Mazda 6 engines

Since its launch in 2002, the Mazda 6 has established itself as a stylish alternative in the mid-size class, offering a sophisticated Mazda 6 engine range across three generations. Each generation has brought distinctive Skyactiv technologies and different strengths, with technological evolution from conventional naturally aspirated engines to highly efficient Skyactiv units.

Mazda 6 engines: Generation I (2002-2008)

The first Mazda 6 generation was characterized by robust but still conventional engines that could easily reach 250,000 to 350,000 kilometers with proper maintenance. The Mazda 6 engines of this era typically required major maintenance work between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers, such as timing belt replacement or turbocharger renewal in the diesel variants. The absolute top engine of this generation was the 2.3 MZR with 166 hp, which optimally combined power, reliability and a characteristic sound. Technically, the Mazda 6 engines were still designed without the later Skyactiv innovations, but provided a solid basis for the brand's development. Compared to German competitors such as the BMW 3 Series or Audi A4, the Mazda 6 positioned itself as an affordable alternative with an independent design.

Mazda 6 petrol engines: Generation I (2002-2008)

The Mazda 6 petrol engine range included various MZR engines with naturally aspirated technology. The 1.8 MZR with 88 kW (120 hp) was available as the entry-level engine, followed by the 2.0 MZR with 108 kW (147 hp) and the top-of-the-range 2.3 MZR with 122 kW (166 hp). These Mazda 6 engines were characterized by their longevity, but suffered from typical problems of the time: occasional problems with the ignition coil unit and wear of the valve stem seals after high mileage. The 2.3 MZR developed into the most reliable petrol engine of this generation, with its characteristic sound and linear power delivery. The variants produced from 2005 onwards with optimized engine management proved to be particularly durable.

Mazda 6 diesel engines: Generation I (2002-2008)

The Mazda 6 diesels were dominated by the 2.0 MZR-CD with various output levels from 89 kW (121 hp) to 105 kW (143 hp). The Mazda 6 2.0 MZR-CD with turbocharging and common rail injection offered a good balance between performance and fuel consumption. These Mazda 6 diesel engines met the Euro 4 standard and offered acceptable fuel consumption of 5.8-6.4 liters per 100 km. However, occasional turbocharger damage and problems with exhaust gas recirculation were problematic, especially in vehicles with predominantly short journeys. The 2.0 MZR-CD with 143 hp nevertheless developed into the best diesel of this generation.

Mazda 6 engines: Generation II (2008-2012)

The second generation Mazda 6 marked the transition to more modern engine technologies and offered significantly improved reliability. Most Mazda 6 engines of this generation can easily reach 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, with the revised MZR petrol engines being considered particularly durable. Major engine failures have become very rare, with only the diesel variants continuing to show weaknesses in exhaust gas recirculation. The absolute highlight was the 2.5 MZR with 170 hp - a harmonious six-cylinder engine with excellent running characteristics and high reliability. This generation successfully positioned itself against the VW Passat and Ford Mondeo with its independent design and reliable technology.

Mazda 6 petrol engines: Generation II (2008-2012)

The Mazda 6 petrol engine range was expanded to include a 2.5 MZR with 125 kW (170 hp), while the proven 2.0 MZR (114 kW/155 hp) and 2.3 MZR (120 kW/163 hp) remained available. These revised Mazda 6 engines received optimized engine controls and improved materials. The 2.5 MZR developed into the absolute favorite of this generation - with its excellent running culture, high reliability and only minor problems with valve coking after very high mileages. All Mazda 6 petrol engines of this generation were characterized by their longevity, with the larger engines tending to be more reliable than the smaller units.

Mazda 6 diesel engines: Generation II (2008-2012)

The revised Mazda 6 2.0 MZR-CD was offered in power levels from 103 kW (140 hp) to 120 kW (163 hp). These modernized Mazda 6 diesel engines featured improved common-rail injection and optimized turbochargers. The 2.0 MZR-CD with 140 hp proved to be the most reliable diesel of this generation, with a test consumption of only 5.2-5.8 liters per 100 km and significantly reduced exhaust gas recirculation problems. Nevertheless, occasional turbocharger damage and problems with the particulate filter persisted on predominantly short journeys.

Mazda 6 engines: Generation III (2012-today)

The current Mazda 6 generation revolutionized engine technology with the introduction of Skyactiv technology and is considered the most technically advanced of all generations. The Mazda 6 Skyactiv engines can easily reach 350,000 to 450,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, and the Skyactiv-G petrol engines are considered to be particularly durable and efficient. The high compression ratio and optimized combustion have led to significantly improved efficiency without compromising reliability. The absolute top-of-the-range engine is the Skyactiv-G 2.5 with 194 hp - a technical masterpiece with high compression that offers both power and efficiency. This generation successfully positioned itself as a premium alternative to German competitors.

Mazda 6 petrol engines: Generation III (2012-today)

The Mazda 6 Skyactiv-G engine range started with the 2.0 Skyactiv-G (107 kW/145 hp) and the 2.5 Skyactiv-G (141 kW/192 hp, later 143 kW/194 hp). These revolutionary Mazda 6 engines have a compression ratio of 13:1 to 14:1 and optimized combustion chamber geometry. The 2.5 Skyactiv-G developed into the best petrol engine of all Mazda 6 generations - with its excellent smooth running, high efficiency (6.8-7.4 l/100km) and virtually problem-free operation to date. Both Skyactiv-G engines are free from the typical problems of modern turbo engines and impress with their durability and linear power curve.

Mazda 6 diesel engines: Generation III (2012-today)

The Mazda 6 2.2 Skyactiv-D was offered in various power levels from 110 kW (150 hp) to 140 kW (190 hp). These modern Mazda 6 diesel engines feature two-stage turbocharging and meet the Euro 6 standard. The 2.2 Skyactiv-D with 150 hp proved to be the most reliable diesel of all Mazda 6 generations, with a test fuel consumption of only 4.8-5.4 liters per 100 km and significantly reduced exhaust gas recirculation problems. The Skyactiv-D technology with its low compression ratio and optimized combustion resulted in a very clean and efficient combustion.

Mazda 6 facelift engines: Generation III (2018-today)

With the 2018 facelift, the Mazda 6 received revised Skyactiv engines with improved efficiency. The 2.5 Skyactiv-G was increased to 143 kW (194 PS) and received cylinder deactivation. In addition, the 2.5 Skyactiv-G Turbo with 170 kW (231 hp) was added, but was only available in selected markets. These Mazda 6 engines represent the current state of Skyactiv technology and offer an excellent balance between performance and fuel consumption.

Conclusion: The best Mazda 6 engines of all generations

The development of Mazda 6 engines shows a continuous improvement across all generations. While the first two generations still relied on conventional technology, the Skyactiv technology of the third generation revolutionized efficiency and reliability. Mazda 6 engines are consistently characterized by their durability and the elimination of problematic technologies such as high-pressure direct injection or complex turbocharging.

• Best Mazda 6 gasoline engine:

The Mazda 6 2.5 Skyactiv-G (194 hp, Generation III) combines advanced Skyactiv technology with high efficiency, excellent refinement and virtually problem-free operation to date.

• Best Mazda 6 diesel engine:

The Mazda 6 2.2 Skyactiv-D (150 hp, Generation III) offers the best combination of reliability, economy and environmental performance of any Mazda 6 generation.

• Best Mazda 6 hybrid engine:

Hybrid powertrains were not available on the Mazda 6, as Mazda focused on optimizing conventional engines through Skyactiv technology.

For maintenance and spare parts for all Mazda 6 generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery and expert advice.

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