Already regarded and praised as one of the best-handling cars in its class, the Mazda6 has always challenged premium badged rivals when it comes to dynamic appeal. The front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension systems demonstrate smooth and linear vehicle behaviour to deliver excellent ride quality in both urban and open road environments.
The front steering knuckles are mounted low down to deliver neutral steering characteristics, while the mount of the lower arm is raised. The front and rear anti-roll bars are bonded to the mount bushings and the way load is applied to the front springs is optimised, giving the suspension a smoother stroke. The bump stop characteristics extend the suspension’s linear stroke range, achieving smoother more stable roll characteristics, additionally rebound springs are fitted to the front dampers.
Changes to the current generation Mazda6 over its time on sale include an increase in the diameter of the front damper cylinders from 32 mm to 35 mm, and a change in the valve structure of the front and rear dampers. To lower the spring rate characteristics and absorb even minor vibrations in the rear suspension, the Mazda6 was the first Mazda vehicle to use urethane for the rear damper top mount. This layout demonstrates linear damping force in response to even small degrees of input, while also firmly suppressing skipping under high input to realise a higher level of ride comfort.
Rigid mounts attach the steering gear to the suspension cross-member, delivering a precise response to subtle steering wheel action when cornering or driving at high speeds. Excellent system rigidity combines with the fine-tuned suspension to offer a neutral and linear steering feel.
As you’d expect for a car that competes in the premium sector, the Mazda6 was developed to ensure refinement is class-leading. Thick floor panels and rear wheel housing inner walls greatly reduce the amount of tyre noise that penetrates the cabin. Gaps between body panels and interior materials, as well as the number of holes in them have been kept to a minimum and additional vibration-absorbing materials in the transmission tunnel further focus on noise suppression. The internal structure of the ceiling - the largest surface area in the cabin - has damping characteristics that deaden the sound generated when a door is shut.
In line with the lightweight but strong ethos of Mazda’s Skyactiv chassis technology, the rigidity of the model’s body structure was developed alongside a programme minimising weight increases through the careful design of structures and selection of materials. All of the above may be unseen but across the board the accomplished ride comfort and cabin quietness of the Mazda6 is clear from behind the wheel. Moreover, the adoption of smoother and flatter shapes for the engine and transmission tunnel undercovers streamlines airflow under the car to improve aerodynamics and efficiency. Other aero enhancements include low level ducts that create a flow of air to the front tyres, which enhances high speed stability.