If you’re waiting to get your hands on the Mazda6 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D clean diesel, then you’re going to have to wait a little bit longer. The release of the 173 HP, 310 lb-ft of torque diesel vehicle has been delayed for nearly six months until late Spring of 2014.
Although Mazda had originally planned to release the vehicle before the end of the year, sometime during the 4th quarter, they’ve had to delay those plans due to emissions testing and certification. This unfortunately puts the diesel version of the vehicle out more than a year from the launch of the redesigned Mazda6 that happened much earlier this year.
Mazda’s Skyactiv, a combination of features that includes the engine, chassis and other technology, is currently being rolled out in all of their vehicles. The Mazda6 Skyactiv-D clean diesel would have been a significant edition to the product line this year, offering an option for those looking for greater fuel efficiency.
The sale of the Mazda6 Skyactiv-D clean diesel in the United States will make them the only Japanese auto manufacturer to offer a diesel vehicle in North America. It lets them target the 2014 Volkswagen Passat TDI.
Mazda saw a huge sales jump in the month of August this year, but results for the rest of 2013 haven’t been quite so positive. They’re only up 4% in a market that’s up 10% overall. The lack of the Mazda6 diesel could keep those numbers from improving as customers potentially delay their purchases, or turn elsewhere for their next vehicle.
They’re planning to compensate for the lack of diesels on dealer lots with additional gas-powered Mazda6 vehicles to the tune of 4,000 units during the first quarter of next year. That may work for some potential buyers, but for those looking for that diesel option, it’s not likely going to be an acceptable substitute.
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.
