The fiercely competitive D-segment saloon market has never seen so much action and excitement as it has over the past one year. From Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Honda Accord to Volkswagen Passat, Suzuki Kizashi and Chevrolet Malibu, almost every major nameplate brought a totally revamped model to the UAE in this period.
Adding even more excitement to the segment is Mazda, which launched the third generation 6 saloon and estate variants this week. While the already attractive exterior of the previous version has been bettered in every way in the new model with its bold nose and muscular profile, the most important changes are underneath.
The 2013 model benefits from Mazda’s latest Skyactiv technology that consists of lighter and more efficient engines and transmissions and suspension set-ups. In the UAE, the Mazda 6 saloon is available with two powertrain options — a 2.0-litre four-cylinder putting out 155bhp and 200Nm of torque, and a 2.5-litre four-pot good for 185bhp and 250Nm.
Both these engines will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. However, the estate will only be offered with the smaller powertrain. We’ve already driven the handsome new saloon; watch out for the full review in an upcoming issue of wheels.
