ASH8

QUOTE:


Mazda Australia revealed the passenger car that will shake up Australian consumers' perception of diesel engines.


Mazda further cemented its diesel domination among Japanese passenger car brands with the addition of a new-generation turbodiesel drivetrain to the classy Mazda6 medium car range from December.


Speaking at the Sydney motor show in Darling Harbour, Mazda Executive Vice President Philip Spender said this is a demonstration of Mazda's commitment to deliver a driving experience that benefits both the consumer and the environment.


"This new-generation 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine in the Mazda6 Diesel shows that the enthusiast and the environment can exist in harmony. This high-tech engine brings huge increases in engine performance and driving pleasure while sporting exemplary environmental credentials."


Mr Spender said the Mazda6 Diesel will make diesel synonymous with exhilaration.


"This engine will change the way Australians perceive diesel engines. It is robust and refined, powerful and economical. It delivers a combination of real world performance and fuel economy unmatched for the price in Australia."


Mr Spender confirmed that the Mazda6 Diesel will be offered in five-door hatchback and five-door wagon bodystyles, and is expected to be priced comparatively with its petrol siblings.


Like all Mazda6 models, the Mazda6 Diesel will come with high levels of equipment and class-leading safety features, including Dynamic Stability Control and front, side and curtain airbags standard.


The Mazda6's new-generation 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine is 0.2 litres bigger than the engine it succeeds. It produces 136kW of power and a stomping 400Nm of torque from just 1,800rpm, up 31kW and 40Nm respectively, and all delivered to the front wheels via a sporty six-speed manual transmission.


The Mazda6 Diesel's real-world performance takes a big leap forward: It accelerates from rest to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds, one second quicker than before. The new model dispatches the standard overtaking test (80-120km/h) in 5.8 seconds in fourth gear - a time that puts many highly fancied sports cars to shame.


The Mazda6 Diesel's fuel economy is rated at a miserly 5.9L/100km - exactly the same as the 2.0-litre turbodiesel it replaces and significantly batter than many so-called "economical" small cars.


An impressively low CO2 emissions rating of 159g/km makes the Mazda6 Diesel an environmentally-sound consumer choice.


"This is a classic example of having your cake and eating it too," said Spender. "It's a clear demonstration of Mazda's Sustainable Zoom-Zoom commitment to deliver environmentally-friendly cars that are exhilarating to drive."


The Mazda6 Diesel is the second turbodiesel passenger car in Mazda's current range alongside the Mazda3 Diesel.


Mazda's Doug Dickson said the Mazda6 Diesel's compelling mix of performance, economy and value for money would give it a broad appeal with consumers.


"The Mazda6 Diesel is frugal around town and a true hybrid-beater in the country, so it'll appeal to buyers keen to minimise their impact on the environment as well as lessen the pain at the petrol pump.


"With 400Nm of torque, it will deliver an effortless, refined driving experience, yet it's also capable of accelerating strongly and responsively when needed. So, if you enjoy driving, you'll enjoy the Mazda6 Diesel.


"And all this eco-friendliness and excitement is contained in a svelte and practical Mazda6 hatchback or wagon body, so it's a natural fit for the Australian lifestyle."

Ever Hernandez

This can't come to the us any sooner

EdwardsB

that front bumper looks so much better than the one we got, unless it is the bumper for this diesel only?

Mikeluvs8

agree!

bruce_van

"The Mazda6 Diesel's fuel economy is rated at a miserly 5.9L/100km"

What does that translate to MPG?

MattMPS

about 39,8 MPG

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

yeah, ~40mpg.

1.5gallons/62miles

and they are going to offer this engine in the mazda3. 185hp/300lbs/ft of torque in a mazda3. that will be fun to drive.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

Too bad we have all these greedy corporates and politicians who just wont let diesel to get popular

Renesis07

iTrader: (1)

I dont like the looks of it at all, reminds me of a solara.

bruce_van

40 MPG, sign me up. I was considering the Jetta TDI Sportwagon.

I'd much rather have ZOOM ZOOM, than das auto.

kvndoom

Don't forget the American public who can't get the 80's Oldsmobiles out of their heads, 20 freaking years later.

I just want the Mazda3 with the 2.2 diesel to make it over here. One of my cars will have to go then, no doubt.

If Toyota and/or Honda roll out diesels, Mazda will follow. But I doubt they will be the first to test the waters.

EdwardsB

It would be nice to see some tax breaks for the noncommercial users of diesel fuel. Lowering the price (is it cheaper to produce than gasoline?) for the common motorist and leaving it at the current price for the tax on commercial commerce. Then diesel would really be the way to go.

zoom44

Exactly- in that first drive of the Mazda3 article the Mazda guy admitted the 2.2 diesel version outperforms the current MS3 they gotta bring it

bruce_van

You actually can get a $1300 tax credit if you buy a new VW Jetta TDI. Says so on their website.

MattMPS

i'm seriosly skeptical about that...

i've a MS6 and i've tried a bunch of diesel performance cars.....IMHO ms6 it's sligtly better than a 330d........which it's known for a "performance oil-burner"

big power diesels are different than a gasoline equivalent......numbers don't explain that at 100%

you must try....

Ever Hernandez

I thought Honda was working on diesel powerplants for the US.


Matt, I guess you're referring to lower rpm redlines and the cars not being responsive enough?

MattMPS

every diesel can't go over 4500-5000 rpm (i think audi r10 its @ 5500 but with special fuel)

but torque curve falls down over 3000-3500 rpm, this is not good for sporty use...the car it's surely FAST but not so "fun to drive"

a 2.2 185hp diesel can match very well against a 2.5 NA with similar power and win for:

-mileage
-less use of the stick (better torque)...example: mountain use...
-and is' QUIETER at highway speeds (130-150 km/h) because it's a lot less revving at those speeds and there have been a lot of improvementes into "engine noise" sector

zoom44

i can only tell you what they wrote for now




http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/still...w-mazda-3.aspx

MattMPS

zoom44..no problem you just post what it's wrote on magazines

into the complicated language of automotive industry this is the meaning IMHO:

"this (diesel) engine have more maximum torque yhan the 2.3 gasoline of speed3"

it's true: Mazda declares 400 nm for the top spec new diesel vs. 380 nm for ms3 euro spec.

But i can swear that DONT mean necessary best performances...torque it's not all.

ASH8

John Carey (WHEELS MAG) has just written Nov 08 Edition, on his journey to Reykjavik for the Euro preview of the new Mazda 3.

He drove a 'Camo' Mazda 3 Turbo Diesel 2.2 (yes the same engine as the 6 TD).

His words...

'The engine, it's soon apparent, is a cracker. It's smooth and has usefully wide spread of boosted torque, something you can't say about all turbo diesels.
Most importantly this engine has exceptional muscle. It climbs hills as if they were not there and overtakes slow-moving cars with a satisfying surge.'
Spec.
136kw/400Nm European Market 3.
Although it is the same engine in the new TD Mazda 6.
The Australian version of the new 3 Diesel will have a detune
110kw and 360Nm.

This new diesel engine has been solely developed, designed and made by Mazda.

Ever Hernandez

^This is one of the reasons why I love Mazda. I really hope they can certify this engine for sale in the US in the near future and put it in the 6 and CX7.