mikeyb
02-26-2006, 03:58 PM
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media-legacy/featpics/mazda/02mazda6diesel_1.jpg
We love the Mazda6 in petrol form - it marked a new beginning for Mazda in the mainstream market, and impressed us with its stylish design, much-improved quality, refined ride and sporty handling. The diesels should add a further dimension to the range, then, as well as being crucial to Mazda's success in the all-important company car market. Trouble is, they're not so convincing.
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media-legacy/featpics/mazda/02mazda6diesel_2.jpg
Let's talk about the qualities of the petrol-engined versions of the Mazda6 we drove at the range's European launch (and extensively since in the UK): they feature the benefits of outstandingly good, sporty handling, lively engines and responsive gearboxes, sharp brakes, fine quality cabins and excellent refinement. As well as looking good, of course, in either saloon, hatchback or Wagon estate form, in a smart pseudo-Lexus IS200/300 sort of way. Mazda really got it right, and deserves to raise its profile considerably in the declining, but still very important, large family/fleet/company car sector of the market. But one thing is crucial to success in this sector: a diesel engine, and preferably a selection of more than one of these.
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media-legacy/featpics/mazda/02mazda6diesel_3.jpgMazda is offering a choice of two diesels in the 6 - well, two differently tuned versions of the same 1998cc, four-cylinder, 16 valve, SOHC turbocharged unit, whose spec sheet namechecks most of the latest developments in diesel technology: common rail, direct injection, dual-mass flywheel, variable turbine geometry for the vane-type turbocharger and so on... Delivering either 121 bhp or 136 bhp, this engine features another of Mazda's clever-sounding new tricks, expansive vertical vortex combustion, or EVVC, which gets the fuel/air mix swirling more effectively in the combustion chamber and thus improves torque output, fuel economy and nitrous oxide emissions. So far so good.
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media-legacy/featpics/mazda/02mazda6diesel_4.jpgWe're not sure why Mazda decided to offer these two versions, however: only the keenest of drivers would notice an extra 15 bhp, they deliver the same amount of torque (229 lb ft/310 Nm), although the torque curve of the 136 bhp version is flatter, and fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions are strikingly similar - 43.5 mpg and 179 g/km from both versions (182 g/km from 136 bhp S-spec models). Acceleration-wise, the 121 bhp saloon does 0-60 mph in 10.8 seconds, and the 136 bhp just 0.4 seconds faster; the hatchback is marginally slower in 11 seconds and 10.6 seconds respectively, and the Wagon adds an extra 0.1 second to the hatch's time. Not much in it, then. Indeed, the only possible explanation for offering two such similar models is that it's to offer an illusion of choice and to differentiate the lower-spec base models from the more expensive high-spec versions - the entry-level S hatch and estate models come with the 121 bhp engine only (from £14,595), and the saloon and Sport hatch with the 136 bhp unit only, though TS and TS2 hatches and Wagons come with either, the 136 bhp unit at a £500 premium. This seems unnecessarily complicated and a little cynical.
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media-legacy/featpics/mazda/02mazda6diesel_5.jpg
However, the differences between the two engines become more apparent on the road. Neither are particularly quiet or refined, but the 136 bhp unit has a smoother power delivery, and is less harsh and thrashy under pressure. Both cruise happily on the motorway, however (though a sixth gear, as offered in several rivals, would be nice) and unless you like planting your right foot to the floor on a continual basis, either is responsive and torquey enough for quick progress. These are both good engines - but Ford's TDCi and Renault's dCi units do the job in a more sophisticated, less intrusive manner.
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media-legacy/featpics/mazda/02mazda6diesel_6.jpgThe Mondeo and Laguna diesels also seem like less of a compromise than the Mazdas - which sacrifice some of their petrol models' sporting demeanour, with their higher-geared transmission and heavier noses - and they offer more convincing benefits in terms of economy, emissions and torque over their petrol equivalents. As do other diesel rivals - the Passat TDi PD 130 (49 mpg, 154 g/km) and its relations, for a start. We're still impressed by the Mazda6, but just can't get as excited about it in diesel form.
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media-legacy/featpics/mazda/02mazda6diesel_1250.jpgSpecifications:
Engine:
1998cc, 4 in-line cylinders, 16 valves, SOHC
Bore x stroke (mm): 86 x 86
Compression ratio: 18.3:1
Max power: 121 bhp at 3500 rpm
Max torque: 229 lb ft at 2000 rpm
Max speed: 123 mph (saloon), 122 mph (hatchback), 121 mph (Wagon)
0-60 mph acceleration: 10.8 seconds (saloon), 11 sec (hatch), 11.1 sec (Wagon)
Fuel consumption: 43.5 mpg (saloon and hatch), 42.8 mpg (Wagon)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 179 g/km (saloon and hatch), 182 g/km (Wagon)
Engine:
1998cc, 4 in-line cylinders, 16 valves, SOHC
Bore x stroke (mm): 86 x 86
Compression ratio: 18.3:1
Max power: 136 bhp at 3500 rpm
Max torque: 229 lb ft at 2000 rpm
Max speed: 124 mph (saloon), 123 mph (hatch), 122 mph (Wagon)
0-60 mph acceleration: 10.4 seconds (saloon), 10.6 seconds (hatch), 10.7 seconds (Wagon)
Fuel consumption: 43.5 mpg (saloon and hatch), 44.1 mpg (Wagon)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 179 g/km (saloon and hatch), 176 g/km (Wagon).
source:http://www.channel4.com/4car/road-tests/driving-impressions/mazda6diesels-1628/mazda6diesels-1628.html
We love the Mazda6 in petrol form - it marked a new beginning for Mazda in the mainstream market, and impressed us with its stylish design, much-improved quality, refined ride and sporty handling. The diesels should add a further dimension to the range, then, as well as being crucial to Mazda's success in the all-important company car market. Trouble is, they're not so convincing.
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media-legacy/featpics/mazda/02mazda6diesel_2.jpg
Let's talk about the qualities of the petrol-engined versions of the Mazda6 we drove at the range's European launch (and extensively since in the UK): they feature the benefits of outstandingly good, sporty handling, lively engines and responsive gearboxes, sharp brakes, fine quality cabins and excellent refinement. As well as looking good, of course, in either saloon, hatchback or Wagon estate form, in a smart pseudo-Lexus IS200/300 sort of way. Mazda really got it right, and deserves to raise its profile considerably in the declining, but still very important, large family/fleet/company car sector of the market. But one thing is crucial to success in this sector: a diesel engine, and preferably a selection of more than one of these.
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media-legacy/featpics/mazda/02mazda6diesel_3.jpgMazda is offering a choice of two diesels in the 6 - well, two differently tuned versions of the same 1998cc, four-cylinder, 16 valve, SOHC turbocharged unit, whose spec sheet namechecks most of the latest developments in diesel technology: common rail, direct injection, dual-mass flywheel, variable turbine geometry for the vane-type turbocharger and so on... Delivering either 121 bhp or 136 bhp, this engine features another of Mazda's clever-sounding new tricks, expansive vertical vortex combustion, or EVVC, which gets the fuel/air mix swirling more effectively in the combustion chamber and thus improves torque output, fuel economy and nitrous oxide emissions. So far so good.
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media-legacy/featpics/mazda/02mazda6diesel_4.jpgWe're not sure why Mazda decided to offer these two versions, however: only the keenest of drivers would notice an extra 15 bhp, they deliver the same amount of torque (229 lb ft/310 Nm), although the torque curve of the 136 bhp version is flatter, and fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions are strikingly similar - 43.5 mpg and 179 g/km from both versions (182 g/km from 136 bhp S-spec models). Acceleration-wise, the 121 bhp saloon does 0-60 mph in 10.8 seconds, and the 136 bhp just 0.4 seconds faster; the hatchback is marginally slower in 11 seconds and 10.6 seconds respectively, and the Wagon adds an extra 0.1 second to the hatch's time. Not much in it, then. Indeed, the only possible explanation for offering two such similar models is that it's to offer an illusion of choice and to differentiate the lower-spec base models from the more expensive high-spec versions - the entry-level S hatch and estate models come with the 121 bhp engine only (from £14,595), and the saloon and Sport hatch with the 136 bhp unit only, though TS and TS2 hatches and Wagons come with either, the 136 bhp unit at a £500 premium. This seems unnecessarily complicated and a little cynical.
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media-legacy/featpics/mazda/02mazda6diesel_5.jpg
However, the differences between the two engines become more apparent on the road. Neither are particularly quiet or refined, but the 136 bhp unit has a smoother power delivery, and is less harsh and thrashy under pressure. Both cruise happily on the motorway, however (though a sixth gear, as offered in several rivals, would be nice) and unless you like planting your right foot to the floor on a continual basis, either is responsive and torquey enough for quick progress. These are both good engines - but Ford's TDCi and Renault's dCi units do the job in a more sophisticated, less intrusive manner.
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media-legacy/featpics/mazda/02mazda6diesel_6.jpgThe Mondeo and Laguna diesels also seem like less of a compromise than the Mazdas - which sacrifice some of their petrol models' sporting demeanour, with their higher-geared transmission and heavier noses - and they offer more convincing benefits in terms of economy, emissions and torque over their petrol equivalents. As do other diesel rivals - the Passat TDi PD 130 (49 mpg, 154 g/km) and its relations, for a start. We're still impressed by the Mazda6, but just can't get as excited about it in diesel form.
http://www.channel4.com/4car/media-legacy/featpics/mazda/02mazda6diesel_1250.jpgSpecifications:
Engine:
1998cc, 4 in-line cylinders, 16 valves, SOHC
Bore x stroke (mm): 86 x 86
Compression ratio: 18.3:1
Max power: 121 bhp at 3500 rpm
Max torque: 229 lb ft at 2000 rpm
Max speed: 123 mph (saloon), 122 mph (hatchback), 121 mph (Wagon)
0-60 mph acceleration: 10.8 seconds (saloon), 11 sec (hatch), 11.1 sec (Wagon)
Fuel consumption: 43.5 mpg (saloon and hatch), 42.8 mpg (Wagon)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 179 g/km (saloon and hatch), 182 g/km (Wagon)
Engine:
1998cc, 4 in-line cylinders, 16 valves, SOHC
Bore x stroke (mm): 86 x 86
Compression ratio: 18.3:1
Max power: 136 bhp at 3500 rpm
Max torque: 229 lb ft at 2000 rpm
Max speed: 124 mph (saloon), 123 mph (hatch), 122 mph (Wagon)
0-60 mph acceleration: 10.4 seconds (saloon), 10.6 seconds (hatch), 10.7 seconds (Wagon)
Fuel consumption: 43.5 mpg (saloon and hatch), 44.1 mpg (Wagon)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 179 g/km (saloon and hatch), 176 g/km (Wagon).
source:http://www.channel4.com/4car/road-tests/driving-impressions/mazda6diesels-1628/mazda6diesels-1628.html