Mazda6 Adds Value and Slashes Running Costs

MOUNT WAVERLEY, Australia – January 14, 2008: A range of MY2009 upgrades including Bi-Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, auto on/off headlights and auto-dimming rear-view mirror make the popular Mazda6 range even more attractive to Australian new car buyers, and strengthen the Mazda6 range's leadership position in its class.

In some instances the Mazda6 value equation has improved by more than $2,000, despite price increases – driven by fluctuating exchange rates and rising raw material costs – across the range.

Mazda has also re-engineered the Mazda6's MZR 2.5-litre petrol engine to use 91 RON unleaded fuel without impacting its class-leading dynamics, reducing ownership costs by 10 per cent or more.

Adaptive Front Lighting System – first-in-class
Mazda is again leading the charge, delivering cutting-edge driver safety technology usually reserved for high-priced luxury cars to the Australian market on the affordable Mazda6 sedan, hatch and wagon range.

All MY2009 Mazda6 Luxury, Luxury Sport and Diesel Sport models now come standard with Bi-Xenon headlights with AFS Adaptive Front Lighting System. Mazda6 is the only car in the medium segment priced under $60,000 to fit this technology as standard.

This high-tech safety feature dramatically improves driver vision in corners at night by turning the headlights in concert with the steering wheel to penetrate further into the corner.

Cheaper to fill, cheaper to own
All MY2009 Mazda6 models with the proven MZR 2.5-litre petrol engine have been re-engineered to run on 91 RON unleaded, cutting running costs by 10 per cent or more.

Modifications to the engine deliver this financial windfall without impacting the Mazda6's exemplary real-world dynamics. The MZR 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine still delivers 125kW of power at 6,000rpm and 226Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, and is capable of propelling the Mazda6 sedan from 0-100km/h in just 8.0s in 6-sp manual sedan guise.

The Mazda6 also maintains its impressive environmental credentials; MY09 Mazda6 models carry the same ADR fuel economy rating as earlier 95 RON models - between 8.4 and 8.9L/100km depending on transmission and bodystyle.

Thoughtful helpers make driving easier
Mazda has added front and rear parking sensors, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and auto on/off headlamps to models within the Mazda6 petrol and diesel range.

These driver aids are designed to take stress out of driving by automating common tasks like switching headlights and wipers on or off in response to changing atmospheric conditions.

Front and rear parking sensors use a total of eight ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers to measure the distance to obstacles from the ends and corners of the car and deliver a series of audible beeps to help the driver park in tight spaces.

The electrochromatic rearview mirror aids night-vision by reducing the reflected intensity in the driver eyes of a following car's headlights.

Mazda6: the best gets even better
The new specification adds up to $3,500 worth of equipment to the various models in the Mazda6 range. In contrast, Mazda Australia has kept the price increase on Mazda6 to $500 - $1,500, depending on grade.

"We firmly believe the new Mazda6 continues to offer class-leading value," said Mazda Managing Director Doug Dickson. "The transition to 91 RON petrol alone spells significant savings for owners. It can cut around 10 per cent from the annual costs of running a car.

"Depending on how far you drive each year, that can add up to hundreds of dollars.

"In addition, the arrival of first-in-class technology like AFS, and an even longer equipment list, makes the stylish new Mazda6 even more attractive to Australians."

Mr Dickson said Mazda held off increasing prices for as long as possible.

"Fluctuating exchange rates and the rising cost of raw materials has been putting significant pressure on new car prices for some time now."

MY09 Mazda6 range
The MY2009 Mazda6 is still the only mid-size passenger car to come in a comprehensive range of stylish and practical sedan, hatch and wagon bodystyles, priced from $28,490 (Limited sedan) to $43,890 (Diesel Sports hatch).

All Mazda6 models come with creature comforts like air-conditioning, remote central locking, 6-disc CD-stereo with MP3 compatibility and aux-in jack, and electric windows and mirrors.

Mazda6's safety is also first-class with six occupant airbags, active head restraints and DSC stability control on all models.

Rain-sensing wipers and auto on/off headlamps are fitted to MY09 Mazda6 Classic, Luxury and Luxury Sport petrol models, and all diesel models. Bi-Xenon headlights with AFS, front and rear parking sensors, and electrochromatic rearview mirror are standard on Luxury, Luxury Sport and Diesel Sport.

Mazda6's value equation is further enhanced because it's the only volume model in class to offer metallic paint at no cost.