Mazda’s direction towards a more premium image continues with the unveil of the 2018 Mazda6 at the 2017 LA Auto Show. Yet another refresh of the existing model that’s been in the market since 2013, the newest iteration brings forth “Mature Elegance” for Mazda’s executive sedan.

Aesthetically, the 2018 Mazda6 features the latest interpretation of KODO – Soul of Motion. It accentuates a look of depth and low center of gravity with its large and deep grille, extended painted surfaces, and newly designed wheels. Machine Gray Metallic and Soul Red Crystal also join the available color palette.



The revisions continue inside where Mazda designers have extensively reworked the cabin to give it a more upscale, more modern feel. In fact, only the steering wheel and small trim pieces have been carried over from last year. A new horizontally stretched dashboard accentuates the cabin’s width while new front seats with high-density, vibration-absorbing urethane foam promises a comfortable yet supportive driving experience. Sen wood, Nappa leather, and Ultrasuede are just some of the materials used by Mazda for the Mazda6’s interior.

In terms of convenience technology, the 2018 Mazda6 offers ventilated front seats (for the first time), a new 8-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system with sharper color contrast, a windshield-projected heads-up display, a 360-degree view monitor, and a radar-guided cruise control system that can completely stop and re-start the car in city traffic.



The biggest change though is the powertrain offerings for 2018. The normally-aspirated 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G has been tweaked to have reduced internal friction and improved efficiency across its operating range. In addition, it features cylinder de-activation technology which shuts off two of its cylinders at low engine loads. The added vibration from this two-cylinder mode required the 6-speed automatic Skyactiv-Drive to adopt a centrifugal pendulum to counter any imbalance. This same engine will be made available in the 2018 CX-5.

Also available is Mazda’s turbocharged, direct-injected 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine. It features 250 horsepower when running on premium fuel with 420 Nm of torque (horsepower drops to 227 when using regular unleaded). This engine features a Dynamic Pressure Turbo which uses a small inlet to build boost nearly instantaneously. A secondary inlet can then open up at higher revs to increase airflow and develop more power.



The Mazda6’s chassis also offer a host of refinement changes including the use of added reinforcements and stiffeners, improved geometry, and thicker trailing links. Together with thicker sheet metal in rear wheel wells, it should equate to a quieter, more refined driving experience.

The new Mazda6 goes on sale in the first quarter of next year in the United States. Expect the Philippines to follow suit soon thereafter (perhaps in time for MIAS around May or PIMS in August). However, with Mazda Philippines currently offering the Mazda6 with two engine variants already, don’t expect them to carry the turbocharged engine into the market. Expect the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G and 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D engines to continue alongside the new aesthetics and more premium appointments.