Mazda6 gets safety boost

MAZDA has updated its Mazda6 mid-sized sedan and wagon line-up with a selection of i-Activsense safety equipment now available as standard range-wide, but pricing of upgraded variants is unchanged.

Blind sport monitoring (BSM), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), forward smart city brake support (SCBS-F) and automatic dimming rearview mirror are now included as standard on all Mazda6 variants, aligning with the top-of-the-range Atenza, which has been available with the kit from launch.

In addition to the extra equipment added to all variants below Atenza, the mid-range Touring and GT also get rearward smart city brake support (SCBS-R)In recognition of the no-cost addition to the rest of the range, Mazda has reduced the price of both Atenza Mazda6s with the petrol version down by $1030 and the diesel costing $1380 less than pre-update versions.

The pricing restructure affects both sedan and wagon versions of the Mazda6 flagship, kicking off the four Atenza variants from $45,390 before on-road costs. Diesel Atenza sedans now cost $48,240, while both wagon Atenzas attract a $1300 premium over sedan equivalents.

Mazda's BSM system monitors other vehicles in close proximity to the car and illuminates an LED warning in the door mirror. If the driver ignores the warning and indicates to move in the direction of the hazard, as second audible warning is issued.

RCTA uses the same array of radar sensors to detect if other vehicles are approaching when reversing out of a parking space or junction, and SCBS will apply the brakes if it senses a forward or rear collision is imminent.

The safety system additions join seven airbags, dynamic stability control, emergency stop signal and hill-hold assistance, which have been available for all grades of the Mazda6 since launch.

Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak said the safety update boosts the appeal of the Mazda6, which is already Australia's third best-selling mid-sized passenger car and the nation's second favourite under $60,000.

“If you are in the market for an extremely safe, stylish, dynamic and highly sophisticated car that comes without the price tag, then it is hard to go past the Mazda6,” he said.

“The Mazda6 has an array of cutting edge i-Activsense safety features that are now standard across the range. Even better is that they come at no added cost... It’s a value proposition that is difficult to ignore.”