Mazda6 Wagon

groovypippin · January 2004

The point thought, I think, is that sometimes it seems like two alike things are being compared with one another when that is really not the case.

Many consumers are unaware, I believe, that their are significant differences in terms of quality, technology and performance of certain car safety features. It certainly shouldn't come as a surprise, we all constantly read messages from people on these boards complaining about the quality of certain manufacturer's car stereos for instance.

It also stands to reason that certain car makers are able to put a lot of standard safety equipment into inexpensive cars because they are using inexpensive and likely less sophisticated safety components.

All of this goes to say no two vehicles are exactly alike and sometimes the differences between them are hard to spot, but they are there.

regfootball · January 2004

still doesn't mean the ABS and SABSAC shouldn't be STANDALONE options, availabel on all models and configurations without having to be a package deal.

nedzel · January 2004

Actually, I would have been far better off without ABS. I didn't have to brake hard and the road wasn't slippery. I would have stopped faster without it.

regfootball · January 2004

98% of the time ABS is better to have.

I've ditched enough cars and done enough inclement weather panic stops with ABS and non ABS cars and can say with absolute certainty that humans cannot modulate the brake pedal the way ABS can.

joey2brix · January 2004

I think too many bone heads think systems like ABS, traction control and now this hyped up anti-roll over logic will allow them to still drive normally (or even more idiotic) on ice and bad road conditions and these systems will save them.
The first rule is to adjust your road speed and closing distance to avoid ever using these systems in the first place.

regfootball · January 2004

yeah, and that still isn't enough. ABS is needed.

nedzel · January 2004

I started driving long before ABS. I grew up in IL, learned to ski in the UP, went to school in Ithaca, NY. Now I live in New England.

I've done my share of driving in the snow. Personally, I think ABS is way overrated.

boxfan · January 2004

"I think too many bone heads think systems like ABS, traction control and now this hyped up anti-roll over logic will allow them to still drive normally (or even more idiotic) on ice and bad road conditions and these systems will save them."

From what I've read, that's been the case with ABS: it generally hasn't been shown to avoid accidents in real life, and the thought is that people drive too fast because they think they're safer. It seems like AWD presents the same problem: it's easier to get going faster in snowy or icy conditions, but doesn't help you stop any faster, so it could give you a false sense of security. However, skid-control (or anti-rollover logic) systems have been found in several recent studies to lead to fewer rollovers and fewer accidents overall.

Nonetheless, I still want ABS, traction control and skid control on my next car.

boxfan · January 2004

I haven't used ABS in snow, but I find it very helpful on wet pavement.

regfootball · January 2004

if it saves you the hassle of a fender bender ONCE its worth it.

its all to often in urban traffic you get the brake masher in front of you. in heavy city traffic there is no 3 second spacing. traffic is so congested that other cars fill in the gaps you try to leave for yourself. inevitably you are jam packed on icy roads with an inattentive driver in front of you who mashes their brakes, forcing you to do the same, as you have no distance ata ll to do the clssic pump your brakes. in a time like this ABS is the only thing that can save you.

nedzel · January 2004

boxfan, I agree with you on this. When you start up from a stop and the wheels start slipping with just a slight push of the throttle, you say to yourself "yikes, it's slippery, I'd better go slow." I'm currently driving a 2003 4WD 4Runner. I can mash the throttle from a stop in snow and the truck moves out fast, with little slipping and no blinking of the traction control unless I get really stupid. So I don't really know how slippery it is until I have to brake or corner. At which point I quickly realize that ABS and stability control can't increase the coefficient of friction...

regfootball · January 2004

even if you are goin 5 mph on icy roads the ABS will save you a fender bender which you can't avoid trying to pump the brakes yourself.

audia8q · January 2004

if the tires can not get grip no braking system will help. Actually in snow and ice ABS isnt always helpful and at times a menace. But in rain and wet pavement it can be very beneficial.

Alot has to due with the quality of the ABS system and the quality of the driver. ABS will not make a bad driver better. haha But of course nobody is a bad driver.

mazda6s · January 2004

ABS might not reduce your stopping distance, but it may allow you to retain steering control.

regfootball · January 2004

bottom line, overall, ABS gives you a better chance of avoiding accidents than NO ABS does. there is no way to argue that fact.

a car with crap for tires is still gonna have a better chance of stopping than the car without with the same tires.

nedzel · January 2004

Mazda6s: I agree it may allow you to retain steering control. But it also may increase your stopping distances significantly, depending upon the road conditions.

I agree with audia8q -- in certain road conditions, you will stop a lot faster without ABS. Particularly in deeper snow and gravel, where you will stop much faster with locked up tires. You can see information about that here on a pro-ABS industry site:

http://www.abs-education.org/faqs/faqindex.htm

Concerning tires, your brakes stop your wheels but your tires stop the car. If you have poor, worn tires, ABS isn't going to help you much -- ABS can't do any better than the tire can do. If ABS is working very well, it will give you the best that tire can do on that surface, but no more.

regfootball · January 2004

99% of folks are on ice, freezing rain, and wet rain more often then 'deep snow' and gravel.

dudleyr · January 2004

What about the folks on dry rain? ; ^ )

nedzel · January 2004

agree to disagree about the worth of ABS.

subie_wrx · January 2004

Just last month, on a rainy night, as I was passing through an intersection at about 25 mph, an apparently inebriated person stepped out from the darkness right in front of my car. I slammed the brakes, and with full abs pumping away, managed to steer around her and back into my lane to avoid hitting an oncoming car. I stopped and the person kind of staggered back onto the sidewalk. I was shaking at the realization of what could have happened. There was no time to pump brakes, and without the abs I could never have steered around her.

regfootball · January 2004

the folks who don't get the worth of ABS usually are the type that think they can do everything better themselves or have never been in a situation where they have seen the benefit of ABS.

nedzel · January 2004

I'm hoping that we can agree to disagree about this without denigrating each other.

regfootball · January 2004

whatever. no more from me on this.

rumratt · January 2004

Let's get this back on topic. Any more updates on the Mazda 6 Wagon?

herzogtum71 · January 2004

other than the fact that a salesman yesterday told me that the hatch and the wagon were one and the same vehicle (I respectfully disagreed) and that they have no idea when the car will be on the lots and that they claim it likely will have both the 4-cylinder and V6 as choices. My wife rode in the back of a Mazda6 sedan for an hour yesterday and felt cramped. Did the back of the wagon seem bigger to those of you who saw it at the auto shows?

abpelch1 · January 2004

Yes, the back seat in the wagon did seem to have more room than both the sedan & the hatch. The hatch seemed to be the smallest, then the sedan, and the wagon the largest, especially in head room. I believe leg room seemed a bit more in the wagon as well.
Being 6'4", the wagon is the only version of the 6 that I would consider. If they build it only with a 6cyl, I'm afraid it will be out of my budget & I'll have to go with an Accord.

herzogtum71 · January 2004

My wife is 5'3" and she compared the room in the back of the sedan to the '87 Chevy Nova (aka California-built Corolla) that we used to own. When I sat in the back of the sedan with moonroof, I didn't have enough headroom and I'm only 5'10". I don't recall being put off by the legroom, but the driver of the sedan yesterday is fairly tall and likely had the driver's seat farily far back.
I too will likely not buy the Mazda6 wagon unless I can get a 4-cylinder. Reasons are fuel economy in addition to price.

4itgog · January 2004

I just received an email from Mazda.

Unfortunately, the V6 is the only engine available in the new wagon. Darn! It is too difficult to find a sporty , fuel efficient , utility vehicle in this day & age.

joey2brix · January 2004

A 4cyl would just get the wagon panned by the reviews as being a dog. I guess that leaves the L300 wagon as the cheapest 4cyl wagon in that size class at under 20K.

herzogtum71 · January 2004

That certainly is disappointing in my view. I suspect joey2brix is correct. It could get 40 mpg and have plenty of oomph to merge onto the freeway, but if it doesn't go from 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds the reviewers will complain.
Before anyone considers the Saturn L300, go to the Saturn forum (L-series sedans in addition to wagons) and read about the dimming headlight problem. The Saturn wagon also does not have full head restraints in the back seat, and when half the seat is folded down to create more cargo space there is a bar that remains in place, meaning that you can't carry something tall and narrow and still have a passanger in the back seat.
Some people have reported buying base Subaru Outback wagons for just under $20K. I'm still looking at those, and also the Volvo V40 which would be a bit more expensive. It's sad that I now will cross the Mazda off my short list.

4itgog · January 2004

I received a response from Heather D----, a specialist at customer assistance e business

jlasorsa · January 2004

If you don't want the 6 cylinder 6 wagon because the cost would be to high. Yet you would consider a Volvo V40 base price on those start at 25,800. MY 6 wagon, thats getting built in a week will have everything on it sport,lux packages will be about 26k. It seems like alot of people on this forum like to compare apples to oranges, like the 6 will cost to much so I'm going with a BMW 540 wagon instead. I guess I'm lucky to have a good dealer that I can walk in to and they show me on their computers the build date on my wagon.

jimjps · January 2004

Does anyone know the cargo dimensions (width between wheel wells and height of cargo area).
BTW, I'm just happy it comes with a manual transmission.

rock44x · January 2004

MAZDA6 Sport Wagon The rear compartment offers a generous 33.7 cubic feet of cargo room with the seats up and 60.4 cubic feet with them folded,

hboyd · January 2004

(1) Does anybody know the 6 Wagon US pricing and option lists?

(2) Can you get the side-impact airbags w/o buying all the Sport/Audio/Appearance packages? I don't want a flashy, tuner wagon... sorry;

Thanks, Martin

rock44x · February 2004

Standard seat-mounted side-impact airbags protection in front of mazda6 5 door and sport wagon while side-curtain airbag system is optional along with optional bose Audio, leather package , sport package, and moonroof.

Standard v6, and 17 inch wheels

mazda6s · February 2004

I see you are still quoting the same old press release. SAB is not standard on the 5-door. I don't know about the wagon.

Maybe we can get Rich (audia8q) to clear this up.

yugoboy · February 2004

Wow, it's been a while since i posted in this forum, but it good too see so much buzz for the new wagon.

It's really too bad though, i think the mazda6 wagon is going to be great, but it's almost been 3 years since i first saw the photo's and spec's for this car and it's only arriving now in dealerships in a few months.

I know that the new subaru gt wagon is in a different class, but i think i will save up a few more pennies and go with the subie, but you never know the 6 could steal my heart away(it probably wouldve if it hadn't taken mazda so long to get this car to the canadian/american market).

stickguy · February 2004

sat in one today at the Philly auto show. Very nice. Seemed to have a good size cargo area (nicely shaped, and the rear window design didn't cut into the space). Tons of head room in the rear seat. Looked very nice in person, a stylish profile (much better than many other wagons that kinda goofy at the back side).

rock44x · February 2004

if that's the old press release then were is the new one,
this was the press release from the Los Angeles show and i have not seen another one.
if you have seen another one tell me were i can find it.

mazda6s · February 2004

There is no new press release, but the one you are quoting has incorrect information for the Mazda6 5-door. That makes me suspect that it could be incorrect for the wagon too. I guess we'll have to wait for new info on the Mazda web site, or a friendly dealer lurking around here.

rock44x · February 2004

there was a press release at the Los Angeles auto show with the introduction of the mazda 6 Wagon and 5-Door to the US market.
the Mazda web site is slow in given info on it's cars, the Mazda web site does even have the US production model or the NAIAS photos, their still showing the European model photo yet while nissan's website posted the photos of it new cars the next day, same with GM, and Ford(who own Mazda)
the info is all over the net and i only quoted this cause i seen it on more than four different auto news sites.

sites with press release

www.triplezoom.com/news/publish/printer_97.shtml

or do a mazda 6 Sport Wagon and 5-Door press release Search

audia8q · February 2004

SAB is an option for the Wagon. Here is the current build configs for the Auto trans.

AT2 - 5-speed Automatic Transmission  CE1 - Lev Emissions Equipment.

  AT2 - 5-speed Automatic Transmission  CE1 - Lev Emissions Equipment  3RA - Premium Audio Package.

  AT2 - 5-speed Automatic Transmission  1LX - Luxury Package  CE1 - Lev Emissions Equipment.

  AT2 - 5-speed Automatic Transmission  1LX - Luxury Package  CE1 - Lev Emissions Equipment  3RA - Premium Audio Package.

  AT2 - 5-speed Automatic Transmission  1LX - Luxury Package  MR1 - Power Moonroof  CE1 - Lev Emissions Equipment  3RA - Premium Audio Package.

  AT2 - 5-speed Automatic Transmission  MR1 - Power Moonroof  AB6 - Side Air Bags & Side Air Curtains  CE1 - Lev Emissions Equipment  3RA - Premium Audio Package.

  AT2 - 5-speed Automatic Transmission  1LX - Luxury Package  MR1 - Power Moonroof  AB6 - Side Air Bags & Side Air Curtains  CE1 - Lev Emissions Equipment  3RA - Premium Audio Package.

  AT2 - 5-speed Automatic Transmission  1SE - Sport Group  CE1 - Lev Emissions Equipment.

  AT2 - 5-speed Automatic Transmission  1SE - Sport Group  CE1 - Lev Emissions Equipment  3RA - Premium Audio Package.

  AT2 - 5-speed Automatic Transmission  1LX - Luxury Package  1SE - Sport Group  CE1 - Lev Emissions Equipment.

  AT2 - 5-speed Automatic Transmission  1LX - Luxury Package  1SE - Sport Group  CE1 - Lev Emissions Equipment  3RA - Premium Audio Package.

  AT2 - 5-speed Automatic Transmission  1LX - Luxury Package  1SE - Sport Group  MR1 - Power Moonroof  CE1 - Lev Emissions Equipment  3RA - Premium Audio Package.

  AT2 - 5-speed Automatic Transmission  1SE - Sport Group  MR1 - Power Moonroof  AB6 - Side Air Bags & Side Air Curtains  CE1 - Lev Emissions Equipment  3RA - Premium Audio Package.

  AT2 - 5-speed Automatic Transmission  1LX - Luxury Package  1SE - Sport Group  MR1 - Power Moonroof  AB6 - Side Air Bags & Side Air Curtains  CE1 - Lev Emissions Equipment  3RA - Premium Audio Package.

mazda6s · February 2004

Somehow I knew you would come through with this info.

I took a good look at the configs and I see a definite pattern here. These are the same package combos as for the 5-door, except for that on the wagon there are 7 combos with 1SE and the same 7 without 1SE, as opposed to the 5-door which only comes with 1SE.

For the benefit of the wagon shoppers here, are the package combos for the MT Wagon the same as what you listed for the AT?

rock44x · February 2004

the 1SE - Sport Group is the same as the
Sport Package w/ Rear Spoiler
Includes sport type front and rear bumpers, rear wing type spoiler, side sill extensions, fog lights, oval type dual exhaust outlets, and titanium color power window switch panels, for the 4dr Sedan , everyone know the mazda6 5 door is going to have a more aggressive look so the Sport Package w/ Rear Spoiler or Sport Group will be standard on the i and s trims, go to

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=- upcomingMazda6

that is mazda usa's website read for yourself,
your giving the sedan info.
if i'm wrong were can i read it for myself.

SAB is not a big deal the Volkswagen Jetta and Passat (sedan and Wagon), Acura TSX, Honda Accord ex, 2004 Mitsubishi Galant gts, all have standard SAB why not a mazda6 around the same price.

mazda6s · February 2004

I'm not sure what your point is, but Rich is a dealer and the info he provides is straight from Mazda and is correct.

I agree that SAB/SAC should be standard on all Mazda6 models, but it's not. Maybe next year.

Watch out for those press releases. I believe the problem stems from the terminology that has been used over the years for airbags, as they have evolved.
In the old days when some cars had only the front airbag on the driver's side, they used the term "driver's-side airbag" and "passenger's-side airbag". So now, in a press release sometimes "driver's-side and passenger's-side airbag" (actually driver's-side and passenger's-side front airbags which ALL cars have) becomes "driver's and passenger's side airbag" (SAB). Whoops.

mazdafun · February 2004

Helpful.

mazda6s · February 2004

I have simplied Rich's info for those of you who don't like reading long lines.

These are grouped into those with and without the Sport Package, as this seems to be a major issue for some shoppers. This info is only for the AT models, but I suspect they are the same for the MT (we'll need an update from Rich on that question).

Mazda6 s Wagon (AT)

No Sport Package:
1. Base, no packages
2. Bose Audio only
3. Luxury only
4. Luxury and Bose Audio
5. Luxury, Bose Audio and Moonroof
6. Bose Audio, Moonroof, and SAB/SAC
7. Luxury, Bose Audio, Moonroof, and SAB/SAC

With Sport Package:
8. Sport only
9. Sport and Bose Audio
10. Sport and Luxury
11. Sport, Luxury and Bose Audio
12. Sport, Luxury, Bose Audio and Moonroof
13. Sport, Bose Audio, Moonroof, and SAB/SAC
14. Sport, Luxury, Bose Audio, Moonroof, and SAB/SAC (fully loaded)

The Luxury package contains leather, heated seats and mirrors, power seat, and EL gauges.

Note that dealers may be restricted to a smaller number of the available option combos on the first order. What about that, Rich?

rock44x · February 2004

Mazda News
2004 Mazda6 Sport Wagon and 5-Door
By Source: Mazda North America
Dec 29, 2003, 16:07

Los Angeles  Mazda adds two derivatives of the hugely popular MAZDA6 sport sedanthe MAZDA6Sport Wagon and MAZDA6 5-Doorto its already stellar 2004 model lineup. The MAZDA6 Sport Wagon and MAZDA6 5-Door offer even more variety for consumers who desire extra versatility and style but still yearn for the soul of a sports car.

During its debut year, the MAZDA6 won more than 60 domestic and international industry awards, including Car and Drivers "10Best," Automobile Magazines "All-Star," Money Magazines "Best Mid-Sized Sedan," and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safetys "Best Pick." In addition, it was the highest-rated new vehicle nameplate in the entire 2003 JD Power and Associates APEAL study. That same MAZDA6 success carries over to the Sport Wagon and 5-Door models.

"MAZDA6 had a very successful launch and we want to continue to build on its momentum," said Jim Sailer, MAZDA 6 vehicle line manager. "Weve created the Sport Wagon and 5-Door to reinvigorate the MAZDA6 line and provide that same exceptional driving experience to those who simply require more than a sedan can offer."

The MAZDA6 5-Door is the only midsize 5-Door hatchback offered for sale in the U.S. Along with the all-new Sport Wagon, Mazda also has the broadest lineup in the midsize category.

MAZDA6 Sport Wagon combines the aggressive good looks of the sedan and 5-Door with the versatility only a wagon or SUV can provide. Sport Wagon appeals to the driver who needs room for gear or children but simply cannot give up the driving dynamics of a true, authentic sports sedan.

The 5-Door distinguishes itself by looking more like a four-door sport coupe than a hatchback. In the past, hatchbacks carried a negative stigma and were often considered only by consumers who desired utility and economy, usually at the expense of style and driving dynamics. MAZDA6 5-Door shatters that notion by incorporating flair and sporty driving characteristics into a vehicle that offers ample utility to those who need it.

From the exterior, Sport Wagon and 5-Door differ from the sedan only from the B-pillar back. The 5-Doors roof line slopes gradually to the rear decklid for an aggressively aerodynamic yet elegant appearance. Its sleek, fastback look serves a functional purpose as well.

Opening the liftgate of the 5-Door reveals a covered cargo compartment with 22.0 cubic feet of space, nearly 50 percent more than that of the sedan. Additionally, the opening is so expansive that oddly shaped items, which would not fit through normal trunk openings, can slide through with ease. Rear seats fold with the touch of a button and there is no need to remove the head rests. With the rear seats folded, cargo space expands to 58.7 cubic feet. Cargo tie-downs and two hidden compartments in the side panels allow drivers more options for stowage.

With a hint of wedge in its profile, the Sport Wagon carries itself with an athletic and somewhat European road-ready stance. Since wagon buyers generally desire versatility, MAZDA6 Sport Wagon has more than its share of roominess and flexibility. The second-row seats fold with the touch of a lever located near the tailgate with no need to remove the head rests for a near-flat load floor. Tie-downs, a retractable cargo cover shade and a barrier-type net that raises from the floor and attaches to the roof interior all come standard. The rear compartment offers a generous 33.7 cubic feet of cargo room with the seats up and 60.4 cubic feet with them folded, which is in the same league as some SUVs.

All Sport Wagons come equipped with a 220-horsepower DOHC V-6 engine, and unlike most wagons, a five-speed manual transmission is standard (five-speed Sport Shift A/T with manual shift mode available). MAZDA6 5-Door, like the sedan, comes with either a 160 horsepower I-4 (available with five-speed manual or four-speed Sport Shift A/T with manual shift mode) or the 220-horsepower V-6 (available with five-speed manual or five-speed Sport Shift A/T with manual shift mode), and both models retain all the critically acclaimed MAZDA6 powertrain qualities.

Both the 3.0-liter 24-valve V-6 and the 2.3-liter 16-valve I-4 feature DOHC valvetrains with continuously variable intake valve timing (VVT). This technology provides the ability to tune the engine for smooth running at low speeds and extra power at high rpm. In both MAZDA6 engines, VVT operation is continuous between minimum and maximum set points to achieve optimum performance throughout the engines entire operating range.

No sport suspension option is needed here because every MAZDA 6 is tuned for sharp reflexes and maximum road holding. Mazda engineers selected a double-wishbone front and E-type multi-link rear suspension to provide the most accurate geometry with the least amount of built-in friction. A wide front track and standard stabilizer bar help resist body roll and weight transfer, minimizing understeer.

MAZDA6s power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is tuned to be precise, linear and responsive. At high road speeds, assistance is reduced to enhance both stability and the degree of communication transmitted through the steering wheel. A quick steering ratioonly 2.54 turns lock-to-lockgives the MAZDA6 a keen sense of agility.

For sports-car-like braking performance, Mazda engineers selected 11.1-inch ventilated discs for the front wheels and 11.0-inch solid discs in back to deliver rapid, controlled stopping and the utmost resistance to fading. Computer simulations helped tune pedal feel for rapid response and a linear reaction to subtle modulation pressure.

ABS is standard on the MAZDA6 Sport Wagon and 5-Door s and available on the MAZDA6 5-Door i. Part of the ABS programming is Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), developed to extract maximum stopping ability by automatically compensating for varying wheel loads. As a result, stopping distances are less likely to increase as vehicle loading rises. Electronic traction control, also integrated with the MAZDA6s ABS, helps maintain directional stability even on snow-covered or rain-slicked roads.

Three-point belts are provided at all five seating positions. Pretensioners, load limiters and height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors are provided for front occupants. The front air bags are an advanced "smart" design with dual-action inflation to tailor their response to both the occupants seating position and accident severity.

Standard seat-mounted side-impact airbags protect the chest, neck and head of front occupants. An optionally available side-curtain airbag system adds additional protection from side impacts for both front and rear occupants and deploys from the outer edges of the headliner.

Both the MAZDA6 Sport Wagon and 5-Door feature 17-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels and 215/50R17 V-rated all season tires as standa

mazda6s · February 2004

The press release contains an error, and you're wrong, but I'll give you a 'A' for persistence.

Whoever wrote the press release get's a 'D' for making the error. Doh!

Mazda6 Wagon

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