Historically, the designs of midsize sedans have been more conservative in order to appeal to the masses, but Mazda is betting that its 2014 Mazda6 will find success through the unlikely pairing of sporty looks and appealing gas mileage. Differing little from the aggressive TAKERI Concept that first turned heads at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, the all-new Mazda6 recently debuted at the Moscow Motor Show, featuring a modern exterior paired with innovative fuel-saving technology.
With bold fender arches, sharp creases on its flanks and a five-point grille shared with the new Mazda CX-5 crossover, the 2014 Mazda6 has a sleek body designed to be just as easy on the gas pump as it is on the eyes. With a drag coefficient of just 0.26, the new Mazda6 is also more aerodynamic, a change that is expected to bring improved fuel economy.
"Other automakers often minimize style and performance as they focus on improving efficiency, but Mazda realized that if it built the Mazda6 from scratch with those three things in mind, it could satisfy buyers in all areas," said Greg Ryland, general manager of Russel Mazda, a Baltimore, Maryland Mazda dealer. "The Mazda6 has the potential to change the way we look at midsize sedans, because it is equally appealing to the daily commuter and the weekend driving enthusiast."
The 2014 Mazda6 will be the second vehicle in the lineup to feature the entire suite of Mazda's fuel-efficient SKYACTIV technologies. That means that everything from the engines and transmissions to the chassis design are optimized for reduced weight and greater fuel economy. With SKYACTIV, the Mazda6's chassis incorporates ultra-high tensile steel in strategic areas to improve performance while reducing weight. Torsional rigidity has been boosted by nearly 30 percent, while noise, vibration and harshness have all been reduced compared to the outgoing model.
When it goes on sale early next year, the new Mazda 6 is expected to offer SKYACTIV-G engines, including a 2.0-liter unit that has already proven popular in the 2013 Mazda CX-5 and 2012 Mazda3. As the first Mazda vehicle fully equipped with SKYACTIV technologies, the CX-5 returns up to 35 mpg on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market during freeway driving. Meanwhile, with its optional SKYACTIV-G engine, the Mazda3 can net up to 40 mpg on the highway, an appealing figure for Baltimore commuters.
Last month, Mazda models featuring SKYACTIV technology accounted for an impressive 63 percent of the automaker's overall U.S. sales. The CX-5 had its best monthly sales yet in August, moving 4,665 units, while 11,120 Mazda3 vehicles were sold for an 18-percent increase year-over-year. Eighty-five percent of those Mazda3 sales came from SKYACTIV-equipped models.
"SKYACTIV technologies are really just beginning to spread across the Mazda lineup, and the unique mix of performance, efficiency and style that they provide has proven extremely popular," added Ryland. "Simply put, they make it so that you don't have to drive a boring car to save on gas, and that is a welcoming thought for Baltimore motorists."
About Russel Mazda:
A respected Baltimore, Maryland Mazda dealer for many years, Russel Mazda strives to provide nothing but the best Mazda buying experiences, one family at a time. Their wide inventory of new and pre-owned Mazda models is backed up with stellar customer service that is sincere, informative and hassle-free. Russel Mazda also provides top-notch automotive service performed by factory-trained and certified technicians with genuine Mazda parts. Browse their entire inventory online at www.russelmazda.com or in person at 6624 B Baltimore National Pike in Baltimore. They can also be contacted by phone at 866-851-5047 or found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandMazda.
