Mazda 6: Decoding the Price Spectrum of a Beloved Midsize Contender

Mazda 6 is a mid-size car available in sedan, hatchback and station wagon versions. It is an exceptionally premium model, winner of many professional tests. Produced since 2002, and the first modernization took place three years later.

There are three generations of the Mazda 6:

• First Generation GG/GY, (2002-2008). The brand has managed to radically change the perception of its brand - the new car has nothing in common with previous models. The updated exterior, redesigned interior, new platform and improved features make this model significantly different from the old Mazda 626. The Mazda 6 is available in three body styles: sedan, hatchback, and station wagon. Each of these variants can be equipped with one of five engines: 1.8L/120 hp, 2.0L/141 hp, 2.3L/166 hp, 3.0L/222 hp (Ford's V6 Duratec exclusively for the US market) and a 2.0L/136 hp turbodiesel. There was also a sporty version of the Mazda6 MPS, equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter engine that produced 260 to 278 hp depending on the year of the car.
• Second generation GH, (2008-2012).. In 2007, during the Frankfurt Motor Show, the second generation Mazda 6 was officially presented. The manufacturer offers three body variants: sedan, hatchback and station wagon. The new Mazda 6 has significantly increased its dimensions compared to the previous model. The sedan and hatchback became longer by 6.5 cm (reaching 4.75 m) and taller by 0.5 cm (1.44 m), while the station wagon grew by 7.5 cm in length and 1 cm in height. The wheelbase has also increased to 2.725 meters (+5 cm). As a result, the car is lighter than the previous version by an average of 35 kg. The engine lineup still includes three gasoline power units, as well as a two-liter turbodiesel with an output of 140 hp, available only in Europe. New only one of the motors: the old 2.3-liter flagship is replaced by a more productive and economical 2.5-liter "four" with an output of 170 hp, which is combined exclusively with a manual transmission. The two-liter engine has been carried over almost unchanged from the previous model and retains its output at 147 hp, offering a choice between a six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic. The base variant is a 1.8-liter engine with 120 hp.
• Third generation(GJ) (since 2012). August 29, 2012 was the world debut event for the third generation Mazda6. The exterior of this model was first presented in the Mazda Takeri concept car. The new Mazda6 is bigger in all directions: the length has increased by 110 mm (to 4865 mm), width by 45 mm (to 1840 mm) and height by 20 mm (to 1460 mm). The wheelbase has also increased by 105 mm to 2,830 mm. Luggage compartment capacity has decreased from 519 to 483 liters, but the sedan's trunk entrance has become wider. The 2015 Mazda6 received a modern interior update for 2015, including a 7-inch touchscreen, a sport mode for automatic models, and electronic brakes. Changes also affected the exterior, which now features a new grille and LED headlights. For 2016, the only engine for the Mazda6 is the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G with a 13:1 compression ratio, which contributes to high power and fuel economy. The manual and automatic six-speed transmissions have also been updated, the latter of which offers excellent responsiveness and quick shifts. The Mazda6 shows impressive economy: 7.35 l/100 km on the highway. In December 2017, Mazda carried out a significant update of its sedan. The car received a new design of the front end, which became more modern and in line with the latest Mazda models. The changes affected the grille, headlights and wheel design. The key technical innovation is the Skyactiv-G 2.5T turbo engine, which has a working volume of 2.5 liters and 4 cylinders. This unit, familiar from the CX-9 model, develops a power of 250 hp and torque of 420 Nm. The manufacturer assures that the design of the intake manifold contributes to the rapid output of the turbine at operating speeds. For this motor is provided exclusively 6-speed automatic. Also available is an atmospheric 2.5-liter engine, which can be ordered with a manual transmission. It still produces 192 hp, but now at low speeds (40-80 km/h) it is possible to disable half of the cylinders to increase economy.

It is worth noting the data obtained during the Mazda 6 safety tests. According to the results of Euro NCAP crash tests, the car received many stars. This is an amazingly safe car, which is an additional argument in favor of its purchase for families with children. The Mazda 6 also boasts an exceptionally efficient braking system.