Mazda launches diesel offensive

Dec 22 2008 Steve Hughes

Mazda launches diesel offensive

THE new line-up of Mazda6 models now starts from £14,890 and includes a new 2.2-litre turbodiesel option with three power outputs plus some specification enhancements.

The new oil-burner, which replaces the current 2.0-litre unit, comes in 125bhp, 163bhp and 185bhp guises.

Economy is between 49.6mpg and 51.4mpg with CO2 emissions ranging from 147g/km to 152g/km.

The lower-emissions models are in Band C for vehicle excise duty and stay in the same company car tax bands as the 2.0-litre versions.

The 125bhp model is almost as quick as the 140bhp model it replaces whilst the 163bhp model reaches 60mph in 9.2 seconds and the most powerful 185bhp version reduces that time to eight and a half seconds. In total the Mazda6 diesel range will be expanded to 11 models with the choice of both low power and mid power TS hatchback versions.

As with the current car, each has a six-speed manual transmission.

The revised range will also include the fitment of keyless entry and push-button ignition on some models plus lane-change monitors on most models.

These use microwave radar units on the sides of the bumpers which detect the presence of vehicles or motorcycles approaching from behind and activate a warning if the Mazda driver attempts to move into their path.

There are a total of 26 models in the revised range, which starts with the five-door hatchback 1.8 S at £14,890.

The 2.0 TS saloon is priced at £16,389, the 2.2D S 125bhp hatchback is £15,869, the 163bhp version is £17,464 and the 185bhp model costs £20,498. The most expensive model in the new line-up is the 2.2D Sports Luxury Estate at £22,210.