Mazda presents all-new MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel  (10/11/2008)

“In its previous 140ps form, our diesel Mazda6 out-performed many potential rivals, particularly their entry and mid-level derivatives, and its reduced CO₂ emissions delivered real financial benefits to company car drivers,” said Mark Cameron, Mazda UK Sales Director.  “Now we have taken another big step forwards with the 2.2‑litre diesel.

“Our mid-power 163ps diesel, with 16 percent more power, offers an amazing performance‑per-pound package, significantly out-pacing rivals.  All three diesel engines are emissions clean with modest CO₂ ratings, excellent fuel efficiency and genuine refinement.  We have expanded our Mazda6 diesel range to 11 models with the choice of both low power and mid power TS hatchback models. 

“With this revised new Mazda6 line-up we anticipate growing our share of the large family/business car segment sales next year.  Compared to last year, the second generation Mazda6 is already taking an increased share of the segment, standing at six percent by the end of September.  In addition, Mazda6 retail market share has grown from 7.6 percent in 2007 to 9.2 percent year to date, (January‑October 2008).

“Despite the new model improvements we have maintained the price premium for the estate at just £700 over the hatchback, and as we predicted, the estate’s popularity has increased so that it now accounts for 20% of sales.  We also expect diesel powertrains to be specified by 90% of fleet buyers,” concluded Cameron.

On the combined cycle, the new Mazda6 diesel returns between 51.4mpg and 49.6mpg, with CO₂ figures of just 147g/km to 152g/km (depending on model).  All saloon and hatchback models with CO₂ emissions of 147g/km and 149g/km place these cars in a highly competitive band C for vehicle excise duty whilst maintaining the same company car tax bands as the previous 2.0-litre diesel variants.

The three new diesel powertrains for new Mazda6 retain, or hugely improve, the Zoom‑Zoom, fun‑to‑drive, attributes of this popular Mazda.  Acceleration to 62mph with the 2.2-litre low power 125ps diesel takes just 0.2 seconds longer than the previous 2.0-litre 140ps diesel (10.9 compared to 10.7 seconds for the hatchback), while the mid power 163ps achieves 62mph in 9.2 seconds and the high power 185ps reaches that speed in just 8.5 seconds.  Every Mazda6 diesel comes with a six-speed manual transmission – fitted with a high top ratio (0.711:1) for quiet, relaxed and fuel-efficient cruising.

NEW MAZDA6 - CO₂, Road Fund Licence Bands & Insurance Groups JANUARY 2009