Long regarded as one of the best-handling, most-engaging vehicles in its segment, Mazda6 again raises the bar with Mazda’s first application of the all-new G-Vectoring Control (GVC) introduced in the updated 2017 Mazda6. AF ed got to sample GVC first-hand at the Mazda MINE Proving Ground in Japan recently. Click here if you want to know more about GVC.
GVC is the first in a series of new SkyActiv-Vehicle Dynamics technologies that provide integrated control of the engine, transmission, chassis and body to enhance the car’s Jinba Ittai—“horse and rider as one”—feel. (I told you it involved horses! – Ed.)
It benefits drivers with more precise control of their vehicles, which its engineers have designed to help reduce the need for steering corrections, leading to greater confidence and control both in day-to-day and spirited driving.
Besides GVC, Mazda have further improved the sound insulation in the 2017 Mazda6 with better door seals, tighter tolerance between panels and sound insulation materials added to the underbody, rear console, headliner and doors. Further improvements include thicker front glass to block wind noise, while the Grand Touring models receive laminated front side windows.
The 2017 Mazda6 also receives high-end materials like Nappa leather on the seating surfaces with contrast-colour piping in Grand Touring models equipped with the Premium Package. Other Premium Package contents include a black headliner and heated steering wheel with traditional Japanese chidori stitching – similar to what can be found in CX-9 Signature models, heated rear outboard seats, i-ELOOP regenerative braking technology and a bright metallic finish to switches and trim throughout the interior.
Other improvements include a newly available full-colour Active Driving Display as well as a 4.6-inch, full-colour TFT meter display in Grand Touring models. Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane-Keep Assist and Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring have also made their way into the 2017 Mazda6. Entry Mazda6 Sport models now come equipped with Mazda Connect when equipped with a SkyActiv-MT 6-speed manual transmission as well as the available SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed automatic.
Besides the updated 2017 Mazda6, the Mazda3 also gains some minor exterior and interior updates this year. It now comes with a bolder grille, LED headlights and tail lights, and a redesigned rear bumper.
Inside the cabin, perforated black or almond-colored leather seating surfaces are available as standard. The 2017 Mazda3’s leather-wrapped steering wheel has been redesigned for a more comfortable grip, and is newly available with heating elements.
Other interior improvements include an electronic parking brake as standard equipment and a sliding covered center console design borrowed from its big brother, the Mazda6. Front passengers are treated with storage space in new door pockets that are three times larger than in previous models.
Just like the 2017 Mazda6, the new Mazda3 now comes with G-Vectoring Control (GVC) available as standard feature in the car. As mentioned earlier, the all-new technology provide sharper chassis control, leading to a need for fewer steering corrections and greater driver- and passenger-confidence.
On top of that, Mazda’s engineers have upped the ante with improved NVH damping in the 2017 Mazda3 too. It is a substantial 3dB quieter 25 mph over rough roads, thanks to tighter body gaps, improved sound insulation and redesigned weather stripping versus its 2016 predecessor.
With the 2017 updates also come the adoption of available Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring and Traffic Sign Recognition as well as a new, full-colour Active Driving Display. These safety features complement Mazda3’s i-ACTIVSENSE suite, which includes Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart City Brake Support and Smart Brake Support for highway speeds.
The 2017 Mazda6 and Mazda3 will enter the US market in September, with pricing to be announced closer to its on-sale date.
