SYDNEY, Australia - Mazda today revealed the passenger car that will shake up Australian consumers' perception of diesel engines.

Mazda further cemented its diesel domination among Japanese passenger car brands with the addition of a new-generation turbodiesel drivetrain to the classy Mazda6 medium car range from December.

Speaking at the Sydney motor show in Darling Harbour, Mazda Executive Vice President Philip Spender said this is a demonstration of Mazda's commitment to deliver a driving experience that benefits both the consumer and the environment.

"This new-generation 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine in the Mazda6 Diesel shows that the enthusiast and the environment can exist in harmony. This high-tech engine brings huge increases in engine performance and driving pleasure while sporting exemplary environmental credentials."

Mr Spender said the Mazda6 Diesel will make diesel synonymous with exhilaration.

"This engine will change the way Australians perceive diesel engines. It is robust and refined, powerful and economical. It delivers a combination of real world performance and fuel economy unmatched for the price in Australia."

Mr Spender confirmed that the Mazda6 Diesel will be offered in five-door hatchback and five-door wagon bodystyles, and is expected to be priced comparatively with its petrol siblings.

Like all Mazda6 models, the Mazda6 Diesel will come with high levels of equipment and class-leading safety features, including Dynamic Stability Control and front, side and curtain airbags standard.

The Mazda6's new-generation 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine is 0.2 litres bigger than the engine it succeeds. It produces 136kW of power and a stomping 400Nm of torque from just 1,800rpm, up 31kW and 40Nm respectively, and all delivered to the front wheels via a sporty six-speed manual transmission.

The Mazda6 Diesel's real-world performance takes a big leap forward: It accelerates from rest to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds, one second quicker than before. The new model dispatches the standard overtaking test (80-120km/h) in 5.8 seconds in fourth gear - a time that puts many highly fancied sports cars to shame.

The Mazda6 Diesel's fuel economy is rated at a miserly 5.9L/100km - exactly the same as the 2.0-litre turbodiesel it replaces and significantly batter than many so-called "economical" small cars. 

An impressively low CO2 emissions rating of 159g/km makes the Mazda6 Diesel an environmentally-sound consumer choice.

"This is a classic example of having your cake and eating it too," said Spender. "It's a clear demonstration of Mazda's Sustainable Zoom-Zoom commitment to deliver environmentally-friendly cars that are exhilarating to drive."

The Mazda6 Diesel is the second turbodiesel passenger car in Mazda's current range alongside the Mazda3 Diesel.

Mazda's Doug Dickson said the Mazda6 Diesel's compelling mix of performance, economy and value for money would give it a broad appeal with consumers.

"The Mazda6 Diesel is frugal around town and a true hybrid-beater in the country, so it'll appeal to buyers keen to minimise their impact on the environment as well as lessen the pain at the petrol pump.

"With 400Nm of torque, it will deliver an effortless, refined driving experience, yet it's also capable of accelerating strongly and responsively when needed. So, if you enjoy driving, you'll enjoy the Mazda6 Diesel.

"And all this eco-friendliness and excitement is contained in a svelte and practical Mazda6 hatchback or wagon body, so it's a natural fit for the Australian lifestyle."

View Mazda at AIMS 2008 Press Kit - PDF

For further information contact:

Glenn Butler
National Public Relations Manager
Phone: (03) 8540 1961
Mobile: 0408 126 812
Email: gbutler@mazda.com.au

Lydia Richards
Media Communications Manager
Phone: (03) 8540 1962
Mobile: 0439 347 658
Email: lrichards@mazda.com.au