LOS ANGELES – Mazda showed its all-new 2014 Mazda6 sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show at a press conference on Thursday, announcing that the vehicle will come in two versions, a gasoline model with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine and a SKYACTIV-D model, with a clean diesel engine. 

Performance

Under the hood, the Mazda6 will feature the 2.5L SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine, which can produce 184 hp and 185 lb. ft. of torque at 3,250 rpm. Mazda hasn’t yet announced performance specs for the SKYACTIV-D clean diesel yet, though the automaker said it will be lighter than the current MZR 2.2L diesel sold in other global markets. The new clean diesel features a two-stage turbocharger and a low compression ratio for clean burning, which means no NOx aftertreatments. Mazda also discussed its new i-ELOOP technology, which is a type of capacitor-based regenerative braking system that powers electrical components.

Exterior

On the outside, Mazda described the sedan as being influenced by its TAKERI Concept vehicle and that the company applied its “KODO Soul of Motion” design aesthetic.

Interior

Mazda gave a brief overview of the 2014-MY Mazda6’s interior, saying that it will feature bolstered seats and high-quality interior materials. For multimedia and connectivity, the Mazda6 will offer a TomTom-based in-dash navigation system, a Bose premium audio system, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, an audio menu with voice command capability, HD Radio Technology, Pandora, and SMS audio delivery and reply.

Safety

Mazda said the all-new Mazda6 will offer a new safety system called Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), which is designed to help the driver avoid front-end collisions when traveling at slow speeds (under 20 mph) and automatically brakes if the system detects an imminent collision.

The automaker plans to release more details closer to the on-sale date. Mazda said it plans to begin selling the gasoline version in January 2013 and the clean-diesel version during the second half of 2013.

Photos by Greg Basich