Press Release
Body and Chassis - More Rigidity, More Driving Fun
The body and chassis systems of the Mazda6 facelift have been tuned and refined to ensure that the new engine performance translates into Mazda6-typical driving fun. The chassis components of the Mazda6 facelift are more rigid and combined with an increase in local body stiffness for a marked improvement in dynamic performance.
For Mazda6 facelift’s body shell, the thickness of the front frame reinforcements was increased, two additional body frame reinforcements were added, the rigidity of the outer door panel reinforcements increased and a new door pad incorporated. The upper A-pillar on the driver’s side was also reinforced, the thickness of the B-pillar reinforcements increased and the outer reinforcements and gussets of the lower B-pillar redesigning for more rigidity.
These enhanced reinforcements to the Mazda6 facelift’s body shell work in conjunction with a suspension system architecture that is unchanged, but retuned to improve the new version’s road holding capabilities and handling stability. The Mazda6 facelift has a double wishbone front suspension, hydraulic power assisted steering and an E-type multi-link rear suspension system, all of which deliver high levels of road holding capability. For the Mazda6 facelift, the suspension has been revised to include front and rear bushings modified to deliver more flexural and torsional rigidity and tuned to work with the springs and dampers to deliver an optimal balance between predictable handling control and ride comfort.
The Mazda6 facelift has four large disc brakes, and anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD). Mazda’s dynamic stability control (DSC) with electronically-controlled brake assist is available as well for even more safety. To apply the effect of this outstanding braking system gently and smoothly, Mazda has developed an innovative braking force booster for constant pedal pressure, and uses especially strong brake hoses that do not bulge under high pres- sure and detract from pedal feel. Added to those models with new 18-inch wheels (2.3-litre petrol) are new 320 mm front and 314 mm rear disc brakes, which enhance even further the Mazda6’s braking performance.
Safety & Security
The Mazda6 facelift’s active safety package begins by delivering predict- able, controllable handling in normal conditions coupled with robust four-wheel disc brakes, ABS and EBD as standard, and available DSC with electronically controlled brake assist. Added to this are several new optional features to help the driver avoid an accident before it occurs. These include a new intelligent auto light system that employs two sensors � a forward and an upward-facing sensor � which constantly monitor light levels and turn the lights on and off according to conditions. Full auto wiping is also available, which controls wiper on/off and high/low speeds automatically via a sensor that analyzes infrared reflectivity to determine how wet the windshield is to provide optimal wiper functionality so the driver can concentrate on the road.
Mazda6 facelift also has a redesigned body structure for improved crash safety with the goal of achieving a five-star rating on European NCAP testing. With improved body rigidity, the Mazda6 facelift has passive safety levels that deliver a strong passenger cell for even more pro- tection in case of impact. These improvements build on an extremely rigid subframe that absorbs and distributes impact energy away from the passengers. Inside the occupant cell is a collapsible brake pedal that helps reduce the risk of leg injuries to the driver in case of frontal impact. Front and side air- bags for front occupants are onboard, along with curtain airbags for both front and rear passengers. The Mazda6 facelift also includes a seat- belt reminder tone and indicator for the rear seats, added to the standard reminder for the front seats. This feature is especially practical for families with children.
