Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size sedan, known for its upscale interior and engaging driving dynamics
Key Selling Points:
Stylish 'Kodo' design language, Skyactiv technology, premium interior feel, sharp handling
Primary Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu
Design Philosophy:
Mazda's 'Kodo: Soul of Motion' design language, emphasizing fluidity and dynamism
Technology Focus:
Skyactiv technology suite (engine, chassis, transmission) for improved efficiency and performance
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control system (ECU), fuel system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (Skyactiv-Drive), manual transmission (if applicable), transaxle, clutch
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, EBD, DSC), wheel alignment
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, audio system, power accessories, charging system, starting system, instrument cluster, CAN bus communication
Body:
Body and frame, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, glass, locks, wipers, HVAC system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, component testing and adjustment
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, schematics
Diagnostic Tools:
Reference to Mazda's GDS (Global Diagnostic System) or equivalent diagnostic equipment
Complexity:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics
Engine Code Typical:
PE-VPS (2.5L Skyactiv-G)
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2488 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
Approximately 89.0 mm x 100.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
13.0:1
Horsepower Typical:
184 hp @ 5700 rpm (approx.)
Torque Typical:
185 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium unleaded recommended for optimal performance, but not always required)
Engine Control Unit:
Mazda ECM with Skyactiv integrated control
Emissions Controls:
Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors (O2 sensors), evaporative emission control (EVAP) system
Transmission Type Std:
6-Speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE Automatic Transmission
Transmission Type Opt:
6-Speed SKYACTIV-MT Manual Transmission (availability may vary by trim and market)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Lock-up torque converter, sport mode, manual shift mode
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF-FW 6G transmission fluid (or equivalent DEXRON-III/VI compatible)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda GL-4 75W-85 or 75W-90 gear oil (check specific model requirements)
Length:
Approx. 191.5 inches (4865 mm)
Width:
Approx. 72.4 inches (1839 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.1 inches (1450 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 106.3 inches (2700 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 99.7 cu ft (2823 liters)
Cargo Volume Trunk:
Approx. 14.8 cu ft (420 liters)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3200 - 3400 lbs (1451 - 1542 kg), varies by trim and equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 4500 lbs (2041 kg)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Standard Tire Size:
225/55R17 or 225/45R19 (depending on trim level)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Likely 5-Star (check specific year's report for exact details)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes, typically awarded Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ for these years
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Standard (EBA - Emergency Brake Assist)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Standard (EBD)
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems:
Optional i-ACTIVSENSE suite including Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), High Beam Control (HBC), Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (front and rear)
Seat Belts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Infotainment System:
Mazda Connect infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen (or optional premium audio)
Connectivity Features:
Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, USB inputs, Pandora/Stitcher app integration (requires smartphone)
Navigation:
Optional Mazda Navigation System
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality
Lane Keeping Support:
Optional Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
Forward Collision Warning:
Optional Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) for low-speed automatic braking
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Optional Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Headlights:
Halogen or Bi-Xenon headlights depending on trim, with optional Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)
Keyless Entry Start:
Standard keyless entry and push-button start on most trims
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 20,000-30,000 miles)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 30,000-40,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 3 years or 45,000 miles (72,000 km), whichever comes first
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified synthetic oil
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.4 US quarts (5.1 liters)
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (pre-diluted blue type)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.0 US quarts (5.7 liters)
Common Complaints:
Reports of oil consumption in some early Skyactiv engines (often addressed via software updates or revised PCV systems), minor electrical glitches, potential for wind noise at higher speeds.
Common Issues Diagnostics
Carbon Buildup Intake Valves:
Direct injection engines can experience carbon buildup on intake valves. Manual details cleaning procedures.
Mazda Philosophy:
Mazda's commitment to driving pleasure ('Jinba Ittai' - horse and rider as one) and innovative engineering
Predecessor:
Second Generation Mazda 6 (2009-2013)
Design Language Shift:
Transition from 'Nagare' to 'Kodo: Soul of Motion' design language, offering a more mature and sophisticated appearance
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing in Hofu, Japan; potential assembly in other regions depending on market (e.g., Flat Rock, Michigan for North America)
IIHS Awards:
Consistent recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a Top Safety Pick
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Often rated highly by Consumer Reports for reliability and owner satisfaction (check specific year ratings)
Emissions Standards:
Meets U.S. EPA and CARB emissions standards for its model years