Mazda6 Sedan

newcar31

So Mazda is planning a 4 hole sedan, a 5 hole hatchback, but no 2 hole coupe? What's up with that?

seaf

For some people, whether psychological, in the pursuit of excitement, or whatever else reason, will reach the conclusion that $X,xxx extra is worth it. Good for them. But I'm arguing for some of us who do value our money and are at a crossroads between choosing a 4-cylinder or V6 engine in our next cars.

I agree many people are using too much credit and buying out of their range. But just because someone is for value does not mean they are not capable of spending more. The majority of wealth a person accumulates through life is not because they spent carelessly. I personally prefer to save money and use it in other areas of my life. I am aware of the temptation to think along the lines of "I can afford a V6 and I will, therefore I must be better than all these people who buy 4cylinder cars". It's ok, our American egotistic tendencies are well known internationally, and as Dudleyr pointed out, the car companies' marketing departments prey on these urges.

As for reliability of V6 over I4, I have never encountered any studies that show proof of this. Many of the cars that made it to the 1 million miles mark were small-engined japanese cars of the 80's. And due to the higher number of gearing in modern transmissions, highway cruising speeds only require about 2000 rpm in a 4cylinder engine, and I don't think V6's are much lower. If you've personally experienced a long lasting vehicle that had a V6 engine, great. But that does not consitute statistically valid data for predicting future events.

pat

NOOOOO!! No holes!

c'mon, DOORS .. yeah that's it, DOORS!!!

(Before I started hosting sedans, I didn't have *nearly* as many gray hairs as I do now, nor was anywhere near as OLD as you people are *making* me!)

:-D

maltb

Those guys are a bunch of holes.
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patiently awaiting his TOU e-mail.

pat

ACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

mazda6s

OK, how's this? Let's say it doesn't count as a door unless there's another pillar or post there to separate the doors. Then the RX8 actually has 2 "double doors" and still qualifies as a sports car. 4 seats, 2 doors, 2 holes! Sorry, Pat.

edmund2460

Does anyone know the reason for the later than Sept. launch date in the US? Was it the earliest possible date or is this part of some strategy?

mazda6s

I'm sure they would rather have gotten it out earlier (to go head-to-head with the Accord). I would think the design work is already done, as the car is already being sold in Europe. There could be lots of other reasons, like getting the plant ready (or waiting til whatever is being built there is done), line up your suppliers, etc. Anybody know what is currently being built at the plant where the 6 will be assembled? I think it's the Flat Rock plant in Michigan.

adu1

The Flat Rock plant had been making the 626, I believe.

johnclineii

Right, 626's and Mercury Cougars. The latter is being discontinued.

mazda6s

That makes sense. They probably need some time to retool the plant for building the 6, after finishing up the last of the 626 and Cougar.

ickes_mobile

have room to build the new product line right next to the old one. That's what they did at the plant my father-in-law works at when they changed over Tahoe/Suburban models a few years ago.

mazda6s

Maybe it takes longer to change over to the 6 from the other two models, as the 6 is a completely new model. Or maybe it has something to do with the 2.3L I4 engine being a totally new design. Just guessing ...

chikoo

mazda did not want the Honda accord to come in later than Mazda6 and spoil the party.
So better to be late than early to the party.
Then u know who is wearing what and dress up accordingly.

mazda6s

Yup, that's why a smart real estate agent always shows you the best house last.

maltb

is not very large so they had to stop production completely for re-tooling. Officially, the first Mazda6 comes off the line on Oct 21, but they will always build a few ahead of time to test the line and end up crushing them within a year.

kenoka

That makes me sad on so many levels.

white951

I was looking in a recent car mag, it had two spy photos of the European/Japanese Accord which looks very different from the one over here. The poop is it will be sold here in 2004 as an Accura. The mag said it looks similar to the 6. I didn't think so from what I saw. Anyone see this. I think it was Car/Driver.

ashutoshsm

you mean the Honda Accord/Acura TSX. Indeed

There are some similarities (4 door sedans, front wheel drive, same number of pillars, windows etc), although the rear is where they are like night and day! And the layout of the interior as well.

audia8q

The plan, at this moment, is to get one Mazda6i and one Mazda6s at every dealership by mid-late november....Then by mid December additional stock will be shipping.
Flat Rock is currently on time with the model change over.

Rich

mazda6s

What's your source of info? Do you work at the Flat Rock plant?

johnclineii

Audia8q's information is VERY reliable. I believe he is a dealer. Regardless, you can take his info to the bank!

I just wish he could tell us when the hatchback/wagons are due in the dealerships!

radocha

I don't think that 6 will be competing against Accord as much as againts the upcoming TSX. I have had a chance to drive 6 last month when visiting my friend in Europe (it was 1.8L rated at 125hp, the 2.3L has a rating of 166hp in Europe). Needless to say I was quite impressed with the 6 (mainly suspension tuning & road feedback) and after testdriving the new Accord in US it became clear to me that while Honda was targeting the comfort/luxury car's aspects in this segment, Mazda was going after performance. ...And performance is what Honda will bring next year in the form European Accord/Acura TSX which also looks very promising. For those interested I would suggest checking some european car websites (if English is your only tongue then UK is your only choice Yes, front of the car does resemble 6 a little bit, but rear blends more with a Civic.

ickes_mobile

A new magazine, a new update. From the October volume of CAR now with 4200 miles on the test car:

...a 2.3 litre unit which dishes out 166bhp as part of an enthusiastic mid-range repertoire that also includes 152lb ft of torque. Neither figure is life-changing, but together they get the chassis singing...

...despite a lightness around the front wheels when the power is on (MX-5 anyone?) the car loves it all.

...its flicable and grippy, and there's always torque to pull you out...

...the interior is likable and works well. A surprisingly brilliant Bose CD system is the highpoint...

Of course, the column starts by saying someone asked the author at a gas station if it was a Lexus IS200. Upon hearing that it was a Mazda, the individual becaume "visably disinterested", which was "a pity for Mazda and a bigger pity for him".

mazda6s

Was the 6 you drove in Europe a 1.8L or 2.3L?

mazda6s

Can anyone confirm (with a reliable source) that the European suspension tuning will be retained for the US market?

vocus

He said it was a 1.8L engine.

jjpeter

Went to the races today at Leguna Seca *Mazda* raceway in Monterey, CA. The yearly appearence of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS)is an event I don't miss. Another 1-2 win for team Audi, yawn... At least Detroit iron was on the podeum with Cadillac taking 3rd.

Mazda had a big display there and sitting on the floor room was an 03 Mazda6, a V6. Sweet!!

Six photos have been posted to my yahoo photo album. Enjoy!

According to one of the Mazda factory guys in the booth, dealers will start recieving inventory in early December (nothing new, same news as has been posted.) A lot of the Euro-Japanese pixs I've been seeing show a slatted grill up front. The US model will have a honey comb type grill. Too bad, I like the slat look better. Oh well, its minor. The interior was first cabin. Even chromed, metal door releases inside, nice upscale touch. The doors open and close effortlessly! Like a refrigirator with the magnetic strip around the edge. I really liked the charcoal cloth seats, my favorite interior appointment. The V6 really fills the engine compartment, and the engineer guy on-hand raved about the handling (I think that was his job, being on the stateside suspension design team.)

I can't wait to test drive one of these; the 4 or the 6. My 93 G20 is going to have to give way to this mechanical marvel early next year,,, oh wait, I really want the 5 door hatch - well, looks like a wait till summer. But, oh, I'll be a pest at the Mazda dealers till then, trust me.

Enjoy the photos!

http://photos.yahoo.com/jay07_1996 - 03 Mazda 6

johnclineii

Thanks for the GREAT photos!

Best of all, the silvery plastic is NOT on the center dash console. Matte black. I sure hope that is available on the production models!

dudleyr

Agreed - don't like the silver at all. The whole point of a car interior is to be unobtrusive, so as not to distract the driver. I just don't get the chrome/silver/titanium kick.

ickes_mobile

So, this appears to be a "Mazda6s" with the sport package. Very nice. But, I don't like the faux metal dash either.

The slatted grill available in Japan is an accessory that can be added along with colored headlight and taillight surrounds. You can see them here:

http://www.mazda.co.jp/accessory/garage/atenza/sport/atenza_sport.html

vocus

Looks like a little mix of a Millenia in front, and the back end looks a little like a 2003 Corolla to me.

silvercrown

Thanks for posting these impressive photos. The Mazda 6 just looks better and better each time I see it. It does remind me of the Millenia in a vague sort of way. I also see some Protege from the front view. But that's a good thing, because both the Millenia and the Protege are good-looking cars IMHO.

chikoo

how comfortable is the interior? Space wise and ergonomics wise.
Does the seat fit like a glove as it does on the Protege ES?

The dash i think will be good. It appears to be designed inspired from MiniDeck systems.

jjpeter

I'd judge the interior to be excellent. I'm 5'8" so it was fine for me. The seat was powered, so I could not do any adjusting, but entry and exit was easy, front and back. The fabric as a kind of valor like material, very anti-slip, so one really sticks in the seats. The center console, behind the shifter (it was an automatic) has an nice covered bin that reveals two cup holders when opened.

Also, there is a "cut out" in the drivers door map slot for another cup holder. Definitally designed for the drive-thru happy American life style, LOL. The sound system just had a CD player, the slot for a cassette was a blank. Must be an option.

The truck was big, but somewhat cheezy in its use of rigid felt like material. I found the treatment of the rear area in the Protoge 5 wagon to be much better constructed. Thats why I want the hatchback, other then for practical reasons.

I'm not sure where this unit was built. Flat Rock still is not producing vehicles, so I presume it was of Japanese manufacture.

Regardless of what version of the 6 one buys, the sport suspension is standard. It will be engine choices and luxo items that will drive up the price. The Mazda guy said pricing will start around $18k and top out around 26K. All tires will be either 16 or 17", all season Michelins. The 6 at Laguna Seca had 17" Pilot XGT V4/Z4. It was ready for business.

Personally, I think the styling of this car hits the sweet spot, it looks aggressive and it will answer the bell. The Corolla may look racy but go test drive one. Its still a Corolla.

Incidently, the Mazda guy said starting next year, Mazda will start racing the 6, replacing the Protoge as its factory touring car. It should be interesting!

ashutoshsm

At the NYIAS the 6's seats seemed to be roomier and comfier than my pros, with a fair bit (if not Subaru WRX levels) of side bolstering. The interioir was roomy, and I tried sitting in all 5 seating positions. Loved it! I also liked how easy it was to reach the dash and how the panel buttons were laid out. There is always a tiny learning curve with a new vehicle acquisition, but it certainly didn't seem like they did anything wrong with the layout, at frst glance. The DVD navigation popup screen on the top-center of the dash (where non-equipped models will have a storage cubby-hole) was pretty neat! The rear seats fold effortlessly and very flat. Looking in from the back of the hatch or wagon with the rear seats folded would not cause an attack for even the most claustrophobic person! The trunk is massive with a comfortable hieght, as well. Pretty deep (vertical), compared to competing cars which are deep along the lenght and have the ugly massive rear deck overhang! (think accord, camry, dodge intrepid etc!)

radocha

For those interested I would suggest checking the following site: http://www.mazda6.co.uk/ Granted, it doesn't give you as much info as Japan one but at least it is in English. Also, look at the brochure...it will give you comparable pricing & options & performance numbers...just get the exchange rates right. US numbers won't be identical but shouldn't be far off.

...I am a little disappointed with 0-60 for 2.3L

chikoo

the engine sounds sweet and not raucous,like the 626lx.
More than speed and accl. times, I love the sound of a sweet engine revving.

vcjumper

With 17" rims and 160hp, it sure won't set any speed records.

yugoboy

Check out what the euro's are going to be getting, it is just not fair, why oh why do i live in north america!!!!!!!!!

Paris Preview

 Farah AlKhalisi

 

  

Basking in the acclaim the Mazda6 range has received so far, Mazda is going to give us the car we've been waiting for. The Mazda6 MPS has a turbo-charged, direct-injection version of the 2.3-litre petrol engine delivering 280 bhp and 266 lb ft of torque, four-wheel drive with active torque control and a limited-slip differential, and a short-throw six-speed manual gearbox. The suspension, already sporty on the standard models, has been fine-tuned and the car's body rigidity has been increased. It sits on lightweight aluminium wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 18-inch tyres. ABS brakes and dynamic stability control (DSC) are also fitted. Styled in Europe at Mazda's Oberursel R&D centre near Munich, it has a new version of Mazda's five-pointed grille, an air intake similar to that of the RX-8 coupe, an enlarged front bumper and rear spoiler, flared wheel-arches and special Silver Storm paintwork. Inside, its black-finished cabin has blue and metallic instruments, aluminium switches, black and white leather seats, keyless entry, and the year's must-have feature, a starter button.

http://www.4car.co.uk/jsp/zoom.jsp?target=paris6mpsconcept.jpg

mazdafun

I guess they're waiting to see how the Mazdaspeed Protege and the 6 sedan do first.

Bummer we have to wait here in NA because of all the non-enthusiast drivers.

mazda6s

I'll take the V6.

Incidently, one of the good things about the 6 is that since the same model is sold in Europe and Japan they'll be lots of aftermarket goodies available if you're so inclined.

chikoo

my friend just dropped in from Hungary.

His verdict:
2 cars are making it really big in europe this year.

1. Alfa Romeo
2. Mazda6

not necessarily in that order.

So all that european hype is true after all!!

Thank God!

magnetophone

Alfa Romeo? They make several cars. TYou may want to narrow it down.

chikoo

and I don't care either since it is not relevant for USA.

the_big_h

ala WRC fame?

kenoka

If they offered a 6 speed tranny and AWD with the V6, I might well forget the turbo 2.3. Obviously the plans aren't definite yet to bring the MazdaSpeed6 to NA, but they do talk about a "series" of MazdaSpeed cars, so I think it's probable.

seminole_kev

Alfa 206? iddin't dat one of them their puge-ohs

dudleyr

I am not looking to set speed records, so the 4 cyl is fine with me. My preferred engine would actually be the diesel. There is beauty in efficiency (I wish the 4 cyl 6 was as efficient as the new Accord - 34 hwy mpg). The handling (assuming it is as good as people say), and the wagon body style, are what I like about the 6 - smoking tires is for teenagers.

I don't think even the 6 cylinder is going to set any speed records.

ashutoshsm

through curvy roads and slaloms (hopefully)!

Don't they plan to race it as well?