Redesigned Mid-Size Sedan is First Mazda to Offer Diesel Engine in North America

The wait is over: Mazda’s SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine has arrived, hand-in-hand with the all-new 2014 Mazda6, the latest – and sexiest – beauty to emerge from the brand’s KODO design-inspired lineup. The highly-anticipated mid-size sedan will go on sale in January 2013 and be equipped first with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine. The SKYACTIV-D-equipped version will follow suit during the second half of the year, making Mazda the first Asian manufacturer to offer a modern-technology clean-diesel engine in a non-commercial vehicle. The 2014 Mazda6 also will be the first production vehicle to feature Mazda’s capacitor-based brake energy regeneration system called i-ELOOP.

“We’ve dangled the carrot long enough and we couldn’t be more excited to officially introduce North America to our latest next-generation product, the 2014 Mazda6, as well as showcase even more engineering accomplishments under our SKYACTIV®[1] TECHNOLOGY umbrella with the SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine and i-ELOOP,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). “As Mazda continues to grow and SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY continues to offer real-world efficiency and performance, our Los Angeles announcements are only tips of the iceberg. The best is yet come.”

Strongly influenced by the TAKERI Concept, the Mazda6 makes no excuses for its style, safety and spunk – qualities usually absent in a mid-size sedan. The KODO “Soul of Motion” design language commands and creates every facet of the vehicle’s handsome sheet metal, from its alluringly swept elongated hood and cab-forward proportions to the chiseled steel shaping its frame, the Mazda6 suggests power and elegance before the gas pedal is even floored to go.

To be available with a choice of SKYACTIV transmissions in either the SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic or SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual, official EPA fuel economy numbers for the 2014 Mazda6 are not yet available but are targeted to be class leading.

Nestled under its expansive hood lies a choice between the 13:1 high-compression ratio SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine or the new SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine, which offers an impressively low compression ratio of 14:1. The SKYACTIV-G 2.5L is estimated to achieve a lead-foot worthy 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm. Performance estimates for the SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine are not yet available.

Expected to offer a high amount of torque as well as cleaner combustion, the SKYACTIV-D 2.2L is 10 percent lighter than the current MZR 2.2-liter diesel engine sold in other global markets. Other improvements include internal engine friction reduced by 20 percent and improved fuel economy. This is achieved by using a new two-stage turbocharger, which delivers a smooth and steady response across the engine range (up to 5,200 rpm). Also, with an ultra-low compression ratio, the SKYACTIV-D diesel engine burns cleaner and discharges fewer nitrogen oxides to produce virtually no soot, thus requiring no additional NOx aftertreatments, which is typical of conventional diesel engines.

Standard features, optional packages and pricing also will be released at a later date but consumers can anticipate Mazda’s current slew of performance-inspired, design-engineered amenities such as aggressively styled large-size alloy wheels, expressive LED lights, supportively bolstered seats and high quality interior materials as well as premium technology offerings in a TomTom-based in-dash navigation system, Bose® premium audio, Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity, audio menu voice command capability, HD Radio™ Technology, Pandora® and Short Message Service (SMS) audio delivery and reply, to name a few.

An all-new safety component called Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) will be offered and is designed to assist a driver in avoiding front collisions when traveling at speeds of less than 20 miles per hour. An imbedded laser sensor detects an obtrusive object and will reduce the brake rotor travel to quicken braking should the system calculate that there is a risk of a collision occurring. If the driver fails to perform an avoidance maneuver, the SCBS system will activate an automatic braking function.

Derived from “Intelligent Energy Loop,” i-ELOOP, Mazda’s in-house developed brake energy regeneration system, also is all new and makes its first production vehicle appearance in the 2014 Mazda6 after first being introduced globally on the TAKERI Concept. As part of a growing number of fuel-saving technologies, regenerative braking systems use an electric motor or alternator to generate electricity as the vehicle decelerates, thereby recovering a portion of the vehicle’s kinetic energy to power electrical components, such as air conditioning and audio features. Such systems used in hybrid vehicles typically require a bulky electric motor and a heavy battery.

i-ELOOP is the world’s first capacitor-based brake energy regeneration system to provide power to all the electrical mechanisms in a vehicle. Other capacitor-based systems have been used to provide electricity to a single vehicle component or motor. Compared to systems utilized in hybrid vehicles, i-ELOOP avoids the need for a dedicated electrical motor and battery, making the system more efficient, compact and lighter than traditional systems. Also, capacitors have the ability to charge and discharge rapidly and are resistant to deterioration despite prolonged use. In real-world driving conditions, which can feature frequent acceleration and braking,

i-ELOOP is expected to improve overall fuel economy but is dependent on road conditions and driving habits.

PRICING, FUEL ECONOMY OF ALL-NEW 2014 MAZDA6

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announced official pricing and fuel economy figures for the all-new 2014 Mazda6. Starting at $20,880[1] MSRP, the all-new mid-size sedan is the second vehicle in the Mazda lineup to fully incorporate SKYACTIV®[2] TECHNOLOGY, the brand’s breakthrough engineering approach toward increasing overall vehicle efficiency. Offering both powerful performance and improved fuel economy, the 2014 Mazda6 features best-in-class highway fuel economy of 38 miles per gallon (MPG).

On sale now, the 2014 Mazda6 is fitted with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine, which can be paired with a choice of transmissions: the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic. Touting 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm, the sleek sedan offers impressive fuel efficiency at 25 city/37 highway/29 combined MPG when equipped with the standard manual transmission, as rated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). When equipped with the optional automatic transmission, fuel economy increases to an EPA rated 26 city/38 highway/30 combined. For more information on fuel economy and how estimates are determined, visit www.fueleconomy.gov, a joint website venture between the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Available in three trims, the entry i Sport starts at $20,880 MSRP, a slight increase of $155 from the previous model year. With its SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission, standard equipment includes a push-button start, air conditioning with a pollen filter, power windows with a driver-side one-touch up/down feature, a tilt-and-telescopic adjustable steering column, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control functions, 17-inch alloy wheels as well as auxiliary and USB connection ports.

When equipped with the optional SKYACTIV-Drive automatic, other added features include Bluetooth® phone/audio connectivity, a 5.8-inch color touch screen display, a rearview camera, HD Radio™ Technology, Pandora®, Radio Broadcast Data System program information, SMS text message receipt/delivery, E911 automatic emergency notification and audio menu voice command.

The mid-level i Touring trim ($24,495 MSRP) sits on larger 19-inch alloy wheels and, when equipped with a SKYACTIV-Drive transmission, includes all the features of the i Sport model equipped with an automatic transmission ($22,495 MSRP) as well as dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat vents, leatherette-trimmed sport seats, a six-way power driver’s seat and a Commander Switch for operating functions on the 5.8-inch display.

An optional Touring Technology Package ($2,000 MSRP) adds a TomTom technology-based navigation system, Bose® Centerpoint® 11-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System, automatic on/off headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink®, an auto-dimming driver’s side outside mirror, heated outside mirrors and the all-new Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system.

SCBS is an added safety component designed to assist a driver in avoiding front collisions when traveling at low speeds of less than 19 miles per hour. When the imbedded laser sensor detects an obtrusive object and the system calculates there may be a high risk for collision, the brake pedal travel is reduced in order to hasten braking. Should the driver fail to perform an avoidance maneuver, the SCBS system will activate an automatic braking function. While the system will not eliminate accidents, its intent is to minimize them and reduce the severity of a crash.

The i Grand Touring is considered the high-level trim model and includes all the equipment features of the i Touring with Touring Technology Package. Starting at $29,495 MSRP, additional standard niceties include platinum silver 19-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, a rear lip spoiler, bi-xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights with auto leveling, leather-trimmed sport seats with heated front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, a four-way power front passenger seat, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Sirius® Satellite Radio with a four-month complimentary subscription. Two package options are available for the i Grand Touring.

For an additional $900 MSRP, the MRCC/FOW Package adds Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) and Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW). The Advanced Package, available from the second half of 2013, adds the MRCC/FOW Package as well as a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), High Beam Control (HBC) and i-ELOOP, Mazda’s capacitor-based brake energy regeneration system, which is expected to offer increased fuel efficiency. Pricing for this package is not yet available.

A SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine will be offered on 2014 Mazda6 vehicles also during the second half of the year. Final specifications and packaging of the diesel engine and trim combinations will be announced closer to its on-sale date.

Standard safety features for all 2014 Mazda6 models include six airbags (front, side and full side-curtain), whiplash-reducing front headrests, power-assisted ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, daytime running lights, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), hill launch assist, a fold-away brake pedal assembly, a trunk entrapment release system, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

i Touring models feature a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) as standard equipment with the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system available as an option. i Grand Touring models feature BSM and SCBS systems as standard equipment as well as RCTA and an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and High Beam Control (HBC) are available as part of an optional package.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

[1] Starting price is manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
[2] SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).

ALL-NEW 2014 MAZDA6 NAMED ‘TOP SAFETY PICK+’

March 7, 2013 –The all-new 2014 Mazda6 today earned a “Top Safety Pick+” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Mazda6 is the first Mazda vehicle to earn this new, more demanding designation by receiving a rating of “Good” on frontal moderate overlap, side, roof, and head restraint tests, and “Acceptable” on the new small overlap test.

“Receiving a ‘Top Safety Pick+’ ranking from IIHS demonstrates Mazda’s continued dedication to creating products that offer the highest levels of occupant crash protection combined with being fun to drive,” said Mazda President and CEO Jim O’Sullivan.

IIHS introduced the small overlap test in 2012 to further improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. The small overlap test replicates what happens when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle or an object like a tree or utility pole. In the test, 25 percent of a car’s front end on the driver side strikes a 5-foot-tall rigid barrier at 40 mph.

The 2014 Mazda6 is equipped with Mazda’s all-new suite of SKYACTIV®[1] technologies – engine, transmission, body and chassis – all working together to deliver outstanding driving performance and fuel efficiency. The SKYACTIV-Body and SKYACTIV-Chassis ensure that the vehicle structure is not only reinforced and quiet but also rigid and able to absorb impact. The SKYACTIV-Body is comprised of 61 percent high-tensile steel, creating a lighter, stronger body with superior handling while the SKYACTIV-Chassis weighs less than current Mazda platforms and includes a front strut suspension and a multi-link rear format along with an assortment of design changes.

2014 Mazda6 Touring models feature a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) as standard equipment with the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system available as an option. Grand Touring models feature BSM and SCBS systems as standard equipment as well as RCTA and an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and High Beam Control (HBC) also are available as part of an optional package.

Priced competitively, the 2014 Mazda6 starts at $20,880[2] MSRP, offering an attractive, more affordable starting point for consumers than the best-selling vehicles in the segment. Equipped with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine and SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual, entry-level Sport models offer high-level features starting with the largest standard wheels amongst its competitors with 17-inch aluminum alloys, power side view mirrors, automatic headlight shutoff as well as exterior body-color cues in the shark-fin antenna, door handles, outside mirrors and front and rear bumpers. The 2014 Mazda6 also gets best-in-class highway fuel economy of 38 MPG.

NEW MAZDA6 EMISSION REDUCED

CO₂ reduced to 104g/km from 108g/km with no compromise on performance
Economy improves to 72.4mpg
Perfect combination of performance and safety

Mazda’s ground-breaking executive express, the award-winning new Mazda6, is now even more attractive thanks to improved fuel economy and lower CO₂emissions making it one of the most frugal yet fun to drive cars in its class.

Emissions on the 2.2-litre SKYACTIV diesel saloon models with its powerful 150ps four-cylinder engine and manual gearbox have been lowered by four per cent from 108g/km to 104g/km with a corresponding improvement in fuel economy taking the combined cycle figure from 67.3mpg to 72.4mpg.

For the new Mazda6 Tourer with the same powertrain, emissions are reduced by five per cent to 110g/km from 116g/km and economy improves from 64.2mpg to 67.3mpg, moving it from band C to the lower band B for road fund licence purposes.

The improvements have been made without sacrificing Mazda’s renowned fun-to-drive characteristics meaning buyers don’t have to downsize to a smaller engine to get the economy they want.

The changes also strengthen new Mazda6’s credentials as the true no compromise car for motorists looking for the perfect blend of performance, economy and safety wrapped up in a highly competitive package.

“The improvements to emissions and economy open clear water between us and the sector’s best seller the BMW 320d and when linked with our outstanding finance offers make the new Mazda6 a very competitive choice for our retail customers,” said Mazda UK Sales Director Peter Allibon.

The improvements – the result of production modifications – also reinforce new Mazda6’s award-winning credentials. Since its launch in January, it has won numerous awards including ‘Best Large Family Car’ (saloon) and ‘Best Estate Car’ (tourer) from the influential website CarBuyer, which is linked to the weeklyAuto Express magazine, as well ‘Best Family Car’ in the Auto Express New Car awards and most recently the ‘Eco Car Award’ at the Scottish Car of the Year awards.

It is also one of the safest cars on Britain’s roads after receiving a 5-Star safety rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests, the highest rating possible, announced in September. The result endorses Mazda’s strategy of enhancing the safety of all its new vehicles by introducing such innovations as the impact-absorbing SKYACTIV-Body technology.

New Mazda6 buyers are offered a choice of 36 saloon and tourer models with three equipment levels (SE, SE-L and Sport – with or without Satellite Navigation) and four high-efficiency SKYACTIV diesel and petrol powertrains. Prices range from £19,595 to £28,295 (on-the-road).

FLEET FAVOURITE NEW MAZDA6 EMISSION REDUCED TO 104G/KM

CO₂ emissions cut by 4g/km on Saloon and 6g/km on Tourer 150ps diesel
Tax savings for company car drivers of up to more than £100 a year
Engine modifications deliver up to 5mpg fuel economy benefit

The fleet favourite and multi award-winning new Mazda6 has become even more appealing for company car drivers with a carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission cut that delivers tax savings.

Engine modifications to the SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre 150ps engine powering both the new Mazda6 Saloon and Tourer manual models deliver a CO₂ emission reduction of 4g/km and 6g/km respectively to just 104g/km and 110g/km.

Critically, the engine improvements also deliver improved fuel economy with the Saloon now returning an incredible 72.4mpg (+5.1mpg) and the Tourer 67.3mpg (+3.1mpg) on the combined cycle.

As a result, Mazda expects a further strengthening of corporate demand for the low emission model, with delivery lead times as short as two weeks compared with up to four months of some rivals.

The new Mazda6 2.2-litre 150ps diesel Saloon costs from £21,995 on-the-road (OTR) in SE trim and the emission cut triggers a 2013/14 reduction in P11D percentage values from 16 percent to 15 percent meaning an annual company car benefit-in-kind tax saving of £43.88 for a basic rate taxpayer (£3.66 a month) and an £87.76 (£7.31 a month) saving for a higher rate tax payer.

Similarly, on the new Mazda6 Tourer, which costs from £22,795 (OTR) in SE trim, the emission cut delivers a 2013/14 reduction in P11D percentage values from 18 percent to 17 percent meaning an annual company car benefit-in-kind tax saving of £45.48 for a basic rate taxpayer (£3.79 a month) and a £90.96 (£7.58 a month) saving for a higher rate taxpayer.

Saloon and Tourer models powered by the SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre 150ps engine are also available in SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport* and Sport Nav* trim. Therefore, depending on company car choice, benefit-in-kind tax savings in 2013/14 could be up to £51.68 (£4.31 a month)/£48.48 (£4.04 a month) on the Sport Saloon/SE-L Tourer for a basic rate taxpayer and £103.36 (£8.61 a month)/£96.96 (£8.08 a month) for a higher rate taxpayer.

Employers will also make savings in Class 1A National Insurance contributions, which are paid on benefits-in-kind.

Additionally, while the emissions cut does not impact on first year Vehicle Excise Duty rates the reduction on Tourer (116g/km to 110g/km) delivers a £10 a year saving on future rates as the model drops from Band C to Band B.

Steve Tomlinson, Mazda’s Head of Fleet, said: “Mazda engineers have been able to deliver financial savings for company car drivers and businesses without compromising the model in terms of its power, performance or towing capacity.

“Indeed, the improvements that have delivered the CO₂ emissions reduction and, consequently, the company car benefit-in-kind tax savings and fuel economy improvements mean that the 2.2-litre 150ps diesel models remain among the most efficient models in the C/D segment.

“The new Mazda6 is the no compromise choice for company car drivers. They can have power, performance and driving fun with low emissions and first class fuel economy due to our SKYACTIV technology. That cannot be obtained from rival manufacturers who have resorted to smaller engine displacements in pursuit of emission and MPG improvements.”

Tomlinson added: “Our well-established ‘fleet vehicle sold order pot’ programme, means our key Business Specialist Network dealers are able to meet corporate demand typically within 10-14 days of orders being placed for the majority of models, which is significantly better than most rival marques.”

The Mazda6 has been a fleet favourite for more than a decade and the latest version, which went on sale in early 2013, has won a clutch of honours including ‘Best Upper Medium’ model in this year’s awards from industry publications Fleet News and Fleet World.

The new Mazda6 is available with a choice of 36 models across the two bodystyles, six-speed manual and automatic transmissions and six trim levels (SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav). Priced from £19,595 to £28,295 (OTR).

[1] SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).
[2] Starting price is manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

FLEET FAVOURITE NEW MAZDA6 EMISSION REDUCED TO 104G/KM

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