2018 Mazda6: Mid-Size Sedan For Drivers Adds Luxury And Performance

The Mazda6 is Mazda’s mid-size sedan, originally introduced in 2002. The 2018 Mazda6 is the fifth year of the third generation model, and represents a major refresh. It also boasts a wide variety of upgrades designed to give it a more upscale appeal.

The Mazda6 has long been known as the best driver’s car in the mid-size sedan segment. It has an excellent combination of ride, handling, and driver involvement. This is a direct extension of what Mazda has learned from its sports car, the MX-5 Miata.

The 2018 Mazda6 has stepped up its performance for 2018. The availability of a new 2.5L SKYACTIV-G turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with 250 horsepower and a massive 310 lb.-ft. of torque (comparable to a 4.0L V8 engine), takes the “zoom zoom” to a whole new level.

The standard engine on the new Mazda6 is a new 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and a unique cylinder deactivation feature. A special centrifugal pendulum in the engine allows it to run smoothly while using only two cylinders, to improve fuel efficiency. This is not only a first for Mazda, but is also the only four-cylinder engine in the US market that can deactivate its cylinders. This is a unique feature for a mid-size sedan.

What’s So Special About The 2018 Mazda6?

Mazda has begun to add a more premium feel to its vehicles. It started with its CX-9 three-row SUV, which has been offering a top-of-the-line Signature interior trim since its debut for the 2017 model year. Fully 55 percent of all 2017 CX-9s sold have been purchased with one of the top two trim levels, either Signature or Grand Touring.

The Signature trim on the new Mazda6 features authentic materials, including brown Nappa leather, whose color is inspired by the aged wood in ancient Japanese temples; UltraSuede made with a subtle gold tint, using a similar technique to that used to make silk kimonos; and accents of Sen wood, used in the making of taiko drums and Japanese furniture. It’s all very Zen!

Other Mazda6 upgrades include improvements to ride and handling; a stronger and quieter body structure; a deeper and wider grille flanked by standard LED headlights; and newly available Soul Red Crystal exterior paint. Other available features are:

• Orthopedically redesigned front seats with cooling ventilation
• 360⁰ View Monitor
• Reconfigurable 7” TFT gauge display
• New 8” MAZDA CONNECT color infotainment display
• Available full-speed Mazda radar cruise control with stop & go
• Windshield-projected active driving display head-up unit

One more notable feature is the availability of a six-speed manual transmission with the standard engine, for those of you who like to row your own. A six-speed automatic is optional on the standard engine, and is standard with the turbo engine.

Should You Lease A 2018 Mazda6?

Mazda builds high-quality vehicles, every bit as good as Honda and Toyota, but with a special appeal for those who truly enjoy the act of driving. Unfortunately, this has not been enough to propel them into the top tier of Asian brands, in terms of sales volume. Add to this an SUV-crazy market that is fast losing interest in sedans, and the new Mazda6 will have an uphill battle for consumers’ attention.

What this means for you, as a potential Mazda6 leasing customer, is that leases on these cars should be an excellent value. Mazda has been promoting very competitive leasing terms on its current vehicles, and this should continue into the future.

So if a beautifully styled sedan that’s a joy to drive and has an interior worthy of an Audi appeals to you, the new Mazda6 may be just right for your next lease. And don’t forget to add that Soul Red Crystal paint – it is truly stunning!

Pricing has not yet been announced. The new Mazda6 is expected to go on sale in the spring of 2018.