Mazda6 updates on the way

MAZDA has revealed updates to its Mazda6 range in the United States ahead of an Australian launch next month, with the mid-sizer the next model in the company’s stable to gain its G-Vectoring Control system.

The latest update introduces more changes to the cabin and some improvements to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), but no styling tweaks.

It is unclear how many of the changes detailed in the US update will make it to the Australian-spec 6, or if pricing will change, but all will be revealed at launch.

GoAuto understands that it will benefit from the G-Vectoring Control system that made its Australian debut in the Mazda3 late last month.

The system reduces engine torque slightly with each steering input to increase vertical load on the outside front wheel, and Mazda says it results in “unified dynamic performance feel”, improved traction and reduced need for small steering corrections.

Mazda has already confirmed that G-Vectoring Control would roll out to all new models in the coming months and years. The just-launched CX-9 does not yet have the system but it will receive it in time.

As with the Mazda3 update, the Mazda6 gains NVH improvements such as moulding weather strip terminals around the doors to increase noise suppression.

The company has used “significantly” thicker glass for the front doors and more sound-absorbing materials in the headliner, while top-spec variants feature soundproof glass with an acoustic membrane in the front doors glazing.

The only change to the exterior is the inclusion of a new Machine Grey Metallic colour to the palette, but inside, the 6 gains the new steering wheel from the second-gen CX-9. The new tiller can also be found in the refreshed 3. Some US variants are offered a heated steering wheel.

Like the 3 update, the 6 features a clearer read-out on the head-up display (Active Driving Display) that is now full colour. The TFT screen in the instrument cluster is also now full colour.

Other subtle changes include an enhanced seat memory function for the driver and changes to the rear seat armrest.

US versions of the Mazda6 also feature more from the company’s i-Activsense suite of safety gear. Some of these systems are already available on higher-spec Mazda6 variants in Australia following a kit upgrade in February this year, and it appears that traffic sign recognition will now be added to local models.

The 138kW/250Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and the 129kW/420Nm 2.2-litre four-pot diesel carry over unchanged.

The Japanese car-maker launched a mid-life facelift for the 6 in February last year introducing subtle styling changes and updates to the cabin and infotainment system, which followed the late-2012 Australian debut of the sleek third-generation sedan and wagon range.

Pricing for the Mazda6 range kicks off from $32,490 plus on-road costs for the base petrol-powered Sport and the range tops out at $49,540 for the diesel Atenza wagon.