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Comments
The titanium looks good with the Grey trim, also.
It isn't as shinny as shown in most photos where the photographers exposed to make it contrast with the dash color. It's actually subdued and only the highlights appear bright, which should prevent glare when sunlight hits it.
The Sport package comes with black cloth or leather ONLY. Beige and Grey are not options when you order the SP.
fowler3
The main reason why I thought that the ride might be harsh is because I thought I read somewhere that the 6 (in both sport and non-sport form) has a sport suspension. My impresssion was that the Sport package was mostly cosmetic, except for the 17" wheels, but that both versions had a "sport suspension." That caused me to think that it might be similar to the Altima SE, which has a sport suspension and reportedly has a harsh ride.
However, from the comments on this board, it doesn't seem like the 6 has a sport suspension per se, just a differently tuned one compared to other midsize cars. Fowler's explanation was excellent in explaining how the new suspension worked, and he didn't refer to it as a sport suspension. Also, I printed the brochure from Mazda's website and I saw no mention of a sports suspension.
So, does the 6 have a sports suspension? Or a regular suspension with a different setup than most other cars? Is it just the 17" wheels that give it a sportier, and perhaps harsher ride?
Sorry for all the questions on this subject, but I'm really curious and I want to understand how this all works. I can't wait to test drive this baby. I'll have to do that soon.
TIA,
SilverCrown
The pictures look great, btw!
A few weeks ago I test driven a 6s with the auto transmission. Unfortunately the salesman was riding along with me so I didn't get to push the car as much as I wanted to but as I was playing with the manumatic I dropped down a gear or two and raised the rpms to about 4k. The car seemed to be quiet and I didn't hear any growling sounds coming from the engine. Ofcourse I wasn't accelerating at that time but rather kept a constant speed at these rpms. The car had less than 50 miles on the odometer.
I would like to know from any of you 6s owners whether the car makes sporty noises and at what rpms. 6i owners feel free to comment on your engine sounds as well.
By the way, I am getting a 6s MT fully loaded at the end of this month.
SEcondly, I have a humble request... I want to get the homelink mirror in my '6 as well, but I'm concerned with how the wire leading to it might look. Could you possibly take a few closer photos of the mirror and in particular, the power wire leading up to the roofline in the interior?
I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!!
-Alt
The ride becomes softer as you break-in the car and the suspension loosens up, but it still is not a chushy ride like the Civic has. Buyers have to decide which they prefer (1) great handling with an acceptable compromise in ride comfort; or (2) buy a car with a chushy ride and so-so handling.
The Mazda6 has been designed to correct, as far as Mazda engineers can do it, the firmer ride found in the Protegé and also provide a more comfortable ride. I had a '97 Accord (same as '96) which had a very smooth ride, but it leaned in fast turns and was underpowered. Comparing it to the 6 I test drove -- I would take a 6 over the '97 Accord any day. The 6 rides much smoother than the Protegé, not like the Accord, but it is definately acceptable. It doesn't lean in turns, which can be unnerving, and you pass over rough pavement quickly without the "special effects" soft suspension cars give you.
If roads are rough almost any car is going to pass the thumps through to the driver and passengers. I had an '98 Odyssey and it bounced over rough roads, I could feel the shocks from road patches. So did the Accord. One stretch I use to drive the Accord over is an old, cement road with lots of patches and those dreaded expansion joints. I could feel every one of them in the seat. When I bought the Protegé abnd drove over that road, I could hear the tires thumping but I didn't feel them. The 6 is smoother than the Pro -- you couldn't want more.
You asked if the 6 with Sport Package is a special suspension. From what I have read the 6 Sport gets a slightly firmer tuning, although some reviewers say it may be only the 17-inch wheels and low-pro tires. There is no difference between the suspensions on the Protegé LX and ES, so this may also be true for the 6. It just feels firmer.
One other thing, the first Protegé I road tested was the worst riding car I have ever driven. Turned out the wheels were out of balance. When you do the 6 test drive and the steering wheel jumps (vibrates severely), take it back and ask for another car.
Hope this helps.
fowler3
I'm going to try and post so pictures...It has the Sports Grille. Some of you might be interested in the way it looks. Does anyone know of a good site that hosts pics?
I'll give you a more comprehensive run down in a couple of days.
free pics & video hosting
also try www.car-domain.com
I loved the black interior, but found that ONLY comes with the sport package? I would be a bit happier with the regular, not low profile, tires. The ride was just a bit too stiff and busy for someone like me who drives 50,000 miles a year.
I would install an FM modulator and move on with my life but for the fact that Mazda and dealers claim the possibility of damage to that purty dash is high.
Does anyone here know if the radio (either Bose or the standard one) has an AUX IN? Or when Sirius is coming?
However, I'd assume that Sirius will be a dealer-installable option. So you could get the car now and bring it back when the radios are available. I took delivery of my Mazda 6s a week ago, and I'll be getting the MP3 added late this month.
As for the wheels... If you really want the rest of the sport package, you could always swap someone for their 16" wheels -- I'm sure you'd find takers.
Dinu
What they still need to retract is the stupid trunk score! The trunk in the '6 is both bigger and better shaped, yet it got killed in the trunk category. The '6 has neither intrusive hinges nor shock towers, and has the handy handles for dropping the rear seats. Honestly, I think both trunks are big "enough", but one really is the clear victor here- I don't see how an arguement could be made any other way.
I'm not saying one car is clearly better than the other, but the way Road & Track scored their comparison clearly doesn't justify their conclusion.
Car & Driver did rate the Accord higher, and I do respect their decision and how they supported it. Both cars are an the 10Best list, and that's pretty impressive!
Also saw the S- green car. Interesting. This car had the stock wheel with no covers on so they were black. That didn't look good, but I was thinking that black does go with the green, maybe a greyish set of wheels or wheel covers rather than aluminum/silver colored. But, I would have to see it first, I could be really wrong on that.
Saw a grey 6 coming down 270 yesterday, 30 day tags, congratulations. Hadn't seen one for a couple weeks.
CR does report on all cars. R&T is fun, but I used to have a joke that the cover was always going to be an Italian Supercar, A pony car comparison (perferably tuners, e.g., Saleen) or something German. So, they work well together, CR gives you pratical information, but don't count on them really understanding the "fun" part while R&T looks at the fun stuff and ignores the real world side. Use CR to buy your first car, and R&T (or C&D) to buy your second car! ;^)
Almost when to Fitzmall yesterday to discuss cars, next weekend?
jht
You first learn about what is reliable and what isn't and make a choice. Once you drive for a few years you know what you value most in a car, and C+D tells you that. The trick is not to forget to pick up a copy of CR as things chaneg with time...
Dinu
I know what you mean about the "special effects", my car has given me some moments like that on a few occasions. It was a strange and not so pleasant feeling.
I hadn't considered the break-in effect on the suspension either, so that's another good thing to know.
Once I start my new job and get settled, I'll test drive the 6 for myself. I have high hopes that I will love the way it drives just as much as I love the way it looks.
The model they have is a 6i AT with beige leather, comfort package, premium package, and moonroof -- $22,680 MSRP. Whether a 6i or a 6s it will be a traffic stopper in green. The taillamps contrast with it perfectly and so does the "mustache" chrome grille bar without looking to bright as on darker colors.
I couldn't take my eyes off of it. The beige leather is lighter than the beige cloth, almost an ivory. And the floor mats match the taupe carpeting and dash color. I didn't think I would like leather, but beige is really beautiful.
In Sepang Green the 6 is a knock-out! And though I have said I like the wheelcovers, a Sepang 6 demands the alloys. This car is so nice if one doesn't get the moonroof I doubt anyone would notice it.
fowler3
My wife's Saab is the same shade of green as Sepang, although it's less metallic. NOT my favorite color.
But hey, I had an orange Miata, so who am I to judge the color choices of others?
http://www.fotki.com - free
http://www.snapfish.com
http://www.ofoto.com
I AM looking forward to seeing full side-on shots, though. Maybe that'll change my opinion.
I too hope to see a few more in the next couple of day.
Going to Palm Springs next week (without the 6...
We'll see if So Cal has more on the roads.
I shrunk the pictures, hope they're modem-friendly.
I post this here to show off. Er- I mean, I post here because SO many people complained about the option packages! Well, looky what I did to my $17,201 car. With about a thousand more dollars, I have a better-than-Bose stereo system and the Mazda 17" alloy wheels for less than what Mazda charges for their respective packages. Ask your dealer about aftermarket options and work around the screwy packages!
The steering seems to provide much more feedback with these wheels. The ride feels stiffer, yet more controlled. I'd even say more comfortabe- the shocks do a better job controlling bumps than the 16" mushy tires did. I haven't noticed any tire noise, but I haven't driven them on the highway yet either. So far, there's nothing I miss from the standard 16" wheel/tires.
Cool for you, though! And thanks for the sunny-outside shots of the Redfire!
The ads were the blue 6 w/out sport with quotes from auto reviews, and the silver "great road manners" ad with sport package.
Why only cable? I've not seen either of these ads on Fox, CBS, NBC or any other major network.
I'd say some ads on Fox during some of the "younger set" friendly shows would help sales.
Good ads tho, informative and you get some really good looks at the vehicle.
Those are great shots, beautiful look with the sportier tires.
Love the redfire.
given the fact that I'm leaning towards the non-sport package (which is a little bland to my tastes), I want my car to be as striking as possible, so color plays an important part.
I'll be anxious to hear your report on highway tire noise, as that is a concern of mine.. if it's not a problem, then the 17's will be another option that would surely dress-up a non-sport version car too!
I don't know if an accumulation of ice/snow was the culprit of the pronounced noise at the bottom of the downstroke.. I'll have to check it under other circumstances (next test drive.. non-snowy day I hope.. damn winter, be gone already!).
I'd vote for the ice/snow thing too...
Mike
Ambull/Vocus, stretch got those wheels off a fellow Mazda6Club.com user who wanted something that was a bit more bling-bling for his car.
Stretch, car's looking great. Now all you need is a spoiler and you can call it a day. <grin>
(I hesitated at spending $400 for something that's absolutely useless, but I think the spoiler really adds to the sportiness of the car's looks... And hey, the additional center brake light adds to safety. :-)
I don't know if an accumulation of ice/snow was the culprit of the pronounced noise at the bottom of the downstroke.. I'll have to check it under other circumstances (next test drive.. non-snowy day I hope.. damn winter, be gone already!).
The tires are the stock sport package tires. They say Michelin Pilot on them- didn't inspect them much beyond that. I'm not sure if they're the Pilot Sports, but the tread does look similar.
I got that great deal just buying off another member of the Mazda6 club who wanted 18" chromes. He bought them, I bought his 17" OEM wheels and tires.
The 17" tires are DEFINATELY louder and DEFINATELY ride better. I LOVE IT. I hated not being able to hear the road, now I can. It's still not intrusive (70mph, coarse pavement, no major potholes), but before it wasn't really even audible if the radio was on even the quietest setting. These tires are so much more to my liking.
I claimed before that the Mazda6 was nearly as quiet as the Camry. I stand by that, but understand the arguement against it for those driving with the 17" tires. For those seeking a quiet ride, go with the 16's. For anything else, I like the 17's. As I said, I think the larger wheels (surprisingly) ride better and definately bring gobs more steering feedback into the wheel. Of course, they grip well too
The car does look good with the new wheels though. What did you do with your old wheels?
Either that or I'll keep them as winter tires and further down the road put summer tires on the 17's.
Like the man said, there ain't no free lunch!
They do look cool though. similar to my Maxima SE (the fairly open spoke design). Sharp car.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.