Just days after getting its Canadian premiere in Toronto, the new 2018 Mazda6, upgraded and with a beefed up roster of equipment, now also gets its…pricing. The $27,000 starting price it carries is higher than that of other mid-size sedans in its class, but it’s worth remembering that Mazda has been busy positioning itself in a more high-end sphere. More on that further down…

The big news with the 2018 Mazda6, as we’ve previously reported on, is its new 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine with cylinder-deactivation capability – the first of its type in any 4-cylinder in North America. This helps save significantly on fuel when at cruising speed, and it comes standard in the new model, as do the integrated LED foglights, dual-zone climate control, rear-row ventilation system and 8-inch multimedia screen (up from 7 inches previously). Official fuel consumption figures have not yet been released, by the way.

The other notable feature of the 2018 Mazda6 also lies under the hood, with the availability of a 2.5L SKYACTIV-G turbo engine, also used in the CX-9 SUV. In both models the engine delivers 277 hp with 87 octane level gasoline or 250 hp with 93 octane level gas. As well, its substantial 310 lb-ft of torque is available at only 2,000 RPM. This turbo is available as an option in the GS-L mid-level trim and comes standard in both the GT and the new top-end Signature versions.

That Signature edition will sell starting at $38,800. We fully expect an enhanced level of refinement in terms of the finishing and the materials used, with brown Nappa leather seating inspired by the rich hue of aged wood found in ancient Japanese temples a particularly alluring prospect, followed by the Ultrasuede gold tint and Sen wood accents (this wood is often used in the making of taiko drums and Japanese furniture) on the dashboard and door panels. The Signature also gives buyers a 360-degree view camera, digital instrument cluster with 7-inch TFT screen as well as front and back parking sensors.

The 2018 Mazda6 will be arriving at Canadian dealerships in early April.

Mazda has also launched a line of limited-production special editions to mark the company’s 50th anniversary in Canada. These will be offered only for the Mazda3, Mazda3 Sport, CX-3 and MX-5 models, and they will come in either snow white or crystal red, not coincidentally to match the colours of the Canadian flag. Each of the special editions will be based on that model’s GS version, and add features like leatherette seats, a BOSE audio system and an advanced remote lock/unlock system.