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I chose AWD for the winter traction, but the full-time AWD feel is a big bonus I'm not sure I would give up.
I've actually sampled that V6 engine. The MPV has it, and while it's smooth and effective, I didn't find it particularly quick, and that's with a 5 speed auto tranny and FWD.
Mazda should offer a 5 speed manual with the V6, or at least a 5 speed auto. I hate column shifters, though.
-juice
Either way, the engine seems fine, that's probably the Tribute's biggest strength. But to me reliability is a pre-requisite, so I wouldn't even give it consideration until that was sorted out and the long-term results showed that.
-juice
3812 lbs. for the MPV ES FWD V6
That's a difference of 520 lbs.
Also, the MPV has traction control, and I imagine a FWD Tribute would have wicked torque steer.
-juice
Well 99.9% of SUVs never have any use for AWD, so a FWD is fine for most users. Where I live there's never any need for AWD as the weather rarely gets inclement. If they made a RWD WRX, I'd buy it over the AWD version in a second.
Whats with all the posts about VW's, SUV's, TDI's, and gas prices? These all all discussed in other places.
What does anyone think will be the day that one can get a new '6'?
Oops, let's get back on topic, you think the 6 will have an AWD option? Traction control? Better yet, a front limited slip diffy? If they claim to be zoom-zoom let's see a torsen LSD up front.
-juice
Stability control, though, has been mentioned for the Japanese version of the 6. The big question for me is whether the US version will offer it. I saw no mention of stability control on the US/NAIAS sites. I've noticed that a couple of cars that offer stability control in Europe don't offer it in the US--the 2003 Corolla for one, and until recently the Jetta. Maybe it's something US drivers just don't care about.
So will the US 6 will have stability control (with traction control/ABS), traction control/ABS, or just ABS? Do any dealers have a feel for how popular this feature is or will become?
The wife sampled an MPV and it just didn't cut it for her, so we're looking forward to driving the 6.
Her 626 has an open differential and no traction control, so all it takes is one tire on ice and it ain't moving. Kind of embarassing.
-juice
It was the same one that was at Chicago. It looks on the small side of current mid-sizers, maybe about the size of a Passat, but not as big as Accord or Altima. I was pleased to see it since most times the Mpls show is an after thought. I actually saw some concepts that weren't at Chicago (Ford 49' Convertable) and you could sit in a T-Bird (assuming you could get near it). Looked again at the Altima. Black interior is better, but its still pretty cruddy.
FWIW, a local Ford dealer had half a dozen T-Birds in stock and I was able to sit in several. The seats are a bit spongy IMO.
-juice
I drove by the local Mazda dealer on my way to the VW parts department (I'm working on a new project on my Focus) and wished I could have pulled in and driven away in a new gun metal 6 hatchback.
Check out this ad for the Mazda 6 that appeared in major newspapers in Finland a couple of weekends ago. Translated into english it says "Testdrive Nissan Primera before Midsummer!" Mazda must be pretty confident about this one.
-juice
Manufacturer, Car Name, Model. Keep it simple, Mazda.
-juice
Mazda didn't have an identity. The same company making back-to-basics roadsters was pitching rotary engines and tiny V6s (remember the MX-3?), as well as 4WD low-range minivans and econo hatchbacks! Talk about inconsistent.
If they stick with zoom-zoom consitently throughout the product line, people will eventually catch on to the name.
-juice
The high performance Mazda6 could become a reality...
It is expected to have a turbo 2.3 4cyl engine, variable timing and direct injection. 6 speed manual, bigger brakes and possible height adjustable suspension and all wheel drive.
Look for the unveiling early as the Paris auto show in Septemeber....Australia looks like the first market.
looks like it's eventually going to happen.
Also....
The Ford Mondeo ST2000 will have a 219hp V6 3.0litre. (sure sounds like the Maz6 engine) It's running 0-60 times of 6.8 seconds.
I would prefer the hatch or wagon so my only choice would be to extend my lease or buy the car (I'm not adverse to this idea) and wait 6-12 months for availablity of all the models.
Problem is that I'd really like to have a serious look at these cars and would hate to hold over only to find they are not for me. I guess I might be able to extrapolate from looking at the 6 sedan if that's available to see before my lease is up. I guess I'm wondering whether they're may be an earlier start up date. Reply from any Mazda sales or marketing people would be appreciated.
There were many positive comments on the styling from those who walked by. Although I couldn't sit in the car, from what I could see I thought the interior was well crafted in the current dark European vogue. The metallic center cluster looked quite nice, without the cheap feel that some of the silver plastic bezels have in some of the newer Japanese models. Granted, this was just a show model, not something in production.
From just the looks of it, Mazda appears successful in cultivating the image of a Japanese car with a German feel (clean, high quality interior design, thoughtful features like non-intruding hinges for the trunk lid, easy folding rear seats).
0-60 in 6.8 is solid. No turbo is needed if that's the case.
I like the wagon, but the wife likes the hatchback. We'll probably wait to look at those if (when?) they come.
-juice
see you all there!!
Rich
thanks
I also will be there again Sunday and will get more pics....
then you can just post the URL of the album here.
good luck! I want to see those PHO-TOS!!!
sorry the pics arent better but I was on the tour with a different brand at the time. We were quickly ushered past the Mazda booth...LOL
I'll load more pics on sunday night.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291945243
This car is going to be a hit...
that blue 6 looks really sharp!! and I have a blue Pro right now, hmm what's my favority color again?
They like the interior? Good. Altima is getting a lot of criticism in that area, though I find it acceptable, at least.
The Mazdaspeed 3 will be at the NY show.
The review counts the following in the against column: Mazda badge (who cares?), limited choice of variants (bring the hatch and wagon).
-juice