Mazda8 and MX-5 Updated

THE Mazda6 and MX-5 are updated for 2021 to stay abreast of the times. Firstly, the Mazda6’s Apple Carplay is updated to the Wireless Apple Carplay for all the variants and the 2021 Mazda6 2.0L Skyactiv-G sedan now comes equipped with Advanced Keyless Entry and Walkaway door lock features as well as paddle shifters.

The Mazda6 2.5L, meanwhile, is provided better aesthetics for a more polished look. Updates include 19-inch Black Metallic alloy rims and Gloss Black door mirrors for a sportier impression. Keeping with this sporty touch, the interior now comes with Burgundy Red leather seats and Burgundy Red stitching for the dashboard and door trims.

The Mazda6 is currently imported from Japan and available with two model options. The Mazda6 2.0L has a 1998cc undersquare engine (83.5mm bore and 91.2mm stroke) that delivers 119kW (162hp) at 6000rpm and 213Nm at 4000rpm. The transmission is a Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic with manual shift mode. The combined fuel consumption is given as 6.5 l/100km (15.38km/l).

Likewise, the Mazda6 2.5L also has an undersquare engine (89.0mm bore and 100.0mm stroke) that displaces 2488cc. Power is rated at 141kW (192hp) at 6000rpm and 258Nm at 4000rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission is similar to that in the 2.0L and the combined fuel consumption is 7.0 l/100km (14.28km/l).

There are seven colour options; Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver, Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black and one newly added colour in the Polymetal Gray. Prices on the road without insurance start at RM170,917 for the 2.0L and RM207,642 for the 2.5L. These prices include the 50-per cent Sales Tax reduction that applies till 30th June.

MX-5 2021
This iconic roadster sees a minor update for 2021 and like the Mazda6, the Apple Carplay is updated to the Wireless Apple Carplay for the two variants. Other than that, all specifications remain unchanged. After all, there is little that requires changing for this exciting-to-drive roadster that is imported from Japan.

The Mazda MX-5 RF is powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre (1998cc), similar to that in the Mazda6 although it is tuned for more power to complement its sportier driving dynamics. It delivers 133kW (181hp) at 7000rpm although the torque is lower at 205Nm at 4000rpm. Its top speed is 200km/h and combined fuel consumption is slightly higher at 6.7 l/100km (14.9km/l) for the six-speed automatic model.

The six-speed manual transmission model has a higher top end of 220km/h without losing much on combined fuel consumption at 6.8 l/100km (14.7km/l). The difference in kerb weight between the two is 26kg with the manual tipping the scales at 1111kg and the auto at 1137kg. The MX-5 RF manual is definitely for those who like to be more engaging driving the roadster along winding roads by selecting the gear for a more dynamic experience.

The 2021 MX-5 also comes with a new colour option in Deep Crystal Blue with the other hues being Soul Red Crystal, Snowflake White Pearl, Machine Gray, Polymetal Gray and Jet Black. Prices on the road without insurance (but with 50 per cent Sales Tax reduction) are RM258,591 for the manual model and RM260,527 for the automatic. – LPS