2017 Mazda6 Atenza REVIEW | A Freshened Flagship To Challenge Prestige Players
NOT REALLY AN UPDATE, MORE OF A MODEL-YEAR CHANGE, THE 2017 MAZDA6 ATENZA IS NONETHELESS NOTEWORTHY.
It sits as the second-best seller in the medium segment under $60,000. However, the Mazda6 gets there on the back of private sales, unlike the best-selling Camry which owes its success to a strong fleet-standing.
But rather than chase volume, Mazda has instead opted to chase loftier targets. It sees its upper-end models, the GT and Atenza, as a better-value option against prestige players from Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
And that’s not quite the stretch that it might at first seem.
Vehicle Style: Medium sedan
Price: $45,390 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 138kW/250Nm 2.5-litre 4cyl petrol
Fuel Economy Claimed: 6.6 l/100km | Tested: 7.9 l/100km
OVERVIEW
For 2017 Mazda has left the positioning of the Mazda6 untouched. Pricing is the same as before, as is the four-model range with a choice of sedan or wagon.
As the flagship model, the Mazda6 Atenza steps up with added safety technology, and a plusher interior, using top-shelf materials like Nappa leather to place a foot firmly in prestige territory.