2017 Mazda6 gains improved safety and refinement

The Mazda6 range has gained yet another update for 2017, this time focused on dynamic safety, interior design and NVH enhancements.

With no change to pricing, the new Mazda6 gains a more comprehensive i-ACTIVSENSE safety suit which now adds pedestrian recognition to Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), with the upper detection speed range increased from 30km/h to 80km/h. SCBS helps avoid accidents at low speeds.

In addition, Smart Brake Support (SBS) – which detects vehicles and obstacles ahead of the vehicle – has had its operating range expanded to between 15 and 160km/hr, and Mazda’s newest i-ACTIVSENSE technology, Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), makes its Mazda6 debut.

Inside, the Mazda6 is said to offer better refinement and quieter ride. The update introduces an all-new steering wheel, the instrument display has been simplified with clearer labelling and fonts that match those on MZD Connect, the Multi-Information Display in the meter cluster is now full colour – like the Active Driving Display (Head Up Display) – and has a more diverse range of functions.

Distinguishing it from the Sport, Touring and GT variants, the range-topping Atenza features a premium interior package that includes nappa leather seats with titanium piping, and titanium trim highlights on the instrument panel, centre console and door trims, a black headlining with overhead console LED down-lighting, and chrome-plated seat adjustment controls and glovebox latch. GT and Atenza variants also have heated rear seats.

In terms of driving dynamics and NVH, the new Mazda6 gets the company’s world-first G-Vectoring Control which promises sharper handling and steering response. Elsewhere cabin quietness has been improved thanks to a range of sealing and noise absorption updates.

On diesel models, the inclusion of “High-Precision DE Boost Control” gives smoother acceleration which responds more accurately to the driver’s inputs, and new “Natural Sound Smoother and Natural Sound Frequency Control” technologies decrease diesel knocking noise.

Enjoying an exterior upgrade early last year, the only updated changes outside of the car include newly designed side mirrors that auto fold and the introduction of Mazda’s newest hero colour, Machine Grey Metallic.

“The Mazda6 is one of the best medium-sized passenger cars available in the market,” said Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak.

“As it has continued to evolve, Mazda6 can rightly be considered as an alternative to luxury brand models, such are the standard features, safety inclusions and its on-road presence.”

With a five star ANCAP safety rating, the new Mazda6 is available in four grades – the entry Sport, core Touring, high GT and high plus Atenza, with two engines types, a 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol and 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel, boasting fuel economy figures from 5.4L/100km.

2017 Mazda6 Australian Pricing (excluding on-roads)