Mazda6

The Mazda6 (known as the Mazda Atenza in Japan and China, derived from the Italian attenzione) is a mid-size sedan produced by Mazda since 2002, replacing the long-produced Capella/626.

The Mazda6 was marketed as the first example of the company's "Stylish, Insightful and Spirited" design philosophy, followed by the Mazda2 in December 2002, the RX-8 in August 2003, the Mazda3 in January 2004, the Mazda5 in the summer of 2005, the MX-5 in October 2005, and the CX-7 in November 2006. The 2003 Mazda6 is essentially the sixth-generation Mazda 626, part of the 'G' model code family.

Recent Changes

• For 2011, the JDM Mazda Atenza receives its first mid-cycle facelift, which reportedly will also grace the USDM and world market Mazda 6. The nip and tuck further pushes the Atenza's aesthetic deeper into Mazda's Nagare design language. That said, the changes are a little more than skin deep as the Atenza also gets chassis tweaks and Mazda's new 2.0 litre DISI gasoline four-pot with direct injection.
• For 2010, the UK will get a special edition of the Mazda6 called the "Tamura Special Edition". It is essentially a 2.0 5dr TS model that gets minor styling tweaks such as new front and rear sports bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler, privacy glass, clear rear light bezels and special 18-inch wheels. The prices start at £16,695.
• or 2009, Mazda releases a special edition of the Atenza (JDM Mazda6) in Japan. The 2.0 Style Edition Atenza features 6 paint schemes, including Lilac Silver Metallic and Stormy Blue Mica, which aren't available on the regular Atenza, LED door mirror indicators, discharge headlights, 17-inch alloys, blackout gauges (the dashboard and instrument panel dials are visible only when the engine is engaged) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The car will be powered by a 2.0-liter engine mated to a five-speed slushbox as the car is based on the Atenza 20C.
• On August 7, 2007, Mazda released a teaser shot of the upcoming 2009 Mazda6 on the internet (see above). The 2009 Mazda6 will debut sometime in 2008, while the current Mazda6 continues on for the 2008 model year. Both the Mazdaspeed6 and Sport Wagon models have been discontinued for the 2008 model year, but a Mazdaspeed version will most likely return after the introduction of the 2009 Mazda6.
• A week before its official Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, the 2008 Mazda6 was leaked on the web. The vehicle is all-new for the model year and features new styling as well as a host of other improvements.

Styles and Major Options

The Mazda Mazda6 is available in four trims: the Sports Sedan, 5-door Hatchback, Sports Wagon, and Mazdaspeed6 edition. Certain engines are only available with certain trims, and there are various option packages to choose from. In the Nort america, the mazda6 is available in sedan only.

For trim levels for the Australasian bound Mazda6s, go to Trim levels for ADM Mazda6.

Pricing

To date, the Mazda 6 costs from $17,658 to $27,608

Safety

Based on crash tests performed by the NHTSA, the Mazda6 has received mostly excellent ratings since its introduction in 2002. The one area that falls slightly short is its Front Seat Side-Impact rating, which, at 3/5 stars, is merely average.

Each Mazda6 trim comes standard with several safety features, including:

• 4-wheel Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
• Front Impact Airbags
• Occupancy Sensor
• Side Impact Bars
• Ignition Disable

Criticisms

"The Mazda6 is not as spacious as many of its competitors." - Kelley Blue Book

"The other minor shortcoming is that an auto-down/up feature is available only for the driver's window." - Edmunds.com

"We like Mazda's talk of connecting emotionally with customers. But we're not sure they've reached far enough with the 6 to grab the attention they need." - Motor Trend

Overall Dimensions

Length: 4670 mm (Sedan) Width: 1950 mm Height: 1435 mm Wheelbase: 2675 mm

Mazdaspeed Atenza (Mazda 6)

2011 Mazda Atenza line-up

The 2006 Mazdaspeed Atenza (known as Mazdaspeed 6 in North America and Mazda6 MPS in Europe and Australia) is a high-performance version of the Mazda6. It features a turbocharged version of the 2.3 L MZR I4 which produces 272 PS (200 kW) (European version is detuned to 260 PS (191 kW); the North American version, at 274 hp (204 kW), is more powerful). This 2.3 L DISI turbocharged engine features direct fuel injection and conforms to the new Euro 5 emissions standards. It has a revised front fascia with a raised hood, a 6-speed transmission, and all wheel drive. The all wheel drive system uses Mazda's Active Torque Split computer-based control which routes up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels depending on driving conditions. Mazda currently has no plans to enter the car into rally racing, and the Mazdaspeed Atenza is meant to compete with its Japanese-made rival, the Subaru Legacy GT and similar sport sedans rather than the smaller, rally-car-derived Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

Originally scheduled to be launched in June 2005, the Mazdaspeed Atenza was delayed until November. In North America, the Mazdaspeed6 comes in two trim levels; the "Sport" trim with cloth interior and standard key entry and ignition; and the "Grand Touring" trim with leather interior, keyless entry/ignition, and an optional DVD navigation (of which the Canadian model lacks DVD navigation). Automatic climate control is standard, as is a 200 W Bose stereo system featuring 7 speakers and a 9 in. subwoofer in addition to an in-dash 6-disc CD changer. A sunroof with moonroof feature is optional on the Grand Touring trim.

Although Mazda estimates 0-60 mph times to be 6.2 seconds, recent independent tests by automotive journalists have suggested that the actual numbers might range between 5.4-6 seconds (with DSC deactivated).

Awards

• The Mazda6 was 2nd place European car of the year and made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2003.
• The Sport Wagon won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Station Wagon award, while the Sport sedan won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Family Car award for 2005.
• The Atenza Wagon also won What Car?'s Best Estate award in 2004.
• In 2002, the Mazda 6 won Australia's Best Mid-Size Car Over $25,000 by the RACV.
• In 2009, Australian used car site Carsales awarded the Mazda 6 the People's Choice Award for its size class.