BRAND NEW 2013 MAZDA6 SHOWS UP

The all-new 2013 Mazda6is now officially unveiled. Mazda’s flagshipsedan, redesigned from the top down using the KODO – Soul of Motion philosophy and based on the Takeri Concept carof 2011, is said to be quite the driver’s car. Pity it doesn’t look like there’s any turbo engines in the range.

“We have created a design in which the wild and dynamic expressions of motion artistically realise a powerful presence,” said chief designer Akira Tamatani. “Simply looking at the car heightens one’s expectations about the driving experience even before actually riding in it.”

Mazda6 measures 4.9 metres long, 1.8m wide, 1.45m tall and has a wheelbase that’s 2.8m long. So it’s more spacious than its predecessor, including 37mm extra legroom and 20mm more shoulder room for the rear passengers. Front suspension is MacPhersonstrut system, while the rear uses a multi-linksetup.

Two engines have been confirmed, although we don’t know which of them will be headed to Mzansi. One is the SKYACTIVE-G 2.0-litre that makes 110kW at 6000rpm, and 210Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Second is the 2.5-litre pushing out 141kW at 5700rpm and 256Nm at 3250rpm. Both are available with either a 6-speed manual or automatic. Again, in this day and age, to be without a turbo engine is like being in Alaskawithout a polo neck; you’re just exposedto the harsh elements. Mazda is a very small player in the world and has become even smaller since its virtual divorcefrom Ford.

The new car should be available for sale from your local Mzansi Mazda dealership sometime in 2013. It will probably find it tough going as it faces up to hot segment sellers like the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima.