Meade - Time to trade your Protege for a Mazdaspeed Protege? I assume you have seen the review of that car in the current C/D.
I also assume everyone here has seen the pics of the A-Spec Mazda6 from the JDM website. Probably a good preview of a Mazdaspeed6! You can see them again here:
I finally got a good look over the Mazda6 spec put up a week or so ago. Disapointed that the rear spoiler is required with the sport package options. It may make more sense to go without the sport package and get some aftermarket wheels from the TireRack anyway. You could then use the OEM wheels for snow tires. Also, the specs list only Halogen headlights - what about the HID elements?
That was a good article about the balance between cost-savings and styling independence. I don't think anyone would want Mazda to become another Mercury, with only slight differences from Ford. I'm glad Mazda is fighting for independence of design.
Actually, I think it looks more Honda like in A-Spec form than the standard Mazda6.
Mercury has never known what its supposed to be and never will. To me, its the odd duck in the pond. Volvo, which was acquired to give FoMoCo a middle class brand in Europe, fits in better as a move up product from basic Fords or performance oriented Mazdas here in the US.
"Analysts complain that the 6 will get crowded out of the mid size market, with "only 220HP"."
I don't agree. 220HP is PLENTY of power for a mid-size sedan. I don't think the general public is as HP-crazy as some makes want us to think. These sedans are not bought for drag-racing, at least not by the vast majority.
Most Altimas sold are of the 4-cylinder models with 175HP. Very few are of the 240HP V6s.
I think the 6 will definitely encroach on Altima sales. No doubt.
Let's face it though, there are plenty of people who just compare numbers regardless of what it does on the pavement and how it behaves under pressure. For those, the mazda6 won't be on the shopping list. Sad, truly sad.
"For those, the mazda6 won't be on the shopping list. Sad, truly sad."
Actually, not sad at all. I hope a lot of people DON'T like the 6, for whatever reason. Less demand means I can negotiate a lower price. I never did follow the crowd anyway.
Less demand means a lower price - true. It also means lower resale value which pretty much negates any discount you get up front. If it depreciates like the current 626, the discount you get when you buy it looks pretty piddly. I hope Mazda beats its expected sales figures for this car like they have in Japan and Europe. So far they are running at double the original projections. If that happens in North America, that would be 240,000 6's. Wow!!! 8^O
regfootball-The official release for the sedan is set for December I believe, with the hatch and wagon to follow in summer 2003. wgr-Speculation is that there will be a modest increase over the price of the current 626. I would say 18000-23000 given the prices in Japan and Europe.
I believe Meade was using the word "starchy" as a substitute for another word that is generally considered offensive to some minorities and doesn't seem to be used much on these boards any more. I believe the Irish take offence to this term, as it incorrectly sterotypes them as people who eat nothing but potatoes. But what do I know, I'm just a Brit. ;-)
Regarding the schedules, I'm glad to hear that the wagon & 5-door are slated for the 2nd quarter. That is sooner than I had previously been lead to believe. I had previously heard "summer 2003" and "late 2003".
I'm hopeful that my current car will last that long, otherwise I'll be settling for a P5...
You can't have it both ways. Slow launches are done to attempt high quality. If they get the car out already, when it isn't all ready, then others just like you and me will gripe and complain constantly about all the niggling little, and perhaps even big, problems. This initial bad publicity could affect the car throughout its cycle. And only people like you and me have paid much attention to the Mazda6 yet. Until the launch, most people aren't even aware there IS a new Mazda coming. Probably even fewer care.
We are different. We do care. Still....
Patience is a virtue.
Let's hope it is worth our wait.
The Focus came out on time...and look what happened there!
This'll be a fun spring. And luckily, the current Protege/P5 will be offered as a 2003 model too so if my wife finds the 6 not to her liking, she can get a P5.
My sister just moved to Williamsburg, VA, so I hope to coordinate a drive to see her with a MAPP sometime next summer...so we can put it behind us in person someday!
Okay, I dreamt I bought a yellow 6 hatch last night. I gotta stay off these boards!
While the Focus came out on time and was recalled, the Tribscape was late with its launch and was still recalled. I hope this car is not riddled with recalls at first like the last two cars introduced were. That would really suck. I personally can't wait to drive one, it looked pretty nice when I sat in it.
If the Mazda 6 is as good an offering as it is initially looking, than I don't think a few recalls are going to be a big deal for a first year car. Granted, even if it's a recall for the sun visor being too hard of a material, some people will freak out.....those people will buy Accords and Camrys by default anyway. Despite the fact that those cars have recalls to. Basically, if the first year Mazda 6 has some recalls, go get 'em fixed with an oil change at the dealer and enjoy your car. Or just by and Accord and Camry so you won't have to worry about it....and get your recalls done with an oil change at the dealer.
I know people see this issue differently, but just my two cents.
unless its something like the suspension falling off of the Trailblazer or the steering wheel coming off the Escape, most recalls are pretty minor (and common to all makes)...
Well we haven't seen the U.S. version here yet have we. I believe it will be great, but you never know about how it will be built/equiped/etc.. until it is actually out. Just waiting for "our" version if you will.
I'm out of vacation days for a while...wish I could attend. It's quite the drive from Boston though...I want to make it a leisurely tour down the coast rather than a breakneck run (although those are fun too).
Nissan's new Altima is out and the 350Z is coming... new "6" and RX-8? You hafta wait. Is it just me, or is FoMoCo behind the scenes, making this show late??!
Well, if Mazda needs production to sell in Europe and Japan, there will be less for here... no exports. But that's what I was saying, Ford is dawdling getting Flat Rock up and running! \(>_<)/ curses and all that.
Can't wait until I can compare the New Z and the New RX next to each other. As for the "6", it's going to be a hit, and remember, the Altima was the 2002 NA COTY (Car of the Year).
Don't fear Toyota and Nissan. Honda and Mazda are coming online with new product too!
Mazda Canada announced that they are going to debut the 6 in January and market it as a 2004 model. Cars will be in the showroom in late January, 2003.
I adore the 6. It might be my next car. But I think it won't be right up there with the Altima in sales figures because it's too small. It's more the size of a Sebring sedan than an Accord.
Maybe the 6 is about the same size outside, but the Sebring is one of those cars that feels a lot smaller inside than they appear from the outside.
I know. I recently had the privilege to drive a Dodge Stratus (same as the Chrysler Sebring) for 9 days straight. I hated almost every minute of it. Just enough headroom, but I had to squash down (even with the seatback tilted so I could still steer) to see out the windshield. Rear headroom is non-existent for anyone over 5'5" IMO. Trunk doesn't fit as much as you'd think (I could put more stuff into my Protege's trunk)
The 6's interior looks much better laid-out for actual people. "Optispace" methodology at work. At least some auto mfrs. realize their customers have to actually sit in their products.
I don't what it is that has people perpetuating this notion that the 6 is so small. I'm fairly sure that previous posts in the board (or maybe is was the 6 vs. Accord board) have shown that the 6 and Accord are VERY similar in interior dimensions. And ALL the European tests I've read have noted the good interior room in the 6. Just because the 6 LOOKS lean and lithe doesn't mean that it's lacking in room!
And just where did you see pictures of the Mazda6 in December of 2OOO?
Manufacturers, especially when they are changing a vehicle as radically as the transformation from 626 to Mazda6, want to get the buzz started and whip up excitement!
Comments
;->
I also assume everyone here has seen the pics of the A-Spec Mazda6 from the JDM website. Probably a good preview of a Mazdaspeed6! You can see them again here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/44660418kfmeCu
I finally got a good look over the Mazda6 spec put up a week or so ago. Disapointed that the rear spoiler is required with the sport package options. It may make more sense to go without the sport package and get some aftermarket wheels from the TireRack anyway. You could then use the OEM wheels for snow tires. Also, the specs list only Halogen headlights - what about the HID elements?
Meade
j/k.. thought I would invade this forum a bit ...
Meade
Mercury has never known what its supposed to be and never will. To me, its the odd duck in the pond. Volvo, which was acquired to give FoMoCo a middle class brand in Europe, fits in better as a move up product from basic Fords or performance oriented Mazdas here in the US.
But, the Protoge went sporty and sales have improved, even with only 130 HP.
Well, since Mazda, um, assimilated, Honda's pentagonal grille style, I'm inclined to agree.
:-)
I don't agree. 220HP is PLENTY of power for a mid-size sedan. I don't think the general public is as HP-crazy as some makes want us to think. These sedans are not bought for drag-racing, at least not by the vast majority.
Most Altimas sold are of the 4-cylinder models with 175HP. Very few are of the 240HP V6s.
I think the 6 will definitely encroach on Altima sales. No doubt.
Actually, not sad at all. I hope a lot of people DON'T like the 6, for whatever reason. Less demand means I can negotiate a lower price. I never did follow the crowd anyway.
I hope they get more popular so they can continue to make fun vehicles.
WHEN DOES THE 6 HIT THE SHOWROOMS!!!!
wgr-Speculation is that there will be a modest increase over the price of the current 626. I would say 18000-23000 given the prices in Japan and Europe.
Thanks.
Back to the 6...
Late November-Jan...Mazda6 Sedan
first quarter 2003...RX-8
Second quarter 2003...Mazda6 Wagon and 5 Door.
anywho...
I agree, but the flip side is lower resale/trade-in. I am sure the 6 will sell way better than the old 626 and that they won't let it rot on the vine.
Regarding the schedules, I'm glad to hear that the wagon & 5-door are slated for the 2nd quarter. That is sooner than I had previously been lead to believe. I had previously heard "summer 2003" and "late 2003".
I'm hopeful that my current car will last that long, otherwise I'll be settling for a P5...
Get the damn car on the lots already.....we've seen the images for like over a year already.
We are different. We do care. Still....
Patience is a virtue.
Let's hope it is worth our wait.
The Focus came out on time...and look what happened there!
My sister just moved to Williamsburg, VA, so I hope to coordinate a drive to see her with a MAPP sometime next summer...so we can put it behind us in person someday!
Okay, I dreamt I bought a yellow 6 hatch last night. I gotta stay off these boards!
I know people see this issue differently, but just my two cents.
http://www.mazda.com/publicity/public/200207/0703e.html
Note that the 6 wagon met its monthly sales target in NINE DAYS!
Meade
Well, if Mazda needs production to sell in Europe and Japan, there will be less for here... no exports. But that's what I was saying, Ford is dawdling getting Flat Rock up and running! \(>_<)/ curses and all that.
Can't wait until I can compare the New Z and the New RX next to each other. As for the "6", it's going to be a hit, and remember, the Altima was the 2002 NA COTY (Car of the Year).
Don't fear Toyota and Nissan. Honda and Mazda are coming online with new product too!
http://www.mazda.ca/eng/atmazda/press/2004MazdaPressReleasev3.pdf
At the very minimum, don't show the damn pictures of the car 2 years before it hits the market.
I know. I recently had the privilege to drive a Dodge Stratus (same as the Chrysler Sebring) for 9 days straight. I hated almost every minute of it. Just enough headroom, but I had to squash down (even with the seatback tilted so I could still steer) to see out the windshield. Rear headroom is non-existent for anyone over 5'5" IMO. Trunk doesn't fit as much as you'd think (I could put more stuff into my Protege's trunk)
The 6's interior looks much better laid-out for actual people. "Optispace" methodology at work. At least some auto mfrs. realize their customers have to actually sit in their products.
Manufacturers, especially when they are changing a vehicle as radically as the transformation from 626 to Mazda6, want to get the buzz started and whip up excitement!