Shyloo Posted October 9, 2020 Posted October 9, 2020 Mazda 6 to move to petrol-only as diesel production ends Mazda will cease production of its 6 large saloon and estate in diesel form this month, with the model moving to naturally aspirated petrol power only in Europe. It's believed that the long-standing 2.2-litre diesel unit would need redesigning in order to meet ever-toughening emissions legislation. The investment required to do would not be met with sales volumes significant enough to justify it. The diesel 6 will still be available to order from stock until the end of the year, however, a UK spokesman has confirmed. A number of makers have, in recent years, slimmed down or entirely axed their diesel offerings for models where the fuel was previously a po[CENSORED]r choice. This is particularly true in the business and fleet markets, where company car users are now strongly incentivised to choose plug-in hybrids or EVs rather than oil-burners. Mazda still offers the 2.2-litre diesel in the CX-5 SUV, and it's unclear if that will soon face the axe too. It's now the only diesel offering in Mazda's nine-strong range of UK bodystyles, as the volume-selling 3 was introduced in 2019 with the SkyActiv X spark controlled compression ignition petrol engine claimed to offer the economy of a diesel with the driver appeal of a petrol. Mazda will cease production of its 6 large sedan and wagon in diesel form this month, with the model moving to naturally-aspirated petrol power only in Europe. THe model is already petrol only in Australia. It’s believed that the long-standing 2.2-litre diesel unit would need redesigning in order to meet ever-toughening emissions legislation. The investment required to do would not be met with sales volumes significant enough to justify it. A number of makers have, in recent years, slimmed down or entirely axed their diesel offerings for models where the fuel was previously a po[CENSORED]r choice. Environmentally-friendly customers are now moving to choose hybrids, plug-in hybrids or EVs rather than oil-burners. Mazda still offers the 2.2-litre diesel in the CX-5 and CX-8 SUV, and it’s unclear if that will soon face the axe too. From the company that makes the marvellous MX-5 roadster, you’d hope the Mazda 6 would be a sporty and satisfying car to drive. And you won’t be disappointed. In giving it a driver-focused character, Mazda has built something that feels more agile than any crossover of SUV – although mindful of its market, this doesn’t mean compromise elsewhere. A criticism of earlier examples of the Mazda 6 was that the ride was perhaps a bit too firm and sporting. But far-reaching detail revisions in 2015 cured this for the mainstream versions: now, it’s only the Sport Nav that has a taut ride, which means it can fidget around town over bumps and potholes, but does still smooth out at speed. The benefit of this sporty suspension is excellent handling across all versions of the 6. Turn-in is sharp, there’s plenty of grip (particularly with the Sport Nav’s 19-inch wheels) and feedback through the steering is accomplished. The 6 is a great driver’s car and owners seem to really rate its talents behind the wheel. Mazda's 2016 update for the 6 included an innovative new system called 'G-Vectoring'. Essentially, it subtly adjusts torque delivery according to steering angle with the aim of providing a more stable and comfortable driving experience - different to more grip-focused torque vectoring systems. While various graphs and videos by Mazda show it working, we were unable to really detect it from behind the wheel - although it could benefit passenger comfort on long drives.
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