Mazda Refreshes 3 and 6 for 2017

Mazda has announced the Mazda3 and Mazda6 will be refreshed for the 2017 model year.

The big news with this refresh is the introduction of the G-Vectoring Control. This system monitors steering and throttle input and will reduce engine power in cornering. This is to shift vehicle weight to help with grip. It is unknown if this will come standard or optional on either model.

The Mazda3 gets a more extensive refresh out of the two with a new front fascia design, LED headlights, a new rear bumper for the hatchback, and new choices in colors and wheels. The interior gets an electric parking brake and larger front door pockets. The Mazda6 now features the option of heated rear seats.

Both models get a new steering wheel from the CX-9, an updated heads-up display system that now has color, added sound insulation, new camera for the smart city brake support system, and a Traffic Sign Recognition system to warn the driver of upcoming stop and no entry signs.

Both models will hit dealers next month.

Source: Mazda

Press Release is on Page 2

2017 Mazda3 Raises the Standard with G-Vectoring Control, Refined Performance

• Mazda’s Compact Four-Door Sedan and Five-Door Hatch Returns with Fine-Tuned Handling, Upscale Cabin and Premium Machine Gray Paint
  

IRVINE, Calif. (August 9, 2016) – From being named a finalist for World Car of the Year, to landing on Car and Driver’s 10Best list every year it’s been eligible, to numerous awards for the quality and sophistication of its interior, the current-generation Mazda3 has become a standard by which compact cars are judged.

Now, it’s time to up the game again.

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today introduced the U.S.-spec 2017 Mazda3, which gains notable improvements in refinement, packaging and handling.

The 2017 Mazda3’s exterior tweaks are subtle, but effectively elevate the vehicle’s KODO—Soul of Motion design, adding a bolder grille, available LED headlights and tail lights, and a redesigned rear bumper on five-door models that extends an upscale, monochromatic look to the lower valences. Occupants are treated to an interior that should make anyone seriously question the need to go for a more expensive offering from any other car company.

Perforated black or almond-colored leather seating surfaces are available. The 2017 Mazda3’s leather-wrapped steering wheel has been redesigned for a more comfortable grip, and is newly available with heating elements, a rare feature in its class.

Other interior improvements include an electronic parking brake as standard equipment, freeing up space for storage, 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.

Alas, pragmatism is nothing without purpose, which Mazda3 delivers without compromise. The new Mazda3 will come standard with G-Vectoring Control (GVC), an all-new, Mazda-exclusive technology that uses the engine in conjunction with the steering, throttle inputs and suspension to provide sharper chassis control, leading to a need for fewer steering corrections and greater driver- and passenger-confidence.

Much as Mazda3’s already engaging steering has improved with GVC, Mazda’s engineers have upped the ante with improved NVH damping, too. The 2017 Mazda3 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-color 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.

All of these improvements add up to a compelling offering that should captivate those who value the serenity of a winding back road on a Sunday afternoon, yet still crave a practical, attractive and efficient vehicle.

The 2017 Mazda3 arrives in dealers in September, with pricing and packing to be announced closer to its on-sale date.

Seeking the Finer Things in Life: 2017 Mazda6 Makes Global Debut

• Mazda’s Midsize Sedan Adds G-Vectoring Control, Heightened Refinement and Newly Available Nappa Leather Interior Appointments
  

IRVINE, Calif. (August 9, 2016) – Mazda North American Operations today introduced the 2017 Mazda6, gaining further premium refinements and continuing to redefine the notion that one need not compromise driving pleasure for practicality and efficiency.

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) in North America. 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.

GVC 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.

But engineers didn’t stop there. Their desire to seek constantly higher goals led them to bestow Mazda6 with greatly enhanced sound insulation.

Using improved door seals, tighter tolerance between panels and sound insulation materials added to the underbody, rear console, headliner and doors, the aim for Mazda6 was to outclass common midsize-segment cars with its attractive design and establish a unique “Mazda Premium” positioning. Further improvements include thicker front glass to block wind noise, and Grand Touring models receive laminated front side windows.

The 2017 Mazda6 also receives available Nappa leather seating surfaces with contrast-color 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-color Active Driving Display with font made uniform to what is found in the rest of Mazda6’s displays for both clarity and conformity as well as a 4.6-inch, full-color 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 CONNECTTM when equipped with a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission as well as the available SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic.

These enhancements join a long list of upgrades made to the previous year’s Mazda6, which included a completely redesigned interior, a new front fascia when equipped with full LED headlights in certain models, an LED-backlit “signature wing” grille, seven-inch MAZDA CONNECTTM display with Commander control knob, white LED interior lighting, electronic parking brake and Sport Mode switch in models equipped with automatic transmissions.

In the U.S., Mazda6 continues to be one of the few midsize sedans offered with an available manual transmission for discerning enthusiasts. All U.S. models are powered by a 184-horsepower, 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G engine.

The 2017 Mazda6 arrives in dealers in September, with pricing to be announced closer to its on-sale date.