Market Segment:
Mid-size sedan/wagon, competing in a segment known for practicality, refinement, and driving dynamics.
Brand Philosophy:
Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' philosophy emphasizes driving pleasure and responsive handling, a key differentiator.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy.
Technology Focus:
The 'Skyactiv' technologies (engine, transmission, chassis, body) are central to this generation's design, focusing on efficiency, performance, and weight reduction.
Design Language:
'Kodo: Soul of Motion' design language, emphasizing flowing lines and a premium aesthetic.
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine disassembly and assembly, engine diagnostics.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (Skyactiv-Drive), manual transmission (where applicable), transmission control, removal and installation, overhaul.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD), all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, driveshafts, differentials, axle shafts.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS, EBD, DSC), wheel alignment.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, power windows, mirrors, locks, wipers, horns, fuse box diagrams, wiring diagrams.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, body sealing, structural repairs.
Electronics:
Infotainment system, navigation, audio system, climate control, sensors, ECUs, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-ups, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation.
Repair Procedures:
Component replacement (e.g., alternators, starters, water pumps, fuel pumps), brake pad/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, exhaust system repair, body panel repair.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting flowcharts, symptom-based diagnostics, use of diagnostic scan tools, interpretation of DTCs, component testing procedures.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized Mazda service tools for specific repair operations.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical system troubleshooting.
Engine Code:
PE-VPS (2.5L)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2488 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
89.0 mm x 100.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
13.0:1
Horsepower:
184 hp @ 5700 rpm (typical)
Torque:
185 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (typical)
Fuel Delivery:
Direct Injection (DI) with Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) and Electronic Throttle Control (ETC).
Fuel Requirement:
87 Octane or higher (recommended Unleaded Gasoline)
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Green)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic Engine Oil
Oil Capacity:
5.7 US Quarts (5.4 Liters) with filter change
Timing Mechanism:
Timing Chain (no scheduled replacement)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE Automatic Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
6-Speed SKYACTIV-MT Manual Transmission (available on select trims/markets)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Lock-up torque converter, Sport mode, manual shift mode.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda Genuine ATF FZ
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda Genuine Manual Transmission Oil 75W-80 GL-4
Length:
186.6 inches (4740 mm) (Sedan)
Width:
72.4 inches (1839 mm)
Height:
57.1 inches (1450 mm) (Sedan)
Wheelbase:
111.2 inches (2825 mm)
Front Track:
62.0 inches (1575 mm)
Rear Track:
62.0 inches (1575 mm)
Trunk Volume:
14.8 cu ft (420 Liters) (Sedan)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3200-3400 lbs (1450-1540 kg) depending on trim and drivetrain.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by trim, typically around 4600-4800 lbs.
NHTSA Rating:
Generally received 5-Star overall safety rating (check specific year/model for details).
IIHS Rating:
Often awarded 'Top Safety Pick' or 'Top Safety Pick+' by the IIHS.
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS).
Braking Assist:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA).
Driver Assistance Optional:
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Smart Brake Support (SBS), Radar Cruise Control (MRCC).
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH/ISOFIX child seat anchors.
System Name:
Mazda Connect infotainment system
Display:
Central 7-inch touchscreen display.
Features:
AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio, CD/MP3 player, USB/Auxiliary audio input, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, Pandora/Stitcher internet radio integration.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available with Smart Brake Support (SBS) and Radar Cruise Control (MRCC).
Lane Keeping:
Optional Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).
Parking Assist:
Rearview camera, available front and rear parking sensors.
Usb Ports:
Standard USB and Auxiliary input for audio and device charging.
Bluetooth:
Standard Bluetooth for phone and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first), or based on oil quality monitor.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Iridium-type, replace at 75,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Replace at 10 years or 100,000 miles, then every 5 years or 50,000 miles thereafter.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent (verify specific model requirement, some may be electric power steering).
Common Complaints Or Issues:
Potential for minor oil consumption in some Skyactiv engines, exhaust manifold cracks (less common on this generation), some infotainment system glitches, potential for rust on older models in corrosive climates.
Warranty Service Bulletins:
The manual would detail procedures for addressing TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) issued by Mazda.
Manufacturer History:
Mazda is a Japanese automaker with a long history of producing innovative and driver-focused vehicles, known for its rotary engines and engineering prowess.
Previous Generations:
The Mazda6 has a lineage tracing back to the Mazda Capella/626, evolving through multiple generations with a focus on sportiness and design.
Third Gen Introduction:
The third generation (GJ/GL) was introduced for the 2014 model year, marking a significant shift with the full adoption of Skyactiv technologies.
Production Locations:
Primary production often cited in Hofu, Japan, and potentially other global facilities depending on market.
IIHS Awards:
Frequent 'Top Safety Pick' accolades from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally positive ratings from consumer organizations for reliability and driving dynamics.
Jd Power Rankings:
Often performed well in J.D. Power dependability and initial quality studies for its segment.
Emission Standards:
Meets or exceeds all applicable federal and state emission standards for the model years covered.