Mazda6 With G-Vectoring Control Tested

In 2013 this Mazda6 sedan arrived in Malaysia with a design that excited Malaysians looking for a sedan that was above and beyond the norm in looks and emotion. Then in 2017 a facelift Mazda6 arrived to carry the design language further forward and with new handling technology called G-Vectoring Control. Yes, G-Vectoring Control (GVC) sounds complicated…but really… it is not. Simply put, this is a system developed by Mazda engineers which regulates engine output to improve both responsiveness and stability, particularly in corners, sharp and mild. It is a product of Mazda’s human-centric vehicle development approach that enables integrated Jinba Ittai enhancing control over SKYACTIV engines, transmissions and platforms.

THE GVC ADVANTAGE

GVC is a product of Mazda’s pursuit of smooth transitions between the g-forces produced when accelerating, braking and turning. It’s the only system of its kind that adjusts engine torque in response to steering wheel action to achieve smoother and more efficient vehicle behaviour, providing unified control over lateral and longitudinal forces to optimise the load on each wheel.

It works like this: As soon as the driver turns when, say, entering a curve, GVC uses engine torque to generate deceleration g-force. This shifts the load to the front wheels, increasing front tire grip to boost responsiveness. When the driver subsequently maintains a constant steering angle through the curve, GVC restores acceleration engine torque, which transfers the load back to the rear wheels. This supports vehicle stability.

Because the load transferring draws out added grip from the respective wheels, it furnishes a dynamic balance of stability and responsiveness, which in turn makes the 2017 Mazda 6’s behaviour correspond more precisely to the driver’s intentions. And GVC does its job regardless of the driver’s skill level in a range of driving situations: At low or high speeds, on straightaways or winding roads, on rain, snow or ice, and even during emergency manoeuvres.

EXTENSION OF THE DRIVER

This 2017 Mazda 6’s SKYACTIV-Chassis plays an elemental role here. It features a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension whose shock absorber structure and optimised bushing shapes to deliver a flatter, smoother ride, balancing steering comfort and fun responsiveness as well as braking agility and stability.

Lightweight yet exceptionally stiff, the SKYACTIV-Body, meanwhile, supports the reconciliation of these contradictory factors. Despite having one of the lowest kerb weight in its class (starting at 1515kg), the Mazda6 also delivers top-class passive safety protection that helped it earn five stars from Euro NCAP and other traffic safety authorities around the world. Aerodynamics are outstanding too, with CD values of 0.26 for the sedan and 0.28 for the sportswagon.

Currently available in 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre variants in Malaysia, both models are also armed with a number of technological and performance innovations that put their nearest rivals in the shade. Familiarizing ourselves with the entry-level 2.5-litre version, the all-new GVC 6 proved to be a major improvement over its predecessor.

For starters, under the hood is the 2.5-litre engine rated at 185bhp and 250Nm of torque. Matted to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, this Mazda6 picks up momentum with ease and is more than capable in holding its own on the fast lane with more powerful models. Gear changes are swift and smooth and combined with a tight chassis and suspension set-up, this Mazda6 certainly goes as well as it looks with sporty tarmac hugging properties with minimal roll which is the ‘magic of GVC.

Inside, the vehicle also rocks a more premium feel with wood grain and aluminium trim, leather seats, a TFT touch-screen with MP3, AUX, USB and Bluetooth as well as soft-touch materials on the dash and window sills. This Mazda6 also features dual zone automatic air conditioning, keyless entry with push start button and cruise control. In the safety department, this Mazda6 comes with six airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, dynamic stability and traction control as well as hill launch control.

Another key feature that Mazda engineers have afforded this Mazda6 include the i-Stop system, which saves you with your monthly fuel-bill whilst delivering a smoother and more refined drive in city traffic as the start-stop ignition does not jolt back into life during engine restart. Instead its smooth and quiet in its re-ignition.

At under RM197,000, this Mazda6 is priced a few thousand more than its nearest Japanese rivals. That however is a small price to pay considering what you get in return from a fully imported car.

MAZDA6 SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Specifications

Engine: In-line 4-cylinder DOHC 16V direct injection

Capacity: 2488cc

Transmission: Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed AT with Manual Shift Mode

Max Power: 185hp @ 5,700rpm

Max Torque: 250Nm @ 3,250rpm

Selling Price: RM196,203.00 Fully Imported (OTR w/o insurance)