The current generation Mazda6 will see an important update this fall, for both the saloon and estate variants. Highlights across the full Saloon and Tourer range include technology updates, interior improvements and the introduction of G-Vectoring Control.
This latest technology is the first application of Mazda’s new series of Skyactiv-Vehicle Dynamics technology. Utilising integrated control of the engine, transmission and chassis to enhance the connection between car and driver, GVC varies engine torque to optimise the load on each wheel.
To be more exact, by monitoring steering and throttle position when you enter a corner under power, GVC momentarily reduces the amount of torque delivered to the front wheels, thereby transferring a fraction more weight onto the front axle which allows the front wheels to turn more precisely. Even on a straight road, GVC can reduce driver fatigue and increase passenger comfort by taking away the perceived need for the tiny corrections that some drivers make when driving straight. In doing this GVC lowers driver effort and reduces the amount of head and body sway small steering corrections can create for passengers.
Retaining an unchanged engine line-up, the upgraded Mazda6 features a choice of four engines: 145ps and 165ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol, plus 2.2-litre 150ps and 175ps Skyactiv-D diesels. With diesel models accounting for around 75 per cent of UK sales, the 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D engine features two key improvements designed to increase responsiveness and reduce engine noise: Transient Control and Mazda’s Natural Sound Smoother Technology (NSS).
By reducing turbo lag and boosting torque, Transient Control provides a more positive throttle response, ensuring that the Mazda6’s diesel engine reacts better than ever to the driver’s intentions, while refinement has been enhanced thanks to the introduction of Mazda’s Natural Sound Smoother (NSS) technology.
Designed to reduce diesel knock noise during starting and low-speed acceleration, NSS suppresses resonance from the piston and connecting rod by using a dynamic damper inside the piston pin to suppress the three critical frequency bands in which engine components typically vibrate most loudly.
Inside, the revised Mazda6 features a new leather steering wheel that on Sport Nav models is heated. Other premium upgrades to range-topping Sport Nav models include an enhanced head up display that features colour and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) for the first time, plus electric memory seats that now also adjust the head-up display. While from SE-L Nav models upwards auto power-folding mirrors are standard, and Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) low-speed collision mitigation braking now features pedestrian recognition.
