LA show: 2018 Mazda6 scores turbo-petrol power

MAZDA will reintroduce turbo power to its new-look Mazda6 sedan at this year’s Los Angeles motor show, adding a version of the CX-9’s force-fed 2.5-litre petrol engine to its powertrain line-up that promises “torque on par with a 4.0-litre V8”.

While unlikely to be the resurrection of the MPS badge many are hoping for – the engine produces 170kW/420Nm under the bonnet of Mazda’s large SUV – the new unit is a significant step up from the 138kW/250Nm naturally aspirated 2.5-litre mill of the current flagship Mazda6.

Cylinder deactivation technology will also be adopted in the atmo engine to cut fuel consumption levels down from the 6.6 litres per 100km, with the system also set to spread across to the CX-5 mid-size SUV.

Denoting the changes under the metal will be an updated exterior, which is expected to be the final form of the third-generation Mazda6 before an all-new model is introduced in 2020 previewed by the Vision Coupe concept at this year’s Tokyo motor show.

Although only an off-centre exterior shot has been released, Mazda has revealed its updated Mazda6 will wear a new front grille with vertical design cues instead of horizontal slates, as well as a reworked lower bumper design that simplifies the front fascia.

Inside, the new Japanese mid-sizer will also sport a slightly tweaked interior with new-look air vents and upmarket materials including Japanese Sen wood.

Higher levels of safety equipment will also be included with “a wider range of advanced i-Activesense safety technologies as standard across the range”, according to Mazda.

The Japanese car-maker’s radar-guided cruise control now sports a stop and go function, while higher-grade Atenza variants gain 360-degree surround-view cameras.

The facelifted Mazda6 is expected to land in Australian showrooms in the latter half of 2018 to give the Japanese mid-sizer’s sales a shot in the arm.

Year-on-year, Mazda6 sales have dropped 17.1 per cent to 3012 to the end of October – enough to beat out the Ford Mondeo (2610), Skoda Octavia (1514), Volkswagen Passat (1996) and Subaru Liberty (1746) for second place in the sub-$60,000 medium passenger car segment behind the dominate Toyota Camry (20,498).