2018 Mazda 6 facelift showcased ahead of the launch

KUALA LUMPUR: Bermaz Auto Berhad, the official distributor of Mazda cars in Malaysia, has taken the wraps off the upcoming Mazda 6 facelift ahead of its launch. The model will be offered in four variants that include two body-types (sedan and Touring wagon), out of which three are petrol-powered while the fourth boasts a 2.2-litre diesel engine.

The refreshed D-segment model gets cosmetic updates as well, including a redesigned front that constitutes the trademark Mazda grille with chrome lining flowing beneath the headlamps, unlike the previous model where the chrome was on top of the headlamps. The front lights also feature a new LED DRL design. Lower down the front bumper, there are new sleek LED fog lamps. Additionally, it gets new, stylish 19-inch alloy wheels that are shod with 225/45-R19 section tyres. However, the base 2.0 variant gets the 17-inch alloys with tyres of size 225/55-R17.

The features like LED headlamps with auto levelling & LED DRLs and LED tail lights are standard across the entire range. While the sedans get LED rear fog lamps, the Touring wagon Mazda 6 comes with a bulbed setup.

Inside, the complete range is equipped with standard features like a reverse camera, G-Vectoring Control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Additionally, the standard equipment comprises of an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with MZD Connect and voice command feature and a multi-function Commander Control switchgear.

While the base 2.0-litre variant gets a 4.6-inch TFT LCD in the instrument cluster and an audio system with 6 speakers, the higher-end variants are equipped with a full-colour screen, a heads-up display and an 11-speaker Bose audio system. Except for the 2.0 Mazda 6, all other variants get a 360-degree view monitor and paddle shifters for quick gear shifting. The petrol models, in addition, get a Sports mode selector switch inside the cabin.

Talking about the performance, the base 2.0-litre petrol sedan generates 164 PS of peak power and 213Nm of peak torque. The higher 2.5-litre petrol (sedan and Touring wagon) is capable of 195 PS and 258Nm of power and torque respectively. There is also a 2.2-litre diesel version (sedan) that churns out a max power of 191 PS and a peak torque of 450Nm. As far as transmission is concerned, the 6-speed automatic gearbox is standard across the range.

Taking care of occupants’ safety are standard features like 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, brake assist, hill start assist, traction control, auto hold, emergency stop signal and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Except for the 2.0 variant, all three variants get a walk-away lock function and a speed-sensing auto door lock.

Additionally, safety features found on the 2.2 diesel and 2.5 petrol variants include driver attention alert, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive LED headlights, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist and Smart City Brake Support.

The distributor hasn’t disclosed the pricing of the 2018 Mazda 6 facelift yet. The things that are expected to be on offer with the new Mazda offering include a 5-year/100,000 km warranty and a 3-year/60,000 km free maintenance package.