Mazda has added an efficient diesel engine option to its Mazda6 mid-sized car.
However, the more powerful 2.2-litre engine that will power the wagon and diesel sports hatchback – they’re the only two models to get the diesel option – is no more fuel-efficient than the 2.0-litre diesel version that powered the previous generation Mazda6.
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There’s some kudos, too. Until Subaru’s four-cylinder boxer layout arrives in 2009, Mazda remains the only Japanese car maker offering a diesel-engined passenger car in Australia. However, the Mazda6 diesel will compete with diesel vehicles from Holden, Ford and Hyundai.
Pricing puts the diesel wagon and hatch at the premium end of the Mazda6 range. At $36,690, the wagon represents a $1200 premium over the base-model Classic, the only other version of the Mazda6 wagon on sale.
Mazda has taken a different tack with the $43,890 diesel hatch, a $2900 premium over the equivalent six-speed manual hatch fitted with the petrol engine. It’s the most expensive car in the line-up, and will be marketed as the “Mazda6 Diesel Sports”.
One of the key features of the new engine is the attention that Mazda’s engineers paid to how smoothly and quietly it runs. The 2.2-litre unit is effectively an enlargened version of the old cylinder block but with the increased use of aluminium.
Gone is the timing belt of the 2.0-litre diesel, which needs a change every 100,000 km. The new engine gets a maintenance-free timing chain and cleaner running to reduce visible emission.
However, Mazda Australia has again asked head office to look into developing an automatic transmission for the diesel, but given Europe’s leaning towards the manual shifter and Australia’s comparitively low sales of the oil-burner, it’s unlikely.
Mazda has committed to replacing all its drivelines from 2011, so if it does come it will be a long wait.
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