Mazda6 Sedan

ickes_mobile

When you're not selling your current segment offering (626), what difference does it make if you show the next one early. It might convince some people to wait rather than buy the competition and also keeps you relevent even if they do buy the other (i.e., "I bought an Altima but will seriously look at the Mazda6 next time out").

The fact that Mazda's midclass sales have been so rotten should temper some of the enthusiasm over the new Mazda6 exceeding sales projects. They haven't sold well in the past, so perhaps their projections were artifically low to begin with. I mean their projected sales of 120,000 units is small like Maxima, Passat, or Grand Prix annual sales.

The Mazda6 is almost identical in most interior dimensions to the '02 or '03 Accord, except with a bigger trunk:

'02 Accord/03 Accord/Mazda6 (sedan)
Length: 189.4/189.5/186.8
Width: 70.3/71.5/70.1
Height: 56.9/57.1/56.7
Wheelbase: 106.9/107.9/105.3

FRONT
Headroom: 38.5/38.3/39.4
Shoulder: 56.9/56.9/56.1
Legroom: 42.1/42.6/42.3

REAR
Headroom: 36.0/36.8/37.3
Shoulder: 56.1/56.1/54.9
Legroom: 37.9/36.8/36.5

TRUNK: 14.1/14.0/15.2

johnclineii

I currently own a 2OOO Chevy Impala LS with 95.OOO miles on it. I would have traded it already, were it not for the fact that GM is teasing us with the 2004 Impala SS and I am interested in the Mazda6, I think.

I will drive, then decide (I may also look at a 2OO4 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, I owned a 98 before the LS and loved it!)

magnetophone

I have seen the Mazda6 in person, and it really does seem smaller than the Accord. Sorry...

I love the car, but I am being honest about what I saw.

ickes_mobile

at the Chicago and Minneapolis Auto Shows. It was on a rotating platform so you couldn't sit in it and there was only the sedan. I'd have to agree with Magneto that it "looks" smaller than the Accord (I have one). But, then again, if you look at an Accord, it doesn't look that big either. Most of the comments from the British press say its very roomy, which for them isn't saying much...

johnclineii

IF we had to eat British food, perhaps we wouldn't need so much room either! (Anyone for some nice bangers and mash?)

Seriously, though, gasoline prices are so much higher across the ocean that fuel economy and vehicle size are much more important factors than they are here!

magnetophone

That's my point... The car is a trifle smaller than the competition, so it's automatically a "compact".

wishnhigh1

Any word on pricing structure yet?

regfootball

that should be out by December 2003 at the rate they're going.

johnclineii

The PRODUCT is due about December 2002.

Pricing will be announced SHORTLY before then. There is no advantage to Mazda, and many disadvantages, to setting pricing early. No one knows what the financial situation, or even the world itself, may be like by then.

Compared to many things, setting car prices, and launching a vehicle line, IS rocket science. It is not something ANY company takes lightly. It is done in ever-present trepidation and fear, hope, excitement and drama. And we get to watch most of it.

Stay tuned.

alternator

says "Ward's Auto World". See :

http://waw.wardsauto.com/ar/auto_smaller_players_threaten/index.htm

regfootball

jeez, some folks don't get sarcasm.

tomcat630

"The car is a trifle smaller than the competition, so it's automatically a "compact"?

Huh? What does the EPA classify the car as?

In Autmotive News this week, Mazda defended the 6 against charges that it was "too late" and "won't sell as expected". Bull, the sales projections are for all of NA, not just the US, and for all body styles. Mazda isn't expecting to topple the Camry's #1 car status, just do better than they have been with the 626.

I am glad to see them stickin up for themselves against biased and unsubstantiated glop.

maltb

wow...even reading the letters to the editor...impressive. Interesting article about the Maybach and how MB plans to market it.

ickes_mobile

at 120,000 units they'd BETTER make that if all of NA and all models are included. You can almost sell that many without trying - oh, maybe thats the 50,000 units you get with the current 626...

magnetophone

I am not saying it won't sell well. I am merely saying in the eyes of many midsized car buyers, it might come off as too small.

seminole_kev

well for me, that car is about just the right size from the best I can tell. Just need to step on getting the 5-door version here. I was indifferent to the new Altima when it came out, but the Mazda 6 really has my attention. And I do think the "just naming it the '6' so people say Mazda" thing is actually working.

magnetophone

Oh, I think it's a good size too.... but I am not your average "midsize buyer"

mazdafun

And the current Accord, Camry, Maxima and Altima are. I'd like to be able to open my car doors inside my garage and not have to have the garage door open just so I can get stuff in and out of the trunk. Plus, parking is such a hassle with the larger vehicles.

Of course, that's why I have stuck with subcompacts/compacts. Even though I'm 6' (and I have more torso than the average 6-footer), I fit fine in my Protege and love its nimbleness and the fact that it leaves plenty of room in my garage for my bicycles. The 6 hatch or wagon would be about as large as I go (they're a little shorter than the sedan, which is about 14 inches longer than my Protege). No way I could squeeze in the longer and wider vehicles I just mentioned and be happy about it.

ickes_mobile

Its not like the Camry and Accord are 200 inch cars like Taurus or Impala. None of these cars (Camry/Accord/Altima/Mazda6/Passat) are over 16 feet long, so fitting in a standard garage shouldn't be an issue.

The Camry is only 5.3 inches longer than the Mazda6 5-door and the Accord only 5.6 inches longer. There is even less difference in width with the Camry only 0.6 inches wider than any Mazda6 and the Accord 1.4 inches wider.

If your so concerned about buying a narrow car, perhaps you should consider a Passat which is 1.3 inches longer than the Mazda6 5-door, but 1.4 INCHES NARROWER!!!

mazdafun

5.x inches is enough of a difference in my garage, where I have shelves full of stuff and bicycles and lawn equipment crammed into every spare square inch. My Protege fits fine right now. Another 14 inches of length would be just tolerable. Another 5 inches on top of that means I can't walk behind the car and the closed garage door. I guess I'm being a little paranoid, but I prefer people not see what kind of goodies I bring home from the electronics store. No need to provide any temptation for the wicked who may be passing by.

BTW, wasn't it Ford who said the Excursion would fit into the average garage? Yeah, if you climb through the windows to get in or out, and you're very good at squeezing through the garage door w/o taking part of the frame out. There is such a thing as too big. The threshold is just different for different folks. Mine happens to be somewhere between compact and mid-size. Aside from the 6, I'm really not even interested in the other mid-size vehicles.

vocus

I know what you mean. I like the Altima, but would never consider one. The car just looks too big. I have a Jetta now, and its exterior size is great for darting in and out of traffic in jams or in the city. I also live on a small street, so I prefer to have a shorter car that's easier to park.

ickes_mobile

you should get rid of some stuff?

Of course, if the Mazda6 is want you wanted anyway, then you can have your car and stuff too! And, you can use the versatility of the hatch to haul more stuff home!!

What a wonderful world. Thanks Mazda!!!

seminole_kev

because there'd be

a) more choices in the compact segment
b) less giant SUV's on the road

I really like a compact to small-midsize car. Especially hatchbacks. Plenty usefull and easy to park-squirt in and out of traffic, etc..

The only thing that bothers me thus far about the Mazda 6 is the roll out schedule. Still wish the Wagon and 5-door were available at the same time as the sedan. Also, glad that it will have regular tail lights. Didn't like the Altezza lights in the pre-release photos. As long as Mazda gets a few advertising dollars to market this thing, I think they've got an easy winner on their hands.

maltb

Oh gimme a 5-door, 5-speed, 4-cylinder 6. That's all I ask. I'll let the rest of the John Q public have their 4-door, automatic, 6-cylinder 6.

magnetophone

The 2.3 manual goes 0-60 in about 8.3 seconds according to Car, I believe...

I would buy the 5-speed, 4-cylinder hatchback if I can equip it with alloys, leather, etc.

ashutoshsm

I really don't care for the V-6 either! Hope the 4-cyl is competetively priced, and they don't muff up the options and packages (not theoretical, but actual productions percentages - making some theoretical combinations impossible to find!)

5-speed, 4 cylinder, 5-door. Leather is unimportant. Alloys are required. No navigation in mine please. That's about it!

ickes_mobile

The specs for the I-4 Sedan, Mazda6-i show that 16" wheels are available with a "premium package" that includes the wheels, wheel locks, a perimeter alarm, and 8-way driver's power seat. The 17" wheels with the "sport package", which includes all of the exterior modifications, and different interior trim pieces. Leather is a separate option. The only real difference I saw was that you can't get auto climate control on the Mazda6-i. Big deal...

For those who haven't seen the spec sheets for the NA sedan go here:

www.mazdausa.com/mazda6/downloads/mz6_specs.pdf

brucec35

I had to chuckle at the post from the guy who chooses his cars based on how easy it is to open the doors in the garage. I guess there are drivers' cars (BMW) and then there are parkers' cars (Mazda Protege). : )

Facts #1: A lawnmower costs less than $400, usually. A car costs $20,000 or more. A fitted lawnmower cover costs about $50. A cable lock to secure it to your deck or other object if your worried about theft is about $8.

Facts #2: According to the death rate statistics at the IIHS, you are significantly more likely to die in a subcompact car than in a midsize one with state of the art safety features(curtain airbags, good crash tests, etc), Your life is priceless. I wouldn't count on a 2500 lb car being as safe as a 3300 lb one.

you can buy a storage building big enough to hold a lawnmower and other various garage clutter for about $450. I'd suggest getting the best car you can afford. And if you think Camrys are too big, try parking a SUV or Pickup in the garage.

vooch

I don't think fact #2 applies so much to the MAZDA6 as it does the Protege, as the MAZDA6 is the topic and is bigger. I agree that a midsized car with all the safety stuff is probably going to be safer than a subcompact car with no safety stuff.

But, what about a subcompact with state of the art features? May want to compare cars with like features. How about a motorcycle and a midsized car? . If sports cars are in the mix then the statistic is probably skewed a tad.

But off topic again... The idea of buying a big car for safety is kind of annoying. It pretty much only makes the other guy or inanimate object suffer (hooray for selfishness! But I understand it so no need to mention it, I believe its called self-preservation). Having said that, may as well drive a tank or a bus or just not drive at all if you are that scared. Ah, but that's not practical. I think anything bigger than say a Camry is a waste unless you really have a need for it (what that need is I don't know, someone can elaborate). If you need functionality, buy a truck or van. I can understand purchasing a large truck as they actually have a functional use. IMO, SUVs (and huge cars) just aren't as useful as people make them out to be. No one drives them (SUVs) off road... Its just a really inefficient van. Neat. It seems there's no functional use besides weight/risk transfer that couldn't be had in another vehicle. Not that I actually trust you, the other driver not to crash into me.

My father drives a huge Lincoln, for what reason other than just cuz, I don't know. I don't know who or what he drives around other than his wife or himself that he needs such a monstrous car. Seems like a waste of space and money to me. Although I think he may like the power that usually comes with a huge car. They have a Lincoln and an Expedition, go figure . They both can *barely* fit in the garage and its a royal pain in the $@% to get around. So I feel for the guy with the Protege! But I guess it all comes down to personal choice. I like small cars, he likes big giant ones. I guess if I had the money, I'd buy a small sports car, whereas he'd buy a big boat-like car.

A car's size (being large) for safety reasons doesn't factor into my purchasing requirements right now. It would actually be the other way around.

mazdafun

he who thinks everything is one-dimensional.

Good thing Mazda knows it's the holistic experience. Getting trapped in my car because the hulk's too wide would be a big negative.

And weight goes against a vehicle being a driver's car. I always find it amusing to hear how some people brag about their 2-ton vehicle being a driver's car. Even BMW driving enthusiasts (not the status enthusiasts) know the 3-series is much more for driving and the 7-series is for the status-conscious who want to appear to be drivers.

But, to each their own. I prefer the agility and other characteristics of compacts over the hulk and non-agility of big iron.

mazdafun

Turning circle of 38.7 ft curb-to-curb. Definitely a mid-size. Have to check out what I think about the parking situation since my current car has one of 34.1 ft. I complained when I got it 'cause my previous car has a turning circle of 31.4 ft. Price of moving up in size I guess.

Not much of a change for my wife, although she'd prefer her next car have a smaller turning circle (her compact-sized Saturn SL2 turns like a mid-size at 38ft).

dudleyr

If heavier cars are safer, I guess I should put some weight in the trunk. ;^ ) Or maybe I should just drive a semi trailer cab around town.

mazdafun

I noticed this other difference in the NA-spec v. Euro and Japan-spec versions of the 6. I have yet to meet an in-glass antenna-based radio that I like. I'd prefer the little whip antenna at the rear of the roof. I think it looks kind of sporty.

Oh well, I don't listen to the radio much except for NPR and traffic reports anyway.

ickes_mobile

works fine on our Accord. One problem with the roof mounted one on the wagon, and possibly the others, is it gets in the way of the luggage rack or a bike rack acessories.

adu1

Through a reference in another board (regarding a GM vehicle), I've examined a Spanish web site which turns out to have the best (and particularly HIGHEST RESOLUTION) images of the 6 that I've been able to find on the net. Most are 1024x768 (approx.).

In addition to seeing some familiar photos (but at higher resolution, which is great for examining details of the dashboard, for example), there are also some shots I'd never seen elsewhere (like a cutaway side shot of the wagon interior).

SO, exterior photos (clickable to enlarge) are at:

http://www.km77.com/marcas/mazda/6_02/galeria.asp

AND interior photos (ditto) are at:

http://www.km77.com/marcas/mazda/6_02/galeria2.asp

Enjoy! (I know that I did -- and the pics can make great PC wallpaper...)

vocus

OMG! That interior looks very similar to the one in my 2002 Jetta, as far as materials and workmanship. VERY good move, Mazda!

alternator

I just do not understand why Mazda's own web site (mazdausa.com) can't have images of similar quality for all their models.

And this applies to all car manufacturers; some have the least attractive images on the web --- of their own creations!

adu1

I agree! Such images should be on each manufacturer's site, rather than us having to root around for them. I know that my opinion of the 6's dash and center console is improving after seeing the detailed pics...

BTW, if there are any other makes or models that you're particularly interested in (and if they're sold in Europe), the same site MAY have good photos of them. (I know it had very nice BIG Saab photos, for example.) Just go to www.km77.com, then click on "Marcas y Modelos," and proceed from there...

alternator

I have already been all over that web site!! --- and they also have some of the best cut-away images of engines I have ever seen on the internet.

regfootball

km77's images are all high res.

automakers websites are horrible. and too many FLASH graphics.

ickes_mobile

I thought I got the link here for this website, but maybe I didn't. Anyway, check it out. Lots of unqiue pictures of the Mazda6 from Europe. One shows a really sharp looking Mazda6 Sport in gun metal grey. Wow...

vcjumper

I have the opposite reaction to the grey Mazda6 MPS on that site. Looks like they are trying to turn it into a WRX lookalike. Get rid of the wing and the vents on the hood and it would be nice.

newcar31

with the big wing and vents on the hood you guys are looking at is not the new Atenza or 6. That is the old version which the current generation Protege is based off of. Look at the roofline, it is IDENTICAL to the Protege.

pat

chikoo wants you to take a look at these two photos:

http://www.km77.com/marcas/mazda/6_02/gra/08.jpg

http://www.km77.com/marcas/mazda/6_02/gra/09.jpg

marchhare

Ugh...when will car companies learn that there are a lot of us out here who are color-blind (or at least semi-color blind) and the red back-lighting is very annoying?

capitano

What kind of color-blind? I thought red-green was the most common and meant difficulty in differentiating those colors. The red just makes it hard to see period?

ickes_mobile

Man, (or men) give me some credit! I can tell the difference between the Mazda6 and the 626 MPS concept car based on the current JDM car. I meant THIS one by the sign:

http://community.webshots.com/album/44660418kfmeCu

Be sure and check out the other pictures in the forums sections at Mazda6club.com for other unique shots of the car.

kenoka

That titanium gray is gorgeous isn't it? I hope we get that color here. Although personally I'm partial to the garnet metallic.

magnetophone

Hey, I've been using km77.com for years! You all now steal it and make it your own

carmadness

These were linked here a while back. Click on the image after the thumbnail to get the higher res photo.

http://www.velocityjrnl.com/jrnl/2003/v2kmdl2867mult.html