2018 Mazda 6 facelift makes LA debut with 2.5L turbo

2018 Mazda 6 facelift makes LA debut with 2.5L turbo

Teased two weeks ago, the 2018 Mazda 6 has made its debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. This second facelift for the D-segment sedan boasts “unparalleled craftsmanship, design and technologies” that elevate it from its traditional competitive set into a higher class, says Mazda, which also claims that the new sedan offers a “refined experience befitting of a far more expensive car.” Not a company that’s shy with words, that’s for sure.

Mazda is proud of the fact that in the US, around 55% of all Mazda CX-9 SUVs sold have been either high-level Grand Touring models or top-trim Signature models, with the latter selling more than twice as well as expected. This has led the Hiroshima-based carmaker to follow the same path for its flagship sedan.

Up front sits a revised fascia seemingly inspired by the new CX-5, with a new grille surround that flows under – rather than above – 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 the new Soul Red Crystal paint.

2018 Mazda 6 facelift makes LA debut with 2.5L turbo

Inside, the big Mazda gains a comprehensive interior update, including an all-new horizontally stretched dashboard – the second it has received since 2012. Only the steering wheel and small trim pieces have been carried over from its predecessor.

The minimalist cabin features new climate controls and Japanese Sen wood trim that sits on the same line as the slimmer air vents. The cabin also features brown Nappa leather (colour inspired by aged wood in ancient Japanese temples) and UltraSuede NU adorned with a subtle gold tint. The latter uses a similar technique to that which is used to make ornate kimonos, Mazda claims.

The 6’s front seats have been redesigned. They are now wider, with high-density, vibration-absorbing urethane foam that creates a firm, supportive seating surface. The chairs are designed to help keep front passengers’ spines in the natural S-shape humans use when standing, Mazda says. Available ventilated seats are a first for the brand.

2018 Mazda 6 facelift makes LA debut with 2.5L turbo

New tech include a 360-degree view monitor, a reconfigurable seven-inch TFT gauge display in higher-trim models, a new eight-inch infotainment display with sharper contrast, available full-speed Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, windshield wiper de-icer and a windshield-projected Active Driving Display head-up display.

New for model year 2018 is a chassis that has been thoroughly revised to provide a more supple ride, greater agility and dramatically improved NVH, Mazda claims.

Under the hood is the 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated SkyActiv-G engine, now with cylinder deactivation. The outside two cylinders can shut down when the vehicle is operated at steady speeds between 40 and 80 km/h, but all four cylinders work together when full power is needed. A centrifugal pendulum has been adopted in the torque converter of the six-speed automatic to counterbalance any vibration that might otherwise be felt when running on two cylinders.

Those who want more can go opt for the SkyActiv-G 2.5T turbo unit from the CX-9, making 250 hp and 420 Nm from 2,000 rpm here. That’s torque on par with a 4.0 liter V8, says its maker. “As a champion of the manual transmission,” Mazda will continue to offer the six-speed manual gearbox, but only with the NA engine – sorry, there’s no MT turbo.

All the above enhancements combine for a “Mazda Premium” experience that the brand hopes can push it beyond mainstream vehicles, which we take to mean the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, both recently refreshed in the US market by the way. The 2018 Mazda 6 will go on sale next spring.

GALLERY: 2018 Mazda 6, US market


GALLERY: 2017 Mazda 6 GVC in Malaysia

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • Afeeq - H-TownHoldIt'Dine on Nov 30, 2017 at 1:58 pm

    The Mazda 6 is an underrated car

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 35 Thumb down 2
  • (Like) Mazda6 2.5 turbo.
    (Dislike) VW Passat 2.0TSI

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 62 Thumb down 46
  • Ben Yap on Nov 30, 2017 at 2:33 pm

    250 hp from a 2.5 turbo is ridiculously low. It should develop at least 320 hp. Look, even a civic turbo with 1.5 engine going through ecu remap can put out 225 hp. CVT gearbox also no problem and can take the load because the gearbox is ultra durable.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 56
    • Caesar on Dec 01, 2017 at 8:10 am

      Obviously there are plenty of room for more power if remap is done on this 2-5 engine. Is not all about big numbers it’s the overall balance of drivability, fuel consumption and smooth power delivery.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
    • Bob_B78 on Dec 01, 2017 at 11:32 am

      It already has an impressive torque of 420Nm, which will translate into better acceleration in low and medium speed range. Higher hp only gives you advantage in top speed. How many times on the road do you think you can really fully utilize a car’s hp?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
    • Imatt on Dec 02, 2017 at 12:39 pm

      Its not tuned for high hp. 420Nm of torque from a 2.5L engine is great enough.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • Cvt.????.. asked audi why they scrapped all cvt.. a4 1.8 are trouble when turbo n cvt combined. 2.5 w 250hp n 420nm is good to matchup w most of the german turbo wheelers

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • Tolsan Ng on Nov 30, 2017 at 2:57 pm

    U like volvo s90 or Mazda 6?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 9
  • TopsyBoXyTurvy on Nov 30, 2017 at 3:03 pm

    I have to admit: This car makes me feel embarrassed driving my new 3 series…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 44 Thumb down 47
    • 12yrsold on Dec 01, 2017 at 11:51 am

      Agree with U. This Mazda6 beats the BMW 3 series in terms of Power, Space & Specs without compromising its looks.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • Pegkaki on Dec 01, 2017 at 8:25 pm

      Just close mazda door and feel the empty feel door, you feel that the tin kosong is more embarrass

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 9
    • Gajen on Dec 01, 2017 at 10:50 pm

      Sorry very clear from the statement that you do not own a 3 series…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • Imatt on Dec 02, 2017 at 12:47 pm

      Which one? If u mean 2.0T F30 328i then the performance should be not far behind the turbo mazda 6.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • IS it me or do you guys feel the same that almost every Mazda model have the same front look almost everytime even after face lifting it ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 4
    • David on Dec 01, 2017 at 12:35 pm

      That’s the trend now. The “face” of the car represents its brand. It’s been like that for most continental cars (VW, Porsche, Audi? OK Porsche looks the same for decades lol). Only recently Honda adopted the same strategy. Honda City FL’s front design is adopted from the Civic.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Family face. Hate it or love it. For mazda, it looks nice.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Nov 30, 2017 at 3:32 pm

    this car makes the audi a4 looks like cheap pasar malam car

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 41 Thumb down 5
  • sohhai on Nov 30, 2017 at 3:50 pm

    This is a great driver’s car but I doubt the 2.5 Turbo will ever make it here. Furthermore with Bermaz’s pricing, the Mazda brand will never become a mainstream brand unlike Honda, Toyota and Nissan.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
  • Cayenne on Nov 30, 2017 at 4:16 pm

    Driving a mazda is tiring P1 much better

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 21
  • tricycle on Nov 30, 2017 at 5:40 pm

    Why is it called facelift? When it is totally all new inside out?

    Btw nice design. And hopefully mazda Malaysia will bring in the petrol 2.5T as well as the 2.5T diesel.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 10
    • It depends. It does seat on a current platform, hence the facelift term. Similarly, Gen2 CPS was called a facelift even thou its all new inside out and new engine too.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • This is the true meaning of facelift. Not like some japs brand here, just add bodykits change headlight change color then call it facelift. Puii…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • First copy 3 series, now copy Jaguar. When will Jepunis be original like P1?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 20
  • Bernard on Nov 30, 2017 at 8:08 pm

    It will be priced exorbitantly high, beyond the reach of even the rich in Bolehland!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • timmy on Dec 01, 2017 at 1:32 am

    For many Malaysians (myself included) who cant afford a CKD basic E-class W213 or the ultimate E63 AMG S model, this is an excellent choice for a mid size sedan with sporty looks and great engine.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Hamid Azim on Dec 01, 2017 at 8:42 am

    Very well maintained 2011 C250 CGI. Wilayah Persekutuan double digit registeration.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • pearjai on Dec 02, 2017 at 8:52 am

    420nm tork! Sure can smoke any Honda civic turbo! Even Honda civic upgrade with remape with racechip still 285nm tork only…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Iamaze on Dec 02, 2017 at 2:43 pm

    I thought the current 6 is very nice but this is even nicer! I am amaze that Mazda is able to continuously keep the 6 looking fresh since 2012. A small change in front facial can make such a big difference.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Jeremy Wong on Dec 04, 2017 at 12:08 pm

    When will Bermaz start selling here.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Jeremy Wong on Dec 04, 2017 at 1:16 pm

    when will this reach malaysia

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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