Mazda has been an important player in the car industry for years now and they ‘specialize’ in sedan category. Mazda 6 is probably the car that has the ability to turn back the clock every year. Its futuristic design and great performance really prove that the company engineers know what they are doing. Considering how popular this vehicle it is no wonder that the brand announced an all-new version of this sedan for 2018 and it will be revealed in 2018 as a 2019 model. Since this is the fourth generation Mazda 6 we expect heavy changes to the body and new set of engines. Did we mention that the company plans to bring the diesel four-cylinder engine to the U.S.? They do!
Read Also: Mazda 6 – one of the best cars money can buy!
Don’t forget: Happy Birthday Mazda6!: 15 years of Japanese Work-of-Art vehicle
We expect some heavy exterior changes, but if we were to look back at previous models, it would be safe to say that we are in for a gorgeous car. Mazda 6 is still one of the most beautiful sedans out there. Being family-friendly and great looking has never been too hard for this one. Remember that the original version arrived in 2014 and it still successfully fights with younger rivals from the sedan segment. The upcoming Mazda 6 will have to face the Buick Regal, Honda Accord and the Camry. But in the end, we believe that we are in for a great car because the Japanese company surely won’t gamble with the fame of their highly praised model.
Read Also: 2018 Honda Accord Vs. 2018 Toyota Camry – The clash of Samurai
Even though Mazda doesn’t really have resources like its competitors do, they exceed at making improvements to the existing technology. Being an independent automaker isn’t easy, but this brand proves that with the right policies you can survive and be successful nowadays. Their engineers focus on reducing weight and mechanical friction. It is clear that ‘efficiency’ is the name of the game. Mazda is also proud of SKYACTIV which is known for its great handling and a brave approach to the driver-car interface.
Read Also: New technology on Mazda 6
And: Redesigned Mazda 6 Comes With G-Vectoring System
Also: What’s great about 2017 Mazda6?
However, the third-generation Mazda 6 wasn’t so popular with drivers. Even though critics praised it very, very much, in the end, the Camry managed to outsell it 10 to 1. This was a blow to Mazda since the buyers globally shift their preferences towards crossovers and SUVs. The transition from midsize cars to crossovers and SUVs is slow, but it’s there, and they need to get back in the game.
Should you wait for the 2018 model?
Well, we’d advise you not to. 2018 will be a virtual return of the 2017 version, but it will most likely cost more. We expect the company to repeat the 2017 roster which includes a basic Sport model, midlevel Touring, and top-end Grand Touring. We also know that all of these will bring front-wheel drive setup and have a four-cylinder engine connected either to a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic.
Even though we advise you not to wait for the 2018 model, we must say that it will be something new and better. It’s just not that much improved compared to its predecessor. It will feature reworked interior, and the overall look of the car is even more enhanced. The company promised less noise and better handling with the new G-Vectoring Control feature and upgrades in NVH department. That new piece of technology automatically reduces engine torque just before you enter a turn. It discreetly weights the car’s nose which enhances grip and overall handling response.
Read: Mazda 6: 10 Important Facts!
More: 2018 Mazda 6 is coming soon
Should you buy a 2017 model then?
Absolutely! It will basically be the same as 2018, but you won’t have to overpay anything! You’ll enjoy driving a Mazda 6, and you won’t miss out on anything at least not before the new gen shows up. The 2017 Mazda 6 is the quietest model so far, and it also has the best handling. Touring and Sport trims offer a platter of features, and they are not so expensive. Standing at $31,570 the Grand Touring seems a bit overpriced compared to its rivals that run on a V-6 engine such as the Camry, Accord and Nissan Altima.
Price
When it comes to prices, we can’t praise offer of this carmaker too much for that. Best deals on the 2017 Mazda 6 were no-interest financing for 5 years, plus $500 factory cash back; or a straight $2,000 rebate in lieu of the cut-rate financing in May 2017. Now, if you compare it to a 2017 Altima that was available with no-interest financing for 6 years, plus a $1,000 rebate or a straight discount of $2,500 you see how Mazda is a bit stingy with its prices. We don’t think that they will reduce the price of the 2017 vehicle not even during a model-year closeout period.
Many fans had questions considering the new styling of the 2018 Mazda 6. Some speculated a complete change, but it seems that it won’t happen. What we expect is a new color choice, two color options to be precise. This one still looks nice and fresh enough, and with the 2016 update that brought sharpening of the look, we believe that there will be no significant changes for the 2018 model.
The company will continue following their Kodo path, ‘Soul of Motion’ design language. We do expect to see the alloy wheels with the Sport version having 17-inch rims and the Touring and Grand Touring to have LED headlights and running lights. However, we still don’t know if we’ll see LED fog lamps and an LED grille-surround that is probably going to stay exclusive to the Grand Touring.
Read Also: 2017 Mazda 6 Start Price is $22,780
Interior Design of New Mazda 6 Model
The design of the interior is expected to be modern and elegant. The infotainment system should be nicely integrated and governed by the company’s center-console knob and accompanying buttons which is a touch of premium that we previously never saw in this class. On top of that, the gauges are clear and easy to read. Precise, beautiful and nothing too flashy is what we all expected from this company, and that’s exactly what we’ll get.
Numerous Mazda 6 drivers complained about the noise in the cabin and company now promised additional sound-deadening material will be added for 2017. The car will once again have front bucket seats that are good even though those ‘XL’ drivers claimed how the prominent side bolsters gave them headaches. Seat room in the back is generally okay but it has one significant flaw, and that is a bottom cushion that can be a bit short on thigh support for those who have long legs. When it comes to cargo volume, it will be below the class average. Even though we appreciate that Mazda hid trunk lid hinges and prevented them crushing cargo, we have to say that the apparatus sheds some storage space.
Let’s dig into some more important changes that will come with the 2018 model.
Many car enthusiasts discussed mechanical changes and whether they will be more significant than they were for the previous generation. We think that there will be no major upgrades though. The 2018 vehicles should feature a single engine that is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque.
We have to say that it really is a bit old nowadays and when you look at the trend toward turbocharged four-cylinder units that are mostly 2.0-liters and have better power figures you’ll have to agree with us. What’s also interesting is that the company offers a manual transmission with the 6. The slick-shifting is a usual thing on the Sport and Touring models. Six-speed automatic, however, is optional on the two aforementioned trims but it is standard on the Grand Touring. Even though the competition transitioned towards the eight-speed automatics with variable transmission, the Mazda 6 keeps the ‘relatively’ old technology in this department. But it doesn’t really matter because it still works fine.
Acceleration is quite good, and considering the sporty look of this vehicle, we’d say that it is a perk of this car. Handling was always a strong suit here, and G-Vectoring from the 2017 model only made it better. The 19-inch tires on the Touring and Grand Touring were exquisite on roads and steering is still precise and swift. Combining these gives you almost no body lean in fast turns. The car, however, has troubles on wet and snowy roads so it may be wise for you to look for a decent set of winter tires.
More: 2017 Mazda6 mid-size family sedan, pure perfection or what!?
All in all, we think it will be a fine vehicle. We’ll just mention now that you also shouldn’t expect an improvement in fuel economy or any new significant features. But don’t worry every model has a reasonable level of standard equipment. Of course, some trims have better equipment like per say the Sport version. It has a rearview camera, pushbutton engine start, Bluetooth connectivity, and the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display and auxiliary control knob located on the center console.
On the other hand, the Grand Touring has a power sunroof, steering-linked LED headlights, LED for the fog lights, daytime running lights and front grille. Inside you get leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver-seat memory, Bose audio system, a head-up display for key vehicle and navigation information, lane-departure warning, and automatic steering to keep you in your lane. You probably get the picture now. Have no worries because the vehicle will be well-equipped.
Good Links:
2020 Mazda 3 Prototype Hits The Road
2019 Mazda 3 Gets Skyactiv-X Engine Tech
Mazda CX-8 three-row SUV Brochure Surfaces!
2018 Mazda CX-8 Three-Row SUV Teased
Mazda RX-9 Arrives in 2019 Possibly At Tokyo Motor Show
2017 Mazda CX-5 Goes On Sale In South Africa
2018 Mazda CX-8 spotted in California – could this be the much rumored 7-seat CX-5?
2017 Mazda CX-3 – GT Sport Special Edition Introduced
2017 Mazda CX-5 Is Quieter Inside
