2008 Mazda6 pricing and specifications

We’ve previously shown you the new second generation Mazda6 and have to admit to it being a TMR favourite in the mid-size sedan sector. Mazda have now released Australian specifications and pricing for the new ‘6’ and the news is all good – in fact new Mazda6 buyers are going to be getting more for less.

Not only does the new Mazda6 look like besting the model it replaces in virtually every way, it does so with pricing for the range starting $250 lower at $29,740.

The new Mazda6 range will be available in a hatch, sedan and wagon configuration with four variants of each available – Limited, Classic, Luxury and Luxury Sports.

The Limited is the entry level variant and features air-conditioning, cruise, remote keyless entry, adjustable steering, power windows , CD/MP3 four speaker audio system and 16-inch wheels. On the safety front you also get a six airbag package, Dynamic Stability Control, traction control, brake assist and active head restraints.

The Classic builds on the high level of standard features found in the Limited and adds larger 17 inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, lumbar adjustment in the front seats, trip computer, 6-disc in-dash CD player with six speakers and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

The Luxury sedan and hatch add leather trim, Xenon headlamps, power sunroof, blackout instrument cluster, leather-wrapped gear knob, paddle shift gear control, electric front seats - 8-way power with 3-position memory on the driver's seat and 4-way on the passenger's - and a premium Bose® 240 watt sound system.

The top of the range Luxury Sports hatch boasts 18 inch alloy wheels, a full sports body kit which includes aero bumper with sports grille and rear spoiler, and aluminium pedals and footrest.

The flagship Mazda6 Luxury Sports hatch ensures refined performance with a full leather interior, electric sunroof, electrically-adjustable front seats, a premium Bose® sound system, dual-zone climate control and Xenon headlamps. It also gets a full sports body kit - 18 inch alloy wheels, aero bumper, side skirts and rear spoiler - to visually position it at the pinnacle of the new Mazda6 range.

The Mazda6 engine is a new MZR 2.5-litre petrol derived from the former model's 2.3-litre power unit. Though it has a larger bore and stroke, it is engineered with a smaller bore pitch and an unchanged block height, which gives it the same compact size and low weight as the 2.3-litre it replaces.

This newly-developed engine produces 125kW (+3kW) of power at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 226Nm (+19Nm) at 4,000 rpm - about 10 percent more torque than its predecessor. There is the choice of a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmissions.

The new engine sees the sedan (manual) sprint from 0-100km/h in just 8.0 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 211km/h. It is respectably economical as well, using 8.4 litres/100km on the combined cycle - 0.6 litres/100km less than the previous 2.3-litre, a 4.5 percent improvement.

Mazda expects the second-generation to build on the foundations laid by the revolutionary first-generation model, which launched in Australia in September 2002 with almost 70,000 first-generation Mazda6s being bought by Australians in six years, making it one of the most successful medium-size cars in modern Australian history.

Mazda expects to sell 1,000 Mazda6s per month. Of this, the sedan is expected to account for 40 percent, the hatch for 50 percent and the wagon 10 percent.

Pricing

Sedan

• Mazda6 Limited (6M) $29,740

• Mazda6 Limited (A) $31,800

• Mazda6 Classic (6M) $33,880

• Mazda6 Classic (5A) $35,940

• Mazda6 Luxury (5A) $43,610

Wagon

• Mazda6 Classic (5A) $37,520

Hatch

• Mazda6 Classic (6M) $34,910

• Mazda6 Classic (5A) $36,970

• Mazda6 Luxury (5A) $44,640

• Mazda6 Luxury Sports (6M) $44,650

• Mazda6 Luxury Sports (5A) $46,910

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