It’s been five years since the third-generation
Mazda 6 was unveiled, but it ain’t going anywhere just yet, with a second
facelift set to be introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 30.
Before that, Mazda has shown teaser images of the front and interior of the
car, previewing the rather significant upgrades in store for the swoopy
D-segment sedan.
Up front sits a revised fascia seemingly inspired by
the new CX-5, with a new grille surround that flows under the headlights. Speaking of which, the light graphics have also been redesigned
with new LED daytime running lights, while the bumper incorporates the slim
“whiskers” from the CX-5. On top of that are a new 19-inch wheel design and
what appears to be the new Soul Red Crystal paint.
Inside, the 6 gains a comprehensive interior update,
including an all-new dashboard – the second it has received since 2012. The
more horizontal instrument panel design features new climate controls and
Japanese Sen Wood trim that sits on the same line as the thinner air vents.
Elsewhere, Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) can now do stop-start traffic, and
there’s also a new 360-degree monitor.
Even bigger changes can be found under the bonnet –
the 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated SkyActiv-G engine now gets cylinder
deactivation, and for the first time Mazda will also offer the turbocharged
version from the CX-9. Output numbers have not been revealed just yet, but for
the record, the forced induction mill produces 228 hp at 5,000 rpm and 420 Nm
of torque at 2,000 rpm in the big seven-seater SUV.
