Facelifted 2018 Mazda6 Wagon Is More Premium Than Ever

The facelifted Mazda6 Wagon flew under the radar in Geneva but it’s still worth mentioning as the updated model has received a host of improvements.

Starting on the outside, the wagon follows in the footsteps of the facelifted sedan as it adopts a new mesh grille with a deeper and more intricate pattern. The grille is surrounded by restyled headlights which feature LED turn signals and newly integrated fog lights. Other changes include additional body-color trim and restyled 17- and 19-inch aluminum wheels.

The interior receives a modest refreshing that focus on technology and higher quality materials. First off, the car has been equipped with new seats which have thicker padding and wider cushions for improved comfort. The model also gains an 8-inch infotainment system, an updated instrument panel and upgraded door trim.

Higher end variants offer an assortment of goodies including a seven-inch TFT LCD display in the instrument cluster and a new Active Driving Display which “projects vehicle information directly onto the windscreen.” The Mazda6 can also be equipped with newly available ventilated front seats and a new luxury package which adds Nappa leather upholstery, Sen wood trim and suede-finish materials.

The wagon’s engine lineup has also been improved as engineers focused on increasing performance while decreasing fuel consumption and emissions. On the petrol side, there’s a SKYACTIV-G 2.0 which has outputs of 145 PS (107 kW) and 165 PS (121 kW). Customers can also order a SKYACTIV-G 2.5 engine developing 194 PS (143 kW) and 258 Nm (190 lb-ft) of torque.

The entry-level diesel model has a SKYACTIV-D 2.2 engine producing 150 PS (110 kW) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. There’s also an upgraded version which develops 184 PS (135 kW) and 445 Nm (328 lb-ft) of torque.

Besides the updated engine lineup, the wagon features a revised suspension with new dampers and stabilizers that are now bonded to the bushing mounts. Mazda says these changes will help to deliver a “smoother, more linear” ride.

Engineers also focused on improving NVH levels by reinforcing key points of the body and adding thicker floor panels. The company also installed vibration-absorbing material to the central tunnel and modified the internal structure of the cabin ceiling.

On the safety front, the Mazda6 offers a wider range of i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies. Highlights include an updated Mazda Rader Cruise Control system which now works at all speeds. Another notable feature is the 360° View Monitor which uses four cameras to display the car’s surroundings.

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