Mazda unveiled its 2017 Mazda6, which offers features that expand on the midsize sedan‘s fun-to-drive quotient while other changes give the car a more premium feel. These updates build on the sedan‘s expansive list of improvements for 2016, when the Mazda6 received a redesigned interior, a larger touch screen and an electronic parking brake, plus an updated grille.
G-Vectoring Control added
The 2017 Mazda6 will be the second model to use Mazda’s new G-Vectoring Control. Mazda’s midsize entry has already established itself as the sportiest sedan in the segment, GVC adds to that by providing integrated control of the engine, transmission, body and chassis to "enhance the car’s Jinba Ittai—’horse and rider as one’—feel," as Mazda explains. It’s designed to reduce the amount of steering corrections needed when cornering. All Mazda6 models will continue to be powered by a 2.5-liter, 184-horsepower engine with a choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
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One of Mazda’s goals with the updated Mazda6 was to make it more upscale, and the company started by reducing interior noise. In the 2017 model, Mazda adds generous amounts of sound insulation materials to the cabin and improved the door seals. The new Mazda6 will have thicker front glass to reduce wind noise, while Grand Touring models will benefit from laminated front side windows as well.
New safety features
A full-color Active Driving Display will be available for 2017, and Grand Touring models receive a 4.6-inch full-color display. New safety features include lane-keep assist, advanced blind-spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition. All models, including the entry-level Mazda6 sport, now come with the Mazda Connect infotainment package as standard equipment.
A new Premium Package, available on Grand Touring models, contains new upscale features, some of which were introduced in Mazda’s CX-9 crossover SUV. The Mazda6’s Premium Package includes Nappa leather seats, a heated steering wheel with traditional Japanese chidori stitching, heated rear outboard seats, bright metallic switches and trim, and i-ELOOP regenerative braking. When the 2017 Mazda6 goes on sale in September, pricing for the base model Sport will start at $22,780, and the price of entry for the top-of-the-line Grand Touring will be $34,030.
