Test Drive the Mazda Atenza
MAZDA ATENZA
Test Drive: Atenza
Mazda's Atenza. Overseas,MAZDA 6it is sold as the Mazda 6, Mazda's flagship model. While the Atenza is highly acclaimed worldwide, its sales are naturally strong in Japan as well. The diesel engine models, in particular, have been well-received, following the earlier introduction of theMAZDA CX-5clean diesel engine in the CX-5. The Atenza was also a hot topic as a model to counter BMW's diesel engines that had arrived in Japan from Germany. Now, Tatsuya Kuishima takes the wheel of the Atenza.
Text by KUSHIMA Tatsuya
Clean Diesel: Not Just for Europe
The Atenza is selling well. If you follow automotive media, you've likely seen this news. Since its launch on November 20th last year, it has received 8,500 orders by the end of December. With a monthly sales target of 1,000 units, this is equivalent to eight months' worth of sales.
However, other manufacturers have similar sales news. The Nissan Note and Toyota Crown are also described as "selling well." But the Atenza has a unique sales characteristic: its diesel engine, one of the highlights of "Skyactiv." It's remarkable that nearly 80% of all models sold are equipped with this clean diesel engine. It seems clean diesel is no longer exclusive to European manufacturers. This truly marks the arrival of a new innovation.
So, what makes the diesel model so outstanding? First, fuel efficiency. According to Japan's original JC08 mode, it achieves 22.4 km/l for the 6MT model and 20.0 km/l for the 6AT model. In terms of numbers alone, it's close to hybrid vehicles. In fact, depending on how you drive it, it can even surpass hybrids.
Next is ease of driving. The low-end torque, characteristic of diesel engines, ensures smooth driving. Numerically, this is comparable to a 4-liter V8 gasoline engine. Since you can drive without revving the engine high, it also contributes to fuel efficiency. Furthermore, its high-rpm acceleration is noteworthy. It is equipped with two turbochargers, one large and one small, which effectively provide boost even at high RPMs. You might be impressed by its smooth acceleration around 4,500 to 5,000 rpm, which is unusual for a diesel.
This reminds me of theBMW 320d Blue Performance's diesel unit.
How Smooth a Diesel Can Be When Made by BMW
I was impressed by how smoothly it revved. The linear feeling of acceleration was outstanding. However, I believe both these models are strong contenders when it comes to revving up to 6,000 rpm.
It has enough factors to completely change the existing image of diesel engines.
I should also mention that the engine sound at this time was pleasant. The well-tuned sound enhances the sense of acceleration. It's so good you might grin and wonder, "Is this really a diesel?" Cars equipped with the Bose sound system have a function that further amplifies this, making it even more enjoyable.
The Joy of Driving with a Manual Transmission
The fact that a 6-speed manual was available allowed me to test its high-rpm performance.
I confirmed this by revving through each gear. At the same time, this is a welcome consideration. In the Japanese market, where manual transmissions are becoming rare, offering one in a car for everyday use is significant.
This is because the current Japanese automotive culture lacks the joy of driving.
In that regard, I wish BMW's diesel models also offered a manual transmission, but the Japanese specifications do not. Recalling driving a manual transmission Alpina diesel in the past, its absence here is truly regrettable. While shifting quickly with paddles is fine, the sensation of feeling the car's vibrations in your palms and operating the gearshift with your wrist is truly special.
MAZDA ATENZA
Test Drive: Atenza (2)
17-inch Tires: The Best Choice for Meticulously Tuned Settings?
Overall, the Atenza's diesel is excellent in all aspects. Although I had already experienced it in the CX-5, the characteristics change slightly with the car. The synergy with Mazda's in-house manual transmission felt so good, it seemed as though it had been meticulously refined. It was a perfect match.
As for the ride comfort, the optional 19-inch wheels felt a bit stiffer than expected.
Recently, tire performance has improved, and large-diameter wheels no longer feel out of place, but these were still too stiff. The jarring sensation when going over bumps might be acceptable in the front seats, but what about the rear seats?
If you were to carry passengers who don't particularly enjoy cars, they might get motion sickness quickly.
While thinking about this, I then drove the 2-liter gasoline model. I was pleasantly surprised by its superb ride quality. Equipped with the standard 17-inch wheels, it offered a smooth and comfortable experience. This suggests that the Atenza's suspension is fundamentally tuned for 17-inch wheels. Incidentally, while development took place at the familiar Miyoshi Proving Ground, the final suspension tuning is the same as the European specifications.
I also drove the 2.5-liter gasoline engine with a 6AT. This is the model with the most powerful unit in the Atenza lineup. As expected, it provided the mid-range acceleration that was lacking in the 2-liter model. This configuration is certainly a viable option.
Although I didn't get to drive the wagon body this time, I was able to experience the three engines and two transmissions. My conclusion is that both the diesel and gasoline models possess the qualities one would seek in this car. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the diesel paired with either the 6MT or 6AT, as well as the 2-liter and 2.5-liter gasoline models with the 6AT. While there might be personal preferences, none of them were disappointing.
Mazda's Signature Design
The exterior design also contributes to the overall positive impression. As is well known, the dynamic body lines and well-balanced packaging come together beautifully. Personally, I'm fond of the flare of the front fenders.
Conversely, with such a high level of exterior refinement, the interior design becomes a point of concern. Since the exterior and hardware have been finished with Mazda's distinctive identity, I wish the interior had the same. Depending on how you look at it, it's almost identical to a German car.
A Few Improvements Away from a World-Leading Japanese Car
With just a few improvements, the Atenza could be a complete Japanese car to be proud of on the world stage. Considering the rise of Korean and Chinese cars, which is expected to accelerate, this might be an urgent task. What's needed now is a Japanese original that meets global standards. The Atenza is arguably the closest car to achieving that.
MAZDA ATENZA XD
Body Dimensions: Length 4,860 x Width 1,840 x Height 1,450 mm
Wheelbase: 2,830 mm
Tread (Front/Rear): 1,585 / 1,575 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance: 160 mm
Minimum Turning Radius: 5.6 meters
Weight: 1,490 kg
Engine: 2,188cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Twin-Turbo Diesel
Compression Ratio: 14 : 1
Bore x Stroke: 86 x 94.2 mm
Max. Output: 129 kW (175 ps) / 4,500 rpm
Max. Torque: 420 Nm (42.8 kgm) / 2,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed Manual
Gear Ratios: 1st 3.357
2nd 1.826
3rd 1.565
4th 1.147
5th 0.893
6th 0.745
Final Drive Ratio: 1-2nd 3.850, 3rd-6th & Reverse 2.961
Drivetrain: FF
Suspension (Front): MacPherson Strut
Suspension (Rear): Multi-link
Tires: 225/45R19
Brakes (Front/Rear): Ventilated Disc / Disc
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode): 22.4 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions: 117 g/km
Fuel Tank Capacity: 62 ℓ
Price: 3.026 million yen
MAZDA ATENZA 20S
Body Dimensions: Length 4,860 x Width 1,840 x Height 1,450 mm
Wheelbase: 2,830 mm
Tread (Front/Rear): 1,585 / 1,575 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance: 160 mm
Minimum Turning Radius: 5.6 meters
Weight: 1,430 kg
Engine: 1,997cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC 16-valve
Compression Ratio: 14 : 1
Bore x Stroke: 83 x 91.2 mm
Max. Output: 114 kW (155 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Max. Torque: 196 Nm (20.0 kgm) / 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed Automatic
Gear Ratios: 1st 3.552
2nd 2.022
3rd 1.452
4th 1.000
5th 0.708
6th 0.599
Final Drive Ratio: 4.325
Drivetrain: FF
Suspension (Front): MacPherson Strut
Suspension (Rear): Multi-link
Tires: 225/55R17
Brakes (Front/Rear): Ventilated Disc / Disc
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode): 17.4 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions: 133.4 g/km
Fuel Tank Capacity: 62 ℓ
Price: 2.5 million yen
MAZDA ATENZA 25S L PACKAGE
Body Dimensions: Length 4,860 x Width 1,840 x Height 1,450 mm
Wheelbase: 2,830 mm
Tread (Front/Rear): 1,595 / 1,585 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance: 160 mm
Minimum Turning Radius: 5.6 meters
Weight: 1,450 kg
Engine: 2,488cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC 16-valve
Compression Ratio: 14 : 1
Bore x Stroke: 88 x 100 mm
Max. Output: 138 kW (188 ps) / 5,700 rpm
Max. Torque: 250 Nm (25.5 kgm) / 3,250 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed Automatic
Gear Ratios: 1st 3.552
2nd 2.022
3rd 1.452
4th 1.000
5th 0.708
6th 0.599
Final Drive Ratio: 4.056
Drivetrain: FF
Suspension (Front): MacPherson Strut
Suspension (Rear): Multi-link
Tires: 225/45R19
Brakes (Front/Rear): Ventilated Disc / Disc
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode): 15.6 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions: 148.8 g/km
Fuel Tank Capacity: 62 ℓ
Price: 3 million yen