Mazda 6 2012 News

Buying a used car is difficult enough in normal times.

Manufacturers including BMW, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Peugeot and Citroen have issued recalls via the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced another round of safety recalls, with models from Mazda, Holden, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar affected.

Mazda Australia has issued a national recall for 124,686 examples of its last-generation Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6 models which were sold between September 2007 and March 2012.

Mazda has issued a global recall of more than 2.2 million cars from across its range to rectify a potential corrosion issue that affects some of its best-selling models.

Only a fraction of the 1.2 million cars on Australia roads with airbags that can spray shrapnel have been fixed, new figures show.

Mazda has issued the safety recall for a problem with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which can malfunction if too much water enters the engine bay, and stop charging the battery -- allowing the car to run out of power.The recall notice is for approximately 9000 Mazda6 models in Australia, covering sedan and wagon, petrol and diesel models built between 29 November 2012 and 7 April 2014.If the problem occurs, it will activate the 'Charging system warning' light and drivers will see the message 'Charging System Malfunction' on the instrument panel. If they continue to drive the car, the battery will drain, with the car losing essential functions and eventually stalling."It's a risk of happening when the vehicle is being driven through very wet weather or very deep puddles," Mazda Australia spokesman Steve Maciver says. "What can happen is the generator belt can slip because of water in the engine area, which causes the electrical system to think there is an error in the system, and makes it stop charging the car -- which can then run out of charge and stall."Maciver says there have been no accidents or injuries in Australia caused by the defect, and that the rectification should be a simple and quick one. "The fix is a very simple software upgrade, in which the PCM is updated," he says. "How long the dealers will need each car is down to their scheduling, but the update is a fairly quick task.""We're contacting all the owners, and asking them to arrange an appointment with their nearest dealer.' Concerned owners can obtain more information from Mazda Customer Support on 1800 034 411. 

Just as rear-wheel drive die-hard BMW prepares its first front-wheel drive models, Mazda could be plotting a return to the layout for future passenger vehicles.Mazda has never let go of rear-wheel drive for its sporty MX-5 and its light commercial BT-50 range, and Edmunds reports that there is a push from within the Japanese brand to revert to rear-drive for more mainstream models as a means of differentiation. Mazda, along with most other brands, abandoned rear-drive for its mainstream models in the early 1980s due to inherent cost, packaging, weight, and efficiency compromises. The last Mazda passenger car to send power to the rear wheels only was the top-line HE-generation 929 model, which bowed out in 1997.Nowadays, the mainstream Mazda2, Mazda3, and Mazda6 models are all front-drive, with the CX-5 and CX-9 SUVs also using a front-biased transverse engine layout.Rear-drive remains the accepted choice on a purely dynamic basis, with the likes of Porsche, Ferrari, and Lotus maintaining the layout as a design fundamental.A Mazda rear-wheel drive shift could enhance the brand’s appeal to enthusiast drivers, but the inherent challenges would need to be overcome to maintain mainstream appeal.Premium brands BMW and Mercedes-Benz have managed to remain successful with rear-drive mainstream models, and look to continue limiting front-drive options to the smaller, more cost-conscious ends of their respective ranges.Significantly, BMW and Mercedes’ big-selling rear drivers sit well up the price scale from any Mazda offering – helping to justify their expensive development. The Mazda push is reportedly coming from within its engineering department, but top management is said to be cold on the idea due to the cost of rejigging platforms to suit. Justification could come thanks to Alfa Romeo’s own desire for more rear-wheel drive models, considering the two brands’ existing relationship for the upcoming Alfa Spider/next MX-5 duo. It’s a long shot at this stage, with no official confirmation of such a strategy, but the rumoured replacement for the defunct RX-7 and RX-8 sports coupes would be a logical first step.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

We’ve asked some dealers which are the best deals they have going – and why. It may be an extra equipment pack, it may be a great price, or it may be a fantastic finance deal. See the latest dealsTim Kennett at Belcar says their best deal is a Mercedes-Benz CLA 200. “Priced from $49,900 this highly sought-after immaculate update model has it all. Seat memory, sunroof, multi-spoke alloy wheels and suave black leather interior just to name a few features.” See the latest dealsChris Myers of Chris Myers Car Sales in Magill says his best deal is a Mazda 6 diesel wagon priced from $41,650. See the latest dealsScott Parker of Jim Best Ford in Clare says his best deal is a Ford Ranger XLT dual cab turbodiesel for $60,244. “This Ranger has had one owner, low kilometers and is immaculate,” he says. See the latest dealsSteve Vo at Peter Warren Toyota in Liverpool says the best deal he has this week is a Toyota Landcruiser GXL Turbo Diesel Auto for $83,990 driveaway. “Average wait time is 3-4 months to build, RRP is $94,414. Unbelievable clearance with drive away no more to pay price,” Steve says.See the latest dealsMark Courtney at Macarthur Kia in Narellan says the best deal he has this week is a Kia Rio S priced from only $15,290. “Featured packed, funky and cool, this the Reborn Kia Rio. This stylish little package has all the goods without breaking the bank,” Mark says.  See the latest dealsJon Clark-Monks for The Highway Autogroup has a wonderful Mercedes B180 CDI in Blue with full black leather interior. See the latest dealsStewart Rhodes of John Hughes Prestige in Victoria Park says the best deal he has right now is a Volkswagen Touareg priced from $62,990. See the latest dealsPeter Castieau of Warehouse Autos in Balcatta says his best deal is a Toyota FJ Cruiser for $52,476.85 drive away. “Impossible to find this good at this price. Travel around Australia tomorrow,“ he says.  

The all-new Mazda 6 mid-sizer was a sure starter for first quarter next year but the Japanese brand has pulled out all the stops to get it into local showrooms earlier.