2014 Mazda 6 To Get Diesel Option

2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

LOS ANGELES — A 2.2-liter Skyactiv diesel engine will be an option on the 2014 Mazda 6 in the second half of 2013, Mazda confirmed at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show on Thursday.

Performance specifications and fuel economy estimates for the Skyactiv-D clean diesel engine are not available, Mazda said.

Mazda is targeting the 2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI with the diesel-powered 2014 Mazda 6. The 2013 Passat TDI SE starts at $27,020, including a $795 destination charge.

The Passat TDI with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine and six-speed manual transmission returns 31 mpg in city driving and 43 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. The Passat TDI has a range of 800 miles, according to Volkswagen.

The 2014 Mazda 6 will be equipped with a 2.5-liter Skyactiv gasoline engine when it goes on sale in January. Mazda said the gas-powered Mazda 6 will deliver an estimated 184 horsepower.

The AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report on Thursday pegged the average price for a gallon of diesel fuel in the U.S. at $4.02 versus $3.95 a year ago.

Pricing was not announced on either variant of the 2014 Mazda 6.

But Mazda said buyers can expect such details as "large-size alloy wheels, LED lights, a TomTom-based in-dash navigation system, Bose premium audio, Bluetooth and HD Radio Technology.

Smart City Brake Support, which helps the driver avoid low-speed frontal collisions, will be an option.

Edmunds says: Consumers are about to get an intriguing diesel option in the midsize sedan segment with word that Mazda is about to enter the alt-fuel fray with the 2014 Mazda 6.