Mazda 6 2.0 TD High Power TS2




Cute roadsters like Mazda's MX-5 are great for image-building. However, when it comes to profits, there's nothing like a big-selling family car. And that's why the Japanese firm needs its facelifted 6 to deliver.

Last year, the model accounted for more than 30 per cent of the company's sales, and the latest changes aim to give that figure an extra boost.

All the engines have been tuned, and the transmissions and suspension tweaked. Inside, the 6 features a revised interior, which has a 'piano black' centre console with new radio and CD controls, as well as chrome surrounds for the dials.

Build quality is as impressive as ever, although some of the plastics now feel cheap compared with those of the class leaders such as the latest VW Passat. Crucially, however, the practical cabin layout is unchanged and the Mazda family feel is still present. There's plenty of rear legroom and the saloon's boot is big enough for most people's needs. Outside, the firm has also altered the styling, but you'd be hard-pressed to see the difference.

There's a new grille and the bumpers have been reprofiled but overall, the sharp looks remain intact. Meanwhile, under the bonnet, the engines have received more attention. We tested the Euro IV-compliant High Power 2.0-litre diesel, which pushes out 141bhp - a 5bhp increase. It's a responsive unit with lots of mid-range punch for easy overtaking. Refinement is also better, especially when cruising at motorway speeds, helped by a new six-speed gearbox.
The extra ratio has also boosted fuel economy by nearly 4mpg, taking it to 47.1mpg, while CO2 has been lowered to 165g/km - good news for company car buyers. But we have our doubts about the new suspension settings. Body roll is well controlled and the steering precise, but the ride disappoints compared with the class leaders. The 6 still impresses, though. It has been revised in the right areas and there's no reason to doubt that Mazda's sales targets will be met. But with this sector more competitive than ever, the upgrades aren't quite enough to push the new 6 to the top spot.
Piers Ward






Source:http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/preview...power_ts2.html

 

Stop teasing us with all these overseas models we will never see !

 

if they made a turbodeisel Mazda6 here in the states I'd go out and buy it immediatly. 47.1mpg and 140hp?? I bet it makes almost 200+lb-ft. Jeez-H

Mikey = best poster ever.

 

man, a little bigger intercooler and i bet you get whole lot more torque

 

I would buy one if it was sold here in the states.

 

I've been reading up a lot about deisels and how they operate....they have no spark plugs. They are compression ignition engines. The beetle we bought has 15:1CR and 15psi of boost. It heats the air up so hot that as soon as the fuel is sprayed it ignites instantly. Think of the injector as both fuel timing and ignition timing and you'll get the idea. This is why deisels take boost so well. An intercooler might help but then again it may be counterproductive as the point of a compression ignition engine is to have the air so hot that it burns the fuel instantly.

If the beetle we've got is a 1.9L making 100bhp and 177lb-ft then a 2.0L with 140bhp should make about 248lb-ft (based on basic algebra) Of course these are just guesses and estimates but you get the picture.