The globally-acclaimed new Mazda6 makes its Philippines debut at the 2013 Manila International Motor Show, following an exclusive reveal to the press the previous evening in Pasig City.

Presenting the new Mazda6 at MIAS was none other than the Mazda6 Program Manager, Mr. Hiroshi Kajiyama, from Mazda Motor Corporation.

“Mazda6 is our flagship model, and has come to represent the Mazda brand’s zoom zoom driving dynamic, winning 186 awards globally since the first generation was first launched in 2002. This third generation Mazda6 will not only embodies the Mazda’s ‘KODO-Soul of Motion’ design theme, but the second product to incorporate the entire SKYACTIV technologies first introduced on the Mazda CX-5 last year.” said Mr. Kajiyama.

The new Mazda6 will feature a ground breaking capacitor-based energy-regeneration technology called the i-ELOOP, which harnesses and stores energy from vehicle braking and deceleration and redeploys the stored electricity to power the multiple electrical devices in the Mazda. 10% of engine power is typically used to generate electricity – the Mazda i-ELOOP frees up the engine to channel all it power to the wheels, and saves fuel at the same time. Complementing i-ELOOP is Mazda’s unique intelligent i-STOP engine idling stop system that further improves Mazda6’s fuel economy.

The Mazda6 will also debut the new 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine which boasts the highest compression ratio of any production gasoline engine in the world. In combination with SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission, the 2.5L SKYACTIV powertrain produces 185PS and 250Nm, propelling the Mazda from 0-100km/hour within 7.8 seconds and up to a 223km per hour maximum speed, and yet returning a combined 6.3L per 100km fuel economy (as tested by Mazda). The ultra-low 148g/km CO2 meets Euro 5 standard.

Mr. Kajiyama added, “The new Mazda6 has the longest wheel base in its class, making it amongst the most spacious executive sedans in the market within the CD car category. In terms of rear passenger legroom and shoulder room, we are confident the customer will find the interior space to be at par or better than the current class leader.”

Making the driving experience more enjoyable and safer is the voice-enabled Bluetooth® Hands-free system that supports input source selection, call-dialing and audio track selection. Controls also mounted on the steering wheel for added safety and ease of use. Leather seating and trim is standard on the Mazda6, with power seats for both front seats, and 8-way power adjustment for the driver seat.

The SKYACTIV-Chassis and Body is larger than current Mazda6, yet lighter and has 45% more torsional rigidity through the use of more high and ultra-high tensile steels, and highly rigid injection-molded foam to strengthen body joints without adding structural members. The result is a strong chassis and body with a kerb weight of only 1,360 kg. The drag coefficient of the new Mazda6 is a slippery 0.26 -- thanks to the streamlined profile, and the use of engine floor cover and extended front tire deflectors to smoothen airflow underneath the car. The aerodynamic efficiency of the new Mazda6 helps to further improve high-speed stability and fuel economy.

In addition to the high level of safety features of the new Mazda6, which includes 6-airbags, ABD/EBD/DSC, a rear view camera display the rear view on the center console TFT display to further enhance the driver’s confidence when reversing the car.

In summing up the new Mazda6 introduction, Mr. Steven Tan, the CEO of Berjaya Auto Philippines said “The new Mazda6 signifies a fresh direction for Mazda in the Philippines. We are rebuilding the foundation to bring cars, SUV and trucks to our customers that are exhilarating to drive, beautiful to look at, comfortable, safe, high quality and above all, incredibly fuel efficient. The new Mazda6 and CX-5 are leading the path with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY.”

Tan continues “At Berjaya, when we started the Mazda business last January, we added Mazda YOJIN3 Total Care, an industry-first comprehensive FREE-TO-CUSTOMER package comprises of 3-YEAR/60,000km periodic maintenance service, 3-YEAR Emergency Roadside Assistance with Concierge Service and 3-YEAR product warranty. We did not increase any pricing on any models in the Mazda line-up from last year – YOJIN3 is completely free to customers. This is not lip service customer care – this real investment behind meaningful customer care”.

The new Mazda6 will be available for test drive and booking during MIAS. Customers may also test drive the new Mazda6 at selected Metro Manila dealerships during MIAS show weekend, and eventually at the provincial Mazda dealerships over the following weeks when the cars are delivered to the dealerships. Booking begins April 4, 2013. The 2013 Mazda6 retails for P 1,705,000.

Berjaya Auto Philippines is the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts in the Philippines. Current product line-up includes Mazda2 sub-compact sedan and hatchback, Mazda3 compact sedan and hatchback, Mazda6 executive sedan, CX-5 compact SUV, CX-9 seven-seater SUV, MX-5 2-seater sports roadster and the BT-50 pickup truck. There are 11 Mazda sales and service dealerships located across the Philippines – Mazda Greenhills along EDSA, Mazda Pasig along C5, Mazda Quezon Ave., Mazda Makati on Pasong Tamo Ext. and Mazda Alabang – provincial dealerships are located in Pampanga, Dagupan, Cabanatuan, Batangas, Cebu and CDO. New dealerships will soon be opened this year in Tarlac, Cavite, Ilolio and Davao.