Good news, diesel fans! Mazda is going to be bringing one over to our shores in the new 2014 Mazda6.
It will be a 2.2 litre clean diesel using Mazda’s infamous fuel saving SkyAvtiv technology. As such, the trim level will be dubbed the SkyActiv-D. This new diesel will join the regular gas combustion engine 2.5 litre 4 cylinder currently in the 2014 Mazd6. Perhaps even better news is that the SkyActiv-D will be available with either a six-speed automatic or, crucially for true diesel fans, a six-speed manual will be offered as well.
This makes Mazda the first Japanese automaker to offer a diesel engine in the North American market. Most diesel enthusiasts are limited to premium European makes – all of which are excellent, but they are also quite expensive. Although pricing has yet to be announced, the Mazda6 SkyActiv-D will likely be the cheapest full-size diesel available on our market and it will compete directly with the Volkswagen Passat TDI.
Power numbers and fuel consumption numbers are also being kept secret for the time being, but stay tuned for that info quite shortly.
So, Mazda has taken two good steps by offering a diesel with an available manual transmission. Now all they have to do is offer that combo in the Mazda6 wagon and I guarantee they will see diesel fans en masse flood to their dealerships.
Expect the Mazda6 SkyActiv-D to go on sale in late January 2013.
[Mazda]
