Mazda 6 2018 pricing and specs confirmed

Mazda Australia has released its facelifted Mazda6 sedan and wagon range, featuring revised powertrain offerings, added safety equipment and a heavily updated interior.

With the global rollout of an all-new Mazda6 expected in 2020, this is the biggest update the third-generation mid-sizer has seen since it was launched locally in 2012.

The model grade line-up remains unchanged, kicking off with the Sport that is offered exclusively with an updated version of the carryover 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, priced from $32,490 plus on-road costs.

The wagon version of the Sport commands a $1300 premium (as do all wagon versions, regardless of trim level), placing the entry-grade estate at $33,790.

GT variants start at ,990 for the petrol sedan.

Pricing for the Touring grade has dropped by up to $600, starting at $36,690 for the 2.5-litre petrol sedan and hitting the ceiling at $40,990 for the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel wagon.

According to Mazda, the Sport and Touring variants have been treated to $3000 worth of added value compared to the outgoing model.

As previously reported, higher-grade GT and Atenza variants now feature the same 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine as found in the Mazda CX-9 large SUV.

While pricing for diesel GT variants has dropped by $450, petrol GTs now ask an extra $1300 due to the new turbocharged donk.

GT variants start at $43,990 for the petrol sedan, topping out at $46,390 for the diesel wagon.

Pricing for the range-topping Atenza has increased by $550 and $2300 for the diesel and petrol respectively, ranging from $47,690 to $50,090.

Mazda says both the GT and Atenza has been given an extra $1000 worth of value over their respective predecessors.

The 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine has also been updated in the facelift, now delivering an extra 2kW/2Nm for a maximum 140kW at 6000rpm and 252Nm at 4000rpm, and featuring cylinder deactivation technology.

Sport variant and up includes dual-zone climate control air-conditioning with rear vents, 8.0-inch full-colour touchscreen display, six-speaker audio system and sat-nav.

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The new 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit featured in the GT and Atenza produces 170kW at 5000rpm and 420Nm at 2000rpm.

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The 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine has also been updated and now delivers an extra 2kW/2Nm for a maximum 140kW at 6000rpm and 252Nm at 4000rpm.

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Thanks in part to a new variable geometry twin turbocharger, power has also been increased for the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, delivering 140kW at 4500rpm and 450Nm at 2000rpm, up 11kW/30Nm.

Meanwhile, the new 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit featured in the GT and Atenza produces 170kW at 5000rpm and 420Nm at 2000rpm, the same outputs produced in the CX-9, from which the engine was sourced.

Like before, all Mazda6 variants utilise a six-speed automatic transmission that transfers power direct to the front wheels.

To improve on-road performance, Mazda has increased chassis rigidity and revised the suspension geometry, and the electric power steering system has been tuned for better response.

Inspired by the Vision Coupe concept that was revealed at last year's Tokyo motor show, the new Mazda6 sports a refreshed front-end design and a handful of other minor cosmetic touches throughout its exterior including new 17- and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The interior has had a significant update too, with a new dash, updated centre console, seats and door trims, as well as a more modern head-up display.

GT variants top out at ,390 for the diesel wagon.

Mazda has added radar cruise control as standard, which joins the mid-sizers comprehensive suite of safety tech that includes blind-spot monitoring, driver attention alert, emergency stop signal, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, auto-dimming rearview mirror, reversing camera, forward and reverse smart city brake support, and traffic sign recognition.

Other standard features found on the Sport variant and up includes LED headlights and tail-lights, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning with rear vents, 8.0-inch full-colour touchscreen display, six-speaker audio system, sat-nav, Bluetooth, auxiliary jack, USB charging and input ports, black cloth trim, electric park brake, leather-wrapped gear knob and steering wheel, 60/40 split-fold rear seats, and 17-inch alloys.

Touring customers gain daytime running lights, black leather trim, 11-speaker Bose audio system, front parking sensors, keyless entry, heated and auto-folding mirrors, and seat position memory.

The GT adds 19-inch silver alloys, black or white leather trim, an adaptive front lighting system and heated seats.

The top-of-the-line Atenza grade is treated to either white or walnut brown Nappa leather trim, wood door and dash trim, "Ultrasuede" door and dash trim, sunroof, adaptive LED headlights, surround-view monitor, a 7.0-inch TFT LCD screen, ambient LED lighting, a frameless interior mirror and ventilated front seats.

2018 Mazda6 list pricing:

Sedan
Mazda6 Sport 2.5 petrol – automatic – $32,490
Mazda6 Touring 2.5 petrol – automatic – $36,690
Mazda6 Touring 2.2 diesel – automatic – $36,690
Mazda6 GT 2.5 turbo petrol – automatic – $43,990
Mazda6 GT 2.2 diesel – automatic – $45,090
Mazda6 Atenza 2.5 turbo petrol – automatic – $47,690
Mazda6 Atenza 2.2 diesel – automatic – $48,790

Wagon
Mazda6 Sport 2.5 petrol – automatic – $33,790
Mazda6 Touring 2.5 petrol – automatic – $37,990
Mazda6 Touring 2.2 diesel – automatic – $40,990
Mazda6 GT 2.5 turbo petrol – automatic – $45,290
Mazda6 GT 2.2 diesel – automatic – $46,390
Mazda6 Atenza 2.5 turbo petrol – automatic – $48,990
Mazda6 Atenza 2.2 diesel – automatic – $50,090

Which Mazda6 variant would best suit your needs? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.