2019 Mazda 6 updated with GVC Plus, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto – CBU sedan, wagon now from RM174k

The facelifted Mazda 6 – launched here in August 2018 – has received a product update for this year. The 2019 Mazda 6 gets improvements in driving dynamics and convenience via new features. No turbo engine as on the CX-5 though – the sedan/wagon range continues with naturally aspirated petrol engines (2.0L with 162 hp/213 Nm, 2.5L with 192 hp/258 Nm) and a 2.2L turbodiesel with 188 hp/450 Nm.

The Mazda 6 now comes with G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus), which made its debut in the CX-5 late last year. The original GVC varied engine torque in response to steering inputs to provide integrated control of lateral and longitudinal acceleration forces, and optimise the vertical load on each wheel for smooth and efficient vehicle motion. GVC Plus uses the brakes to add direct yaw moment control for better handling stability.

As the driver steers out of a corner by returning the steering wheel to the centre position, GVC Plus applies a light braking force to the outer wheels for a “stabilising moment”. Mazda says that the system realises consistently smooth transitions between yaw, roll and pitch even under high cornering forces, improving the car’s ability to accurately track sudden steering inputs and crisply exit corners. In addition to improving handling in emergency avoidance manoeuvres, GVC Plus offers a reassuring feeling of control when changing lanes on the highway and when driving on slippery surfaces, Mazda says.

GVC Plus aside, the Mazda 6 now receives Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, accessible via the 8.0-inch Mazda Connect infotainment display. This means that drivers can access apps such as Waze, Google Maps and Spotify from their smartphones, among other functions.

Like before, the range consists of four CBU imported variants: the 2.0L Sedan, 2.5L Sedan, 2.5L Touring and 2.2L Diesel Sedan, priced at RM173,659, RM211,148, RM215,148 and RM219,851 respectively, on-the-road without insurance. The seven colour options are Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, Titanium Flash, Jet Black and Snowflake White Pearl.

Here’s a brief run through the features list. The 2.0L car gets 17-inch wheels, auto LED headlamps, autofold wing mirrors, electronic parking brake, auto dimming rear view mirror, steering buttons, leather seats, dual-zone auto air con with rear vents, powered front seats (10-way with memory for driver, six-way for passenger), reverse camera, six speakers and six airbags, among other things.

The 2.5L adds on a fair bit, including keyless entry with walk away auto lock, sunroof, colour multi-info display, colour head-up display, shift paddles, 11 Bose speakers, navigation, 360-degree parking camera, i-Eloop regenerative braking and the i-Activsense driver assist tech pack. The 2.2D’s kit list is much like the 2.5L, but without i-Eloop and the sports mode switch.

You would have noticed a substantial jump from the facelifted car’s launch price, which was from RM156,190 to RM197,401. Those figures were published during the unprecedented zero GST tax holiday – with SST, the pricelist read RM165,215 to RM211,426. Moving ahead, expect car prices to inch up and not the other way.

GALLERY: 2018 Mazda 6 facelift

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