Mk2 Mazda6

THE successor to one of the most successful mid-size models ever was launched in Australia in February 2008, and the for the second-generation Mazda6 it was a case of careful evolution rather than wholesale revolution.

Three bodystyles continued to be offered, all of them growing in size, and all of them continuing the previous Mazda6's stylish design language.

Despite significantly more rear space and overall width, the MkII Mazda6 increased only in terms of weight, despite equally impressive gains in refinement. Much of this was attributable to a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 125kW and 226Nm of torque.

Replacements for the previous-generation Mazda6 diesel and all-wheel drive MPS versions were not available from launch, but a lower entry-level price offered some compensation.

The introduction of the new, second-generation Mazda6 Diesel lagged behind its petrol counterpart by 10 months, and like the diesel model before it, no automatic transmission was offered.

In March 2010 Mazda unveiled a comprehensively upgraded Six range, with price cuts of between $530 and $935 for equivalent models.

A new leather-lined automatic-only wagon derivative named the Touring increased the number of Mazda6 wagon versions to three and the manual-only Diesel Sports hatch topped the line-up.

The midlife makeover brought Mazda's new-look corporate face, redesigned, lighter alloy wheels and aerodynamic improvements.

An updated interior included an increased use of chromed and piano-black surfaces, refreshed trim panels, updated seat upholstery, easier-to-read centre and instrument meters and more intuitive steering wheel controls. A ceiling-mounted sunglasses holder was also added as standard across the range, as was hill-start assist, (available on all manual models).