KOBE, Japan — Mazda Motor Corp. has selected the Falken Ziex ZE001 A/S high-performance tire as an OE fitment on the redesigned/re-engineered 2018 Mazda6, considered the car maker's flagship passenger model.
Falken-brand producer Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (SRI) said it is supplying Mazda with the Ziex ZE001 model in size 225/45R19 92W, which corresponds to spec for the Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trim levels for the new Mazda6, which debuted in U.S. showrooms in April. The fifth trim level, Sport, rolls on P225/55R17 tires.
Mazda did not identify any other OE tire suppliers at this time.
SRI describes the Ziex ZE001 A/S all-season tire as offering a balance between consistent steering stability, refined riding comfort and quiet running in addition to superior fuel efficiency and braking performance, all qualities that fulfilled Mazda's "stringent performance requirements" for the new 6.
The four-door, five-passenger sedan is powered either by Mazda's 2.5-liter, four-cylinder Skyactive-G in normal aspiration or turbocharged versions, according to Mazda.
Falken is also OE on the Mazda CX-9 mid-size sport-utility vehicle with the Ziex CT50 all-season performance tire.