Facelifted Mazda6 confirmed for Oz

MAZDA Australia has confirmed it will stage a mid-March launch for the facelifted Mazda6 revealed globally late Tuesday.

Fresh local images of the revised version of Australia’s second top selling mid-sized car were issued with the announcement, which also confirmed the release of an “all-new” Touring wagon.

The Mazda6 will continue to be the only medium model available in Australia with three body styles, while a leather-lined wagon variant will bolster the line-up for the nation’s second best-selling mid-sizer.

Mazda has confirmed Australia’s 2010 Mazda6 will come with the same new Mazda3-inspired ‘smiley’ face of the revised Japanese and European model, which will make its debut at the Geneva motor show on March 2.

The new look is comprised by a new front bumper and grille, fresh headlights and tail-lights and new alloy wheel designs.

However, Mazda advises that unlike other markets, Australia will not receive upgraded petrol and diesel engines, with the current MZR 2.5-litre and MZR-CD 2.2-litre powerplants to continue unchanged – in the latter case meaning fuel consumption of 5.9L/100km and a class-leading torque output of 400Nm.

While overseas models gain updated 2.2 diesel, 2.5 petrol and new 2.0 petrol engines, it is not yet clear whether Australia’s Mazda6 will come with their upgraded steering and suspension systems, or features like a new hill-start assist function.