TEST: 2013 All-new Mazda6 2.5 SKYACTIV

MANILA, Philippines - It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, has a top speed of 223 km/h, and sips fuel to the tune of 10 km/L in Metro Manila driving (including a claimed 15.9 km/L in Japanese tests).

It’s the stunningly sensuous all-new 2013 Mazda6, the Hiroshima-based company’s flagship model, and which has come to represent Mazda’s zoom zoom driving dynamic, winning 186 awards globally since the first generation was first launched in 2002. This third-generation Mazda6 not only embodies the Mazda’s ‘KODO-Soul of Motion’ design theme, but is the second product to incorporate the entire SKYACTIV suite of technologies first introduced on the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV last year.

The new P1.705 million Mazda6 will feature a ground-breaking capacitor-based energy-regeneration technology called i-ELOOP, which harnesses and stores energy from vehicle braking and deceleration and redeploys the stored electricity to power the multiple electrical devices in the car. Ten percent of engine power is typically used to generate electricity—i-ELOOP frees up the engine to channel all it power to the wheels, and saves fuel at the same time. This is the first time I’ve experienced a regenerative energy system on a non-hybrid car. (F1 cars employs a similar energy regeneration concept in their Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems or KERS—albeit to boost engine power for overtaking.)

Complementing i-ELOOP is Mazda’s unique intelligent i-STOP engine idling stop system that further improves the Mazda6’s city-driving fuel economy. My only gripe is the noticeable engine shake when the engine restarts—something the 6 can learn from the Toyota and Honda hybrids, as well as other luxury brands with nearly undetectable engine stop-start operations.

The Mazda6’s 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine boasts the highest compression ratio of any production gasoline engine in the world. In combination with SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, the Mazda6 becomes a most engaging driving partner. The term “sports sedan” is often associated with BMW, but it works supremely well with the 6. Whether you’re accelerating, corneing, or braking, the car simply feels alive and oh-so-responsive—a characteristic you won’t often find in midsize luxury sedans.

The new Mazda6 has the longest wheelbase in its class, making it among the most spacious executive sedans in the market. The long wheelbase translates to a smooth, luxurious ride as well as generous legroom for the rear passengers. Interior fit and finish is likewise right up there with the established luxury sedans. Leather seating and trim is standard on the Mazda6, with power seats for both front seats, and 8-way power adjustment for the driver seat.

Making the driving experience more enjoyable and safer is the voice-enabled Bluetooth hands-free system that supports input source selection, call-dialing and audio track selection. Controls also mounted on the steering wheel for added safety and ease of use.

The newest Mazda6’s SKYACTIV-Chassis and Body is larger than the previous Mazda6, yet lighter and has 45 percent more torsional rigidity through the use of more high- and ultra-high tensile steels and highly rigid injection-molded foam to strengthen body joints without adding structural members. The drag coefficient of the new Mazda6 is a slippery 0.26—that’s more aerodynamic than some exotic sports cars.

The new Mazda6 boasts six airbags, ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Dynamic Stability Control, and a camera which displays the rear view on the center console TFT screen when backing up.

The 6 also benefits from Mazda’s YOJIN3 Total Care, an industry-first comprehensive FREE-TO-CUSTOMER package comprising 3-year/60,000km periodic maintenance service, 3-year Emergency Roadside Assistance with Concierge Service and 3-year product warranty—all for free.

All things considered, the new 6 signifies a fresh direction for Mazda in the Philippines. It builds on Mazda’s worldwide reputation in building cars that are exhilarating to drive and beautiful to look at, and adds to this the attributes of comfort, luxury, safety, and above all, amazing fuel efficiency.