Warning System, a Smart City Brake Support system, and an Emergency Stop Signal (to notify of panic braking) are other safety features that may be included or on offer. Mazda also boasts that the new body structure is much lighter (200 pounds less due to ultra-high-strength steel), yet designed for top ratings in tests around the world, while the front seats have a new anti-whiplash design.
We expect the 2014 Mazda6 to reach dealerships in the first quarter of 2013.
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