The Mazda 6 is one of the most interesting cars in its class. It is not the most powerful or even the most efficient. However, it still manages to sell quite well because people simply love it. It has a really unique design and its interior is actually great since the 2016 update. Unfortunately the car is getting dated but it looks like a major update might be on its way. Not that long ago rumors about a new model started to surface. It looks like this will be the upcoming 2018 Mazda 6 which is actually expected to be an entirely new car.
2018 Mazda 6 Redesign
As first rumored, it seems the car will still be based on Mazda’s SkyActiv platform. However, this time around it looks like the car will be made with more ultra-high strength steel as well as with more high strength steel than before. Thanks to that the car’s weight should decrease by at least 50 to 100 pounds. On top of that, the major benefit of the ultra-high strength steel construction would be its structural rigidity which is said to increase by around 20 to 30%. This alone will allow the new Mazda 6 to be safer in case of a crash as well as better to drive. The NVH levels will also be improved while the extra insulation should assure that there will be far less noise inside the cabin than before.
The design
The upcoming 2018 Mazda 6 is expected to follow an evolutionary design rather than a revolutionary one. In fact not that long ago renders of the car have been leaked on the internet. Even though these are not official, it seems the new 6 might be in fact quite a bit more imposing than its predecessor. We can expect a larger grille, slimmer swept-back headlights as well as a more coupe-like look. As before, a wagon version of the car is also a real possibility, especially since it has been so successful in some markets. The car’s wheelbase will likely increase slightly for the wagon which has an 80mm shorter wheelbase than the sedan which is quite strange.
Inside the cabin – Mazda 6 Interior
The biggest change here is likely going to be the features offered on some of the models. The design is not going to be all that different. We expect roughly the same dashboard design as before. However, things like a fully digital instrument cluster, a larger infotainment screen or a new climate-control panel should be added into the mix. There will be just as much space as before but it looks like the wagon may receive extra legroom which was previously unavailable.
2018 Mazda 6 Price & Release date
With Mazda tweaking with its 6 model just a while ago there won’t be too many changes on any field. The thing is the same with the price of the upcoming vehicle. It will not change at all, or it could shift a little upwards but nothing substantial enough to upset the market. The current base option starts at $22,800 while the Touring trim is $25,000. Grand Touring model of the current Mazda 6 is priced at $31,700. Expect for everything to remain approximately the same.
The current version of Mazda 6 is recently new on the market. That is why new model will be introduced early in 2018, and released for purchase later of the same year.
Under the hood – 2018 Mazda 6 Specs
Both current gasoline engines are likely going to be discontinued from the 2018 Mazda 6. In their place Mazda will release a brand new set of SkyActiv-X engines. These will feature Mazda’s new HCCI technology which will allow the gasoline engines to work as diesel engines at certain loads. These will basically ignite the gasoline through compression which will make the car with up to 30% more efficient than before. The output of the engines is not going to be affected much considering that it will still feature spark-plugs for high load operations.
The big change here is likely going to be the fuel consumption which should make the 6 the most fuel efficient car in its class. The 6 speed manual gearbox is likely still going to be available but instead of the current 6 speed automatic we may see an 8 or even a 10 speed gearbox. A 2.2 liter turbocharged diesel is still going to be available in some markets. Unfortunately the fate of this engine on the US market is still unknown.
