LA 2017: Mazda Updates Mazda 6 in Time for Show

As the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show draws closer to its December 1, 2017 opening date, Mazda has updated its flagship Mazda 6 midsize sedan in time to make its debut at the 10-day event. According to the Japanese carmaker, the goal of the team behind the 6's development for this update "was to enhance the daily lives of people who love cars, incorporating premium details and new engineering concepts and technologies based on Mazda’s human-centered design philosophy." The main changes for the Mazda 6 are under its hood, with its Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine now equipped with a cylinder deactivation system "to offer superior fuel efficiency and a performance feel crafted to match human sensibilities." In addition, the Skyactiv-G 2.5T direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine of the all-new Mazda CX-9 crossover SUV has been added to the 6's engine lineup in North America and other markets. Up front, the look of the Mazda 6 has been tweaked slightly to bring its look closer to the updated 'Kodo-Soul of Motion' design theme used in the current CX-5 and CX-9 crossover. As such, gone are the horizontal slats on the grille and in its place is a multi-element, mesh-like design on a floating grille. In addition, the wings of the chrome grille now flows underneath the headlights unlike in the previous version which disappeared between the hood and on top of the headlights. Even the bumper has been redesigned slightly as a chrome strip now resides in where the fog light used to be. Inside, a new high-grade interior features Japanese Sen Wood, often used in traditional Japanese instruments and furniture, and other exclusive trim elements for an enhanced premium feel that is authentic to the brand. The updated 6 also offers a wider range of advanced i-Activsense safety technologies which help the driver identify potential risks and reduce the likelihood of damage or injury while the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) can now also bring the car to a standing stop and take off again when the car in front moves away. The 6 also adopts Mazda’s latest 360-degree View Monitor. No word yet when the updated Mazda 6--and which elements will make it to the local model--will be launched by Mazda's Philippine distributor, Bermaz Auto Philippines.