Mazda released the third generation of the six sedans back in 2012. Since then they didn’t really change all that much about the car. However, they did update the interior a while back in order to make the car the brand’s true flagship sedan. Well, the car just received a second update with the 2018 Mazda 6. So far it looks like Mazda tried to offer as many things as possible with this update. The core of the car remained unchanged, but quite a few other things have been upgraded. There is a new engine, a new trim level as well as subtle changes to the car’s running gear.
IN DETAIL
One of the biggest factors to remain unchanged will likely be its price. It looks like the car will cost roughly the same as before in the US. The European model, on the other hand, might get slightly more expensive as Mazda is looking to discontinue their older 2.0-liter engine. In its place, we may see a turbocharged version at some point in the future, but so far nothing has been confirmed.
UNDER THE HOOD
The new 2018 Mazda 6 is more efficient than ever before. The base version gets the same 2.5 liters naturally aspirated inline-four as before. However, this now received cylinder deactivation as standard which will allow it to run on two cylinders at part throttle. This should make the car more efficient during highway use, and it should allow it to be slightly easier to live with. The other change is the addition of a second engine choice on the US market. This is Mazda’s 2.5-liter turbo-four which has been around for a while now. This is known to make 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, enough to make the 6 one of the faster sedans in its class. Like before, the car will come with either a six-speed manual or with a six-speed automatic, so it should definitely be impressive to drive.
LOOKS
Not only will the car receive a new engine, but it will also get a new look. It is safe to assume the new six will share quite a few design cues with Mazda’s latest concept. It will likely receive a slightly more aggressive front end with a bigger grille. The headlights should be swept-back towards the back a bit more while the roof-line might change as well. This would get the six closer to its rivals, and it would definitely make it appeal to a wider audience than before.
∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗
The Mazda 6 is one of the best family sedans on the market thanks to its smart looks and great driving characteristics. Even though it usually lacks power when compared to its rivals, it still manages to come up on top thanks to its sublime chassis. After more than five years after it has been released, it seems a new versions might take its place. So far Mazda didn’t say much about the successor of the “6, ” but rumors and renders of the upcoming 2018 Mazda 6 have been flying around the Internet for quite some time now.
It seems the car might get larger than before and it should get a new design as well. However, the chassis, most of the running gear as well as the engines are expected to carry on with minimal changes. This should assure that the car will remain as good to drive as its predecessor while looking even better.
In Detail
The car will more than likely be based on a revised GJ/GL chassis, the same that underpins the current generation. Expect it to boast more high strength steel and possibly quite a bit of aluminum this time around. This should allow it to grow without actually getting heavier. The running gear will retain the all independent setup. This time around though some expect the car to receive adaptive shocks in the top end trim levels which would finally allow the 6 to be both comfortable and great to drive. More safety features than before as well as possibly a few new trim levels are quite possible, especially since the current car is missing a few key features.
Design @ New “6”
The current car boasts a sculpted four-door coupe design which really managed to impress everyone. It seems the 2018 Mazda 6 might depart from that design. The renders that have been first seen in Japan show a car nothing like the current model. The car is expected to get both wider and taller. On top of that, the muscular lines on the front and rear fenders are expected to be gone and replaced with more conventional-looking design lines. In the front, the car might feature a similar set of headlights to the CX-9, but the grille will extend further down.
The overall design looks to be inspired by some of the higher end executive sedans on the US market which is not necessarily a good thing. If the production version of the new Mazda 6 will look anything like the render, then it will definitely be a downgrade when compared to the current generation.
Interior
The interior of the ongoing generation is nothing to be ashamed of. It looks on par with any of its competitors, and it feels considerably better than most would expect. There is more than enough room for up to 5 passengers which is also great considering its raked roof. The new model is likely going to build on the success of its predecessor. The dashboard is likely going to receive minor revisions such as a slightly different lower center stack and likely a new instrument cluster. A new infotainment system is also very possible considering the one used now is not really that great. The largest change will likely be the available space which should increase by a good margin for both the front and rear passengers.
2018 Mazda 6 Release date, Price and Specs
| 2018 Mazda 6 – Midsize Sedan | |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 Inches |
| Height | 57 Inches |
| Length | 192,7 Inches |
| Width | 72,5 Inches |
| Weight | 3179 |
| Engine | two naturally aspirated engines, 2.0 and 2.5-liter |
| Displacement | 2.0 and 2.5-liter |
| Power/torque | 250 hp and 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic |
| 0-60 mph | 8,5 sec |
| Top speed | 140 mph – 225.30 kph |
| RELEASE DATE : Late 2017 | |
| PRICE: Starting at $21,000 for based model | |
2018 Mazda 6 Engine
As we said, not much will change with the engines of the 2018 Mazda 6. At this point, most rumors suggest the car may carry over the same engines as before. This means two naturally aspirated engines as well as a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel. The latter will likely continue to offer the same amount of power as before but with a possible boost to its fuel economy. The 2.0 and 2.5-liter engines, on the other hand, could receive a variable compression system. This would allow Mazda to offer slightly more power while maintaining the great fuel consumption.
There have been reports about a new MPS version as well. This would use Mazda’s relatively new 2.5 liters turbocharged inline four gas engine which is currently known to make over 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. We wouldn’t be surprised if Mazda manages to squeeze an extra 50 horsepower which would allow the 6 to offer straight line performance on top of its great handling characteristics.
Take a look at the previous version while we wait for the Mazda 6: