The Northern Territory news Fri 13 Aug 2021
NT news
The Northern Territory news; NewspaperNT
2021-08-13
English
Community newspapers -- Northern Territory -- Darwin.; Australian newspapers -- Northern Territory -- Darwin.
News Corp Australia
Darwin
application/pdf
Copyright. Made available by the publisher under licence.
News Corp Australia
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00042
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/846513
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/846580
04 MOTORING NTNE01Z01MO - V1 THIS IS THE CONNOISSEURS MAZDA The Mazda6 is not a default choice any more, as buyers gravitate to SUV options such as the best-selling CX-5 or seven-seat CX-9. But theres much to admire here, starting with the stylish silhouette and practical wagon boot. You also get plenty of gear including a touchscreen with satnav, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, a Bose stereo and a lot of safety gear such as front and rear auto braking, blindspot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance. Priced from about $52,500 drive-away, the GT SP is $12,000 more than the cheapest model but has luxury features and a turbocharged engine. PRESENTATION IS A STRONG POINT Our test example looked sharp in a shade of metallic battleship grey dubbed polymetal that goes nicely with gloss black 19-inch alloys, black mirrors and adaptive LED headlights. The cabins burgundy-coloured leather with grey stitching looks premium, helped by neat additions such as heated front and rear seats that make it feel more like a prestige car than a mainstream wagon. ITS FASTER THAN YOU THINK Powered by a thirsty 2.5-litre turbo engine pinched from the bigger CX-9, the Mazda6 uses 7.6L/100km to make 170kW and 420Nm if you fill it with the cheapest fuel you can find. Upgrade to premium unleaded and peak power climbs to a respectable 184kW, enough to make the front tyres spin if youre too eager with the throttle on slippery surfaces. It has plenty of go, delivering effortless grunt in combination with a smooth-shifting six-speed auto linked to shift paddles on the steering wheel. BUT IT ISNT A PERFORMANCE CAR Badges such as GT and SP, previously reserved for cars such as the Porsche-hunting Mazda RX-7 SP or rare turbocharged MX-5s, suggest this might be a high-performance thoroughbred. But its a luxury cruiser, not a weekend track bruiser forget about huge brakes, stiff suspension, kidney-hugging seats and gumball tyres. This is a practical and comfortable family car with a strong motor, not a purposeful alternative to the likes of Skodas Octavia RS. That doesnt mean its a dud to drive. Composed on the open road, the Mazdas sweet steering delivers reassuring responses in the bends and the well-sorted suspension has more compliance than you might find in SUV alternatives. ITS STARTING TO SHOW ITS AGE Limited edition models with cosmetic changes are often a sign that an updated model is around the corner. Launched in late 2012, the Mazda6 is one of the oldest cars in Mazda showrooms and we know the brand is working on a successor due in the next year or two. Set to ride on a new platform with a fresh in-line six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel-drive, the next Mazda6 promises to be a more polished and technically advanced machine than the outgoing version. It should address some of the current models shortcomings and bring features such as wireless smartphone mirroring, a powered tailgate, rear climate controls and 360-degree camera that arent available here. The Mazda6 GT SP is a great car but the next model has the potential to be truly special. Sedans and wagons may not be the default choice for new-car buyers, but they look great and are fun to drive DAVID McCOWEN STICK WITH TRADITION F I V E T H I N G S