Any Takers? Docs Herald Mazda 6 Diesel Introduction

The road to America is often a long one, and the 2.2-liter diesel four-cylinder that finally set up shop in the Mazda CX-5 last year took a Donner Party-like detour after leaving Japan.

The Skyactiv-D engine was over half a decade late in arriving on these shores, and when it finally did — cleared by the EPA after certain modifications — journalists were underwhelmed by its power and economy. Now, it’s the midsize Mazda 6’s turn to try ditching gasoline. Will anyone be in line to greet it?

Its chances would have been more favorable had the engine appeared on time. Back when passenger cars still outranked SUVs/crossovers in terms of sales and the Volkswagen Passat TDI Sport was a hot and illegally efficient midsize entry.

It’s no secret that Mazda still intends to outfit the 6 with compression ignition, but a California Air Resources Board certification document filed at the end of January and uncovered by Autoblog shows its arrival is drawing close. Expect a launch later this year.

“Mazda has worked tirelessly with federal and state agencies to ensure that this diesel engine has passed each and every regulation,” Jeff Guyton, president of Mazda North American Operations, said during the CX-5 diesel’s New York unveiling last spring.

In that application, the Skyactiv-D — mated to a six-speed automatic — makes 168 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque; it’s expected the diesel 6 will see similar output, though the all-wheel drive promised by Guyton in 2019 isn’t confirmed for 2021 (or for a mid-year launch, which Mazda seems fond of). In the years following the 2.2L’s initial delay, Mazda saw fit to outfit the 6 and CX-5 with more power, offering a turbocharged 2.5-liter delivering 250 hp and 310 lb-ft on premium gasoline.

The CX-5’s sales continue to rise (the model now accounts for more than half of all Mazdas sold), but the addition of a new engine hasn’t helped the 6. Despite its refreshed exterior and cabin (which already looked sharp), inherent tossability, and optional turbo mill, 6 sales fell for a fourth consecutive year in 2019. While the arrival of all-wheel drive might change a few minds, the revamped Mazda 3 did not see its fortunes rise when it donned AWD for 2019. Quite the opposite, though other factors were at play with that model.

When the diesel 6 does arrive, Mazda may opt to follow the same course as the CX-5, which offered the engine as an option only on the top-flight Signature AWD trim. Then again, it might not, given that dealers seemed to have trouble moving them without steep discounts. In that model, the Skyactiv-D brought a $4k markup, placing the diesel CX-5’s after-destination price north of $42,000. Keep in mind we’re talking about a compact mainstream crossover here.

With more power offered by the turbo gas engine and fuel economy that, at least in the crossover, fell short of expectations, the diesel 6’s business case may be even more nonexistent than the oil-burning CX-5’s. Feel free to disagree.

[Image: Mazda]