2008 Mazda 6 Keeps Weight Down With AHSS

The all-new Mazda6 sedan was launched at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show to high acclaim as an evolution of Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom brand promise. This year, Mazda has introduced new wagon and hatchback versions to the line-up, along with the MZR-CD 2.0-litre common-rail turbo diesel (not available in the U.S. unfortunately). The turbodiesel engine has a common rail injection system with 6 hole injectors. With a diesel particulate filter, the engine complies with Euro-IV emissions standards. Compared to the diesel in the previous-generation model, the new version uses 6.7 percent less fuel and gets an EU combined rating of 42mpg and CO2 output of 149g/km and providing 140hp with 243lb-ft of torque.

The new design does not compromise the C/ D- segment (family-sized) roominess and practicality. In fact, it has more of both. The new Mazda6 has more rear leg room (+ 20 mm) and shoulder room (+ 9 mm) thanks to its larger exterior dimensions. The driver enjoys a better view of the road with one of the segment’s best forward-upward visibility levels and it has newly-designed rear head restraints and door mirrors for a better view to the rear. It is more convenient than before as well, with one of the

segment’s widest boot/ tailgate openings,compression ignition engine. The new 6 has a newly redesigned 2.0L four-cylinder diesel engine called the MZR-CD.

To avoid any gain in weight with the increased size, which would negatively affect handling and fuel consumption, engineers strictly controlled the weight during development as was done previously with the third-generation Mazda MX-5 and the new Mazda2. For instance, Mazda6’s all-new body shell has 7 percent more high and ultra-high-strength steel, which result in double-digit increases in both flexural and torsional rigidity for all body styles – without a gain in weight. These efforts resulted in the new Mazda6 being up to –2.4 percent or 35 kg lighter than the outgoing model for better handling and fuel efficiency, with enhanced crash resistance.