ON FRONT PAG E N O R T H E AST V I C TO R I A , A L P S A N D H I G H CO U N T RY
JUNE 24 - 30, 2016
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Mazda flagship floats into safer harbour
CHEAPER: Mazda has put more into its flagship without adding to the sticker price. AUSTRALIA’S most popular mid-sized imported car, the Mazda6, has just ducked under 50 grand. As a bonus safety features have been added to the 6 Sport, Touring and GT models at no extra cost, while the range topping Atenza receives a price cut in view of the safety equipment added to the GT. The Atenza with the 2.5-litre petrol engine drops by $1030, while the 2.2-litre diesel alternative is down by $1380, making the entire Mazda 6 range now available for less than $50,000, without on-road costs. Mazda6 is available in either sedan or wagon and with the two engines mated to a Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission.
By DEREK OGDEN ROAD TEST
Featuring MZD Connect, Mazda’s nextgeneration in-car connectivity system, which includes a seven-inch touch screen display operated by a commander control knob on the centre console, an electric park brake and Active Driving Display, there are eight contemporary colours to choose from. On test was a 2.5-litre Touring petrol automatic, priced at $37,290. Mazda has brought out the big guns for its passenger car flagship with a bolder, yet still elegant, front thanks to the radiator grille featuring a stronger horizontal
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appearance combined with a more threedimensional wing. The rear takes on a tauter look, with the LED light combination leading the way. The 19-inch alloy wheels with highgloss paint is a darker colour than before, highlighting greater depth in its metallic character. The cabin has taken on a fresh look, with changes to the instrument panel offering a sense of breadth to the front passenger, and centre console incorporating, for the first time, the MZD Connect control knob. With a wheelbase, at 2830 mm, among the longest in the segment, the sedan offers a spacious cabin with competitive rear legroom.
Comfort is up with the best, with lightweight contoured seats delivering a sporty wrap-around feel and support, most welcome on long-distance driving. Storage space priority is given to the driver with easy access to items used most, while boot space adds up to a generous 474 litres. A display mounted above the meter hood provides vehicle speed and other important driving information, such as that from the advanced safety systems, as things happen. A freestanding clear and easy to read seven-inch centre display screen is mounted on the top of the dashboard at comfortable eye-glancing level.
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