Mazda6 revised for 2009

CURRENCY exchange rates have forced Mazda Australia to increase prices of its mid-sized Mazda6 range, but the company has added a raft of extra equipment that results in a net value improvement.

While base prices have risen between $500 and $1500, the extra equipment is worth up to $3500 so buyers are claimed to be at least $2000 better off on the value equation.

Re-engineering of the 2.5-litre engine means the Mazda6 can now run on regular 91-octane unleaded petrol instead of the more expensive 95-octane premium fuel previously required, with no change to its 125kW/226Nm outputs.

Although evidence suggests that using the higher-octane PULP improves economy and virtually negates the extra cost, Mazda says that the car’s fuel economy is unchanged and that the move to regular ULP will save buyers 10 per cent or more on running costs.

Mazda Australia believes that many buyers had baulked at the need for PULP, causing the acclaimed new model to fall short of sales expectations in 2008 – one of Mazda’s few disappointments in another stellar year, though it was still comfortably the best-selling medium import.

A major addition to the Mazda6 features list for 2009 is the fitment of bi-Xenon headlights with adaptive lighting to the Luxury, Luxury Sport and Diesel Sport models, making it the cheapest medium-size car on the Australian market with this system according to Mazda Australia.

Adaptive lighting is designed to improve driver vision in corners at night by turning the headlights in concert with the steering wheel.

The full Mazda6 range gains rain-sensing windscreen wipers, front and rear parking sensors, auto on/off headlights and an auto-dimming interior mirror.

Mazda Australia managing director Doug Dickson said the company could not hold off price increases any longer.

“Fluctuating exchange rates and the rising cost of raw materials has been putting significant pressure on new car prices for some time now (but) we firmly believe the new Mazda6 continues to offer class-leading value,” said Mr Dickson.

“The transition to 91 RON petrol alone spells significant savings for owners. Depending on how far you drive each year, that can add up to hundreds of dollars.

“In addition, the arrival of first-in-class technology like AFS (Adaptive Front Lighting) and an even longer equipment list makes the stylish new Mazda6 even more attractive to Australians.”Prices now start from $28,490 for the Limited sedan (previously $27,990) to $43,890 for the diesel-engined Sports hatch (unchanged as it was only launched last month).

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