|
By
EWAN KENNEDY
8 October 2011
Mazda
has announced a revamped Mazda6 lineup to try and lift sales of
its popular midsize model. These see additional standard equipment
and keener pricing. For the first time, all Mazda6 models now come
with leather seat trim and parking sensors as standard.
With the Mazda3 selling its socks off in Australia – it briefly
managed to take out overall number one spot earlier this year –
the local importer is keen to take advantage of this buyer
interest by promoting the Mazda6 as a family car in this country.
The Mazda6 Classic models are now being imported in Touring grade.
The Touring sedan and hatchback have a recommended retail price
that’s $300 below the equivalent Classic models. The Mazda6
Touring wagon has had its price trimmed by a very handy $3370 to
better align it with the Touring hatch and sedan.
The
Touring grades are far from being stripped down specials, having
such features as rear parking sensors and power adjustable front
seats, with a memory function for the driver’s seat. Then
there’s Bluetooth, climate control, cruise control, trip
computer, automatic wipers, six airbags and ESC as standard.
Five-door Sports models have been upgraded, with both the Luxury
Sports and Diesel Sports receiving a satellite navigation system
with 7-inch full-colour touch screen at no extra cost. Previously,
satellite navigation was a $2800 option.
At
the other end of the scale, the Mazda6 Limited sedan and Luxury
sedan have been discontinued.
Mazda6 has long been admired for its styling, owners saying they
like the modern looks, but enjoy the fact that the cars aren’t
over the top in their styling.
Relaxed cruising and seat comfort are also items frequently
praised when we talk to buyers who have chosen Mazdas. They also
admire the high build quality and long term trouble-free running.
Interior
space is good and Mazda Australia considers the ‘6 to be a
family car. We find the back seat is suitable for tall travellers
only if those in the front can give up a few notches on their seat
adjustment. Luggage space is good and the Mazda6 is unusual in
being offered in three different body configurations: four-door
sedan, five-door hatchback and five-door station wagon.
The choice between petrol and diesel engines is appreciated,
though it has to be said that most are going for the petrol unit
as Japanese cars don’t have the same leaning towards diesels as
do the European marques.
The new Mazda6 range is:
Touring sedan: $31,450 (manual), $33,450 (automatic)
Touring hatch: $32,450 (manual), $34,450 (automatic)
Touring wagon: $34,750 (automatic)
Luxury Sports hatch: $41,115 (manual), $43,115 (automatic)
Diesel wagon: $35,950 (manual)
Diesel Sports hatch: $42,515 (manual)
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
|
|
