Model Update

Modern diesel engines offer so much these days. And few cars have quite put it all together as well as Mazda has. For a medium sized vehicle that is stylish, practical and performance orientated, the 2011 Mazda 6 Diesel is one very complete car.

A hairy-chested 132 kW of peak power at a low 3500 rpm creates a refined, yet very swift, front-wheel-driven performer. The driving enthusiast will enjoy the Mazda 6 Diesel Wagon or Sports Hatch because they can be driven smartly over any road surface remaining in complete control. A 400 Nm peak level of torque is sensationally vigorous, and is available from as low as 1800 rpm.

Each Mazda 6 Diesel is equipped with dynamic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, emergency brake assist and a traction control system – all working in unison to aid the car’s accurate steering, and balanced roadholding and braking.

Safety equipment is high, and offers such things as active head restraints, a full portion of SRS airbags, a seat-belt warning system, side impact door beams and a ‘Triple H’ safety construction with front and rear crumple zones.

So, the Mazda 6 Diesel passes the safety and performance tests. What is the car like inside? The very modern layout has a big tick for space, comfort and style. Bluetooth communications, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, cup holders, illuminated entry with a fade out delay, satellite navigation 3, leather or cloth seats, a trip computer, adjustable electronic front seats, a premium audio system and illuminated vanity mirrors make for a special car.

For a whole lot less than an equally well powered BMW 320d, you might guess which car I would prefer to drive.

Ever thought that the European diesels are a little overpriced? Well, you are not the only one. The new Mazda6 Diesel wagon and Mazda6 Diesel Sports hatch are superb diesel vehicles boasting power and fuel economy, and a price that’s right for many of the Australian public.

The exterior package is very nice. The swooping lines and elegant stance on the road is pleasant on the eye and stimulating to the imagination. Every angle has the Mazda6 Diesel looking good. This is definitely no fat man entering an athletics competition, so all eyes will be on you for all the good reasons.

To keep up with trim exterior is a premium turbo-diesel power plant that has 2.2-litre displacement and advanced common-rail, four-cylinder turbo diesel technology. Mazda ensures an environmentally friendly power plant which employs variable geometry turbo charging and direct-injection to deliver an impressive 136 kW rating and a very healthy 400 Nm of torque. The 0-100 km/h dash is dispatched quickly and very effortlessly. What also impresses is the power available well in excess of 100 km/h. The smoothness with which the engine applies the power delivery is impressive and class leading. With 400Nm on tap from just 1,800rpm, and mated to a quick shifting six-speed manual transmission, it delivers spirited acceleration and an impeccably balanced chassis. The all new Mazda6 Diesel delivers a very respectable combined fuel economy figure of around 6 litres/100 km.

All Mazda6 Diesel models are nice looking inside their cabins and boast excellent build quality and craftsmanship. The inside is not only attractive and roomy, with a floating-look dashboard that makes the inside seem even larger, the seats are sensationally comfortable. They come with body-coloured power door mirrors, air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, a CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary jack, front and rear power windows, six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), traction control, brake assist, active front head restraints and intrusion-minimising brake and clutch pedals. The Mazda6 Diesel wagon comes with 17in alloy wheels, fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, auto on/off headlamps, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat, trip computer, six-disc in-dash CD/MP3 player with six speakers, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and MP3 player connectivity. The Mazda6 Diesel Sports hatch adds full leather interior, front and rear parking sensors, blackout instrument cluster, leather-wrapped gear knob, eight-way electrically-adjustable driver’s seat with three-position memory and four-way electric adjustment on the passenger’s seat, and a premium Bose 240 watt sound system

A long list of active and passive safety systems complete the outstanding Mazda6 package.

The current model series includes:

• Mazda6 Diesel Wagon
• Mazda6 Diesel Hatch
• Mazda6 diesel Sedan

For any more information on the Mazda 6 Diesel, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!) we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Mazda dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

Back to Mazda Car Reviews