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Image credits: © Mazda.
MSRP: $18,550-28,260
Invoice: $17,600-26,100
2009 Mazda 6 news, pictures, and information | ||
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MAZDA6: The Evolution of Zoom-Zoom
The original MAZDA6, introduced in late 2002 for the 2003 model year, made Zoom-Zoom the two most evocative words in the automotive lexicon. This sport sedan was the first Mazda vehicle to benefit from the spirit of a true sports car infused in a five-passenger, 4-door sedan. (concept carz) That revolutionary combination created a commotion in the mid-size class where strict practicality, affordability, and economy of operation usually leave no room for driving enjoyment. The original MAZDA6's vitality is what set it apart from competitors.Times and tastes change. The all-new 2009 MAZDA6 takes everything learned in that first-generation car, as well as lessons learned from volumes of customer feedback, and proves Mazda's commitment to continuous improvement. Most important, though, this is the first Mazda vehicle designed, engineered, developed, and manufactured on ÚS soil wîth the intention of surpassing American customer needs in countless categories.
Hiroshi Kajiyama served as program engineer for the new MAZDA6. Kajiyama, who graduated in electrical engineering at the Hiroshima Institute of Technology, brings 21 years of service at Mazda, ample experience wîth the first generation MAZDA6, and several years of program management to the project. Únlike most engineers, Kajiyama treats the MAZDA6 as a work of art rather than an inanimate machine. That attitude was key to instilling the soul of a sports car in the new MAZDA6.
Kajiyama established ambitious goals and high standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com) To be widely recognized as the best vehicle available in the mid-size market, the MAZDA6's underlying concept rests solidly on three fundamental pillars:
A Sporty Appearance Integrated With A Highly Dynamic Character. Mazda's Zoom-Zoom spirit influences every aspect of the MAZDA6's visual appearance, driving personality, and core disposition. Kajiyama explains, 'We sought an exterior design capable of stirring any observer's emotions and distinguishing the MAZDA6 from the competition. We also strived to achieve a dynamic character that encourages a strong level of interaction wîth the driver.'
A Únique Experience. The MAZDA6 inspires pride of ownership. Notes Kajiyama, 'By elevating the quality level wîth exquisite craftsmanship, each MAZDA6 will form a strong bond and a powerful emotional connection wîth its owner. This relationship is reinforced by driving pleasure keyed to adult tastes, comfort that the driver and every passenger can feel and appreciate, and numerous special features that make every trip, long or short, a highly memorable and pleasurable experience.'
An Insightful Package. The MAZDA6 goes beyond existing mid-size sedan solutions to provide innovative packaging inside a larger envelope, highly flexible seating and storage space, and an unusually attractive appearance. Kajiyama adds, 'By building on our strengths and accomplishments, we're able to make the MAZDA6 the most versatile, comfortable, and enjoyable automobile this company has ever produced. This is what we mean by the evolution of Zoom-Zoom.'
TARGET MARKET
Over two million ÚS buyers purchase a new mid-size automobile each year. Second only to full-size pickup trucks, the mid-size car §egmènt is greater than that of SÚVs, crossovers, minivans, and luxury models by a wide margin. Nearly one out of five American buyers believe that an affordable, mid-size sedan best fits their wide-ranging needs and lifestyles. With fuel costs rising, the mid-size §egmènt is expected to experience strong growth.Naturally, wîth such a large volume of cars sold, the competition is intense. There are more than a dozen worthy import and domestic brands and models striving to win the hearts and minds – and wallets – of mid-size customers.
While the original MAZDA6 won many faithful and passionate customers, a larger role is intended for its successor. The new 2009 MAZDA6 is aimed at a broader audience wîth the intention of offering the Zoom-Zoom experience to customers unaware of what they've been missing. The strategy is to move this vehicle to a distinctly different location on the premium versus sporty positioning map.
The strength of the 2003-2008 model was that its sporty design and demeanor exceeded the character of key competitors—Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry. In other words, the original MAZDA6 was steeped in Zoom-Zoom spirit. This sets the stage for the new MAZDA6 to make its move into uncharted territory. This is the mid-size sport sedan that excels in both premium and sporty directions thanks to its exceptional quality, roomy comfort, high-performance powertrains, aggressive dynamic character, and distinctive appearance. Add to that evolved Zoom-Zoom. The MAZDA6 represents an evolution in how enjoyable a mid-size sedan can be.
THE NEW MAZDA6 CÚSTOMERS
While the fresh, attractive design and advanced features of the MAZDA6 are sure to attract a broad audience, this vehicle was designed and engineered wîth a sharp focus on specific types of customers. The following five profiles don't necessarily define the length and breadth of that constituent base but they do aid in understanding how the MAZDA6 differs from mainstream mid-size models:Style-conscious individuals anxious to enjoy the Next New Thing. The new MAZDA6 is a trend-setter in several respects, not the least of which is its exterior design. This car is a striking standout at the leading edge of styling trends. The sleek and elegant curvature of the roof, for example, sets the MAZDA6 apart in the mid-size category.
Sophisticated consumers who treasure top-quality possessions. Mid-size car customers have high standards for creature comforts and attention to detail. Mazda is targeting those wîth highly cultivated tastes because they are less concerned about bargain-basement prices than they are interested in obtaining a carefully made, thoughtfully designed car capable of fulfilling their expectations.
Mature individuals wîth youthful tastes and attitudes. Age is no longer a trustworthy indicator of buying habits. The MAZDA6 will definitely appeal to customers belonging to all age groups wîth this common interest: owing a comfortable, attractive sport sedan that's uniquely entertaining to drive.
Hard-core drivers. Mazda's reputation for spreading its Zoom-Zoom sports-car spirit into every vehicle is well known. Driving enthusiasts who shop here are always well satisfied by Mazda's dedication to responsive handling, sharp acceleration, and all-around nimble behavior.
The confident and uncompromising. The new MAZDA6 is distinctive in appearance and unique in fit, finish and dynamics. For many, the larger and more powerful MAZDA6 represents exactly the car they've waited patiently to own.Source - Mazda
The 2003 Mazda 6 four-door sedan was the successor to the Mazda 626 which ran from 1979 until 2002. The 6 was introduced just one month after the 626 ended production in August of 2002 to speedily fill the sales gap. The Mazda 6 was designed to appeal to a slightly sportier, less utilitarian buyer. 'It is the first new product to represent what Mark Fields, president of Mazda Motor Corporation, calls 'Mazda's brand DNA.' This DNA rules that Mazda be a car that is styling, insightful and spirited.
Marketed in Japan as the Atenza, the Mazda6 is a mid-sided sedan and station wagon. Te first-generation models had the ‘feel' of European company vehicles, while the second generation models were made larger for family passenger comfort though still maintaining Mazda's exceptional handling abilities. The 6's platform was also used on Ford Fusion, the Mercury Milan, the Lincoln MKX and Zephyr, as well as Ford's SUV's and minivans. Though there has been some talk of the production of a coupe and cabriolet, as of yet, these haven't materialized. Since its inception in 2002, more than 1 million Mazda6 cars have been sold.
The Mazda 6 continued to be built around a uni-body structure and was also still built at the AutoAlliance plant in Flat Rock, Michigan and continues to be a front-drive car with the engine situated transversely in the nose. The 6 is still a very conventional car, but the suspension is all-new with a sophisticated double-wishbone system up front and a supple multilink system in the rear. The station wagon is 187.8 inches long and weighed 3,404 lbs. The Mazda6 5-door station wagon featured the Mazda logo, the single or double horizontal front grill bars and the aggressive air dam gave both the sedan and the wagons a sporty look. It also featured a room, well-appointed interior.
The engines were both all-aluminum units with the base powerplant being a 2.3-liter, DOHC, 16-valve four that due to the variable valve timing, rated at 150 hp. Optional, the DOHC, 24-valve, V6 displaces 3.0 liters and also using variable timing is rated at 219 hp. The four comes with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, while both the V6's manual and automatic gearboxes feature five forward gears.
Though the Accord and Camry were aiming to be sportier, the Mazda 6 featured average handling dynamics, with steering performances from the power-assisted rack and pinion setup exemplary. The Mazda 6 has a turning circle of 38.7 feet, on the wider side for its class. The Mazda6 achieved 0-60mph in just 8.0 seconds.
The main downside seems to be in the rear seat room, though the legroom is generous at 36.5 inches, the shoulder room is only at 54.9 inches, 1.2 inches shorter than the Accord, and 1.8 inches shorter than the Camry. Both the Accord and Camry also feature more headroom, along with a more comfortable rake to the seatback.
By the end of its first year in production, the Mazda6 had ‘firmly established itself as a unique personality in a market segment often accused of being devoid of that trait'. Mazda pushed the envelope for 2004 by introduced two variations not available from the competition; a sport wagon and a five-door hatchback.
Available with both the four and V6 engines, the hatchback is much like the sedan. The sport wagon only comes with the V6, and only in the sportiest 'S' trim level. Both of these body styles increased the utility of the Mazda6, neither of these models lose the sedan's verve or charming character. The hatchback also makes the sedan obsolete, since it gives additional cargo space in a nearly identical package. The wagon is a step up by squeezing even more cargo room into a shape that considerably better looking than either of its smaller brothers.
The 2006 Mazda6 Sports Sedan has continued to set new standards for performance, styling and drivability in its class, and since its introduction in 2004, more than 70 awards for automotive excellence. In 2005, Mazda was the first to offer a six-speed Sport AT automatic transmission featuring manual shift mode in the midsize segment. This avant-garde technology is available on all Mazda A6's models. Additional new features this year included 17-inch alloy wheels standard on all Sports Sedans, 5-Door and Sport Wagon models, optional on base-trim models. Standard on all Sport and Grand Touring models was 8-way power driver's seat. Standard on Grand Touring was Bose® Audio/Moonroof package and optional on all Base and Sport models.
All 05 Mazda6 models came standard with power windows with driver-side one-touch down feature, power door locks and mirrors with keyless entry, along with front and rear overhead dual map lights that are tightly focused to minimize nighttime glare. To increase comfort and room, numerous storage areas were designed into the cabin which included overhead sunglass storage area, door pockets design to hold half-liter bottles, a center console with two cup holders covered by a damped lid and an expandable pocket on the driver's seat back.
On the inside, the Mazda6 is full of spacious comfort for five adults inside an inviting cabin with an attractive interior. The center armrest offers two compartments for storage, CDs and a second 12V outlet. It is easy to handle odd-sized cargo, simply fold down one or both portions of the 60/40 rear seat. The seatbacks are spring-loaded and fold down with a single pull of the release levers, which are conveniently located in the trunk. Inside there was also a three-spoke steering wheel which offered tilt and telescopic adjustments along with integrated cruise and supplemental audio controls.
The instrumentation inside the Mazda6 included an analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel and engine temperature gauges along with a digital readout for ambient outside air temperature. Standard on all cars was a loud, six-speaker integrated AM/FM/CD sound system, while available upgrades include an in-dash six-CD changer, a cassette deck, an MP3 player or a MiniDisc Player. Standard on Grand Touring models was a 200-watt Bose® sound system, it was also available as an option, comprising a six-disc in-dash CD changer, four 25-watt speakers, a tweeter mounted in the A-pillar of each door, an amplifier and a 100-watt subwoofer. Also included with this package was a power tilt/slide glass moonroof with interior sunshade.
For 2006 Mazda introduced a thrill-packed version of its midsize sedan in the form of the MazdaSpeed6. A turbocharged, all-wheel drive Mazda6, the MazdaSpeed6 was more than just a turbo version of the sedan. The MazdaSpeed6 is unique beyond its turbo in the fact that it features direct injection of fuel into its cylinders rather than mixing the fuel with air upstream of the combustion chambers as it conventional. The Speed also featured the all-wheel-drive system, the 2.3-liter, DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder engine. The engine also works out to 272 hp which is channeled through a six-speed manual transmission before the advanced all-wheel-drive system electronically determines which wheels can use the torque first.By Jessica Donaldson
For more information and related vehicles, click hereMarketed in Japan as the Atenza, the Mazda6 is a mid-sided sedan and station wagon. Te first-generation models had the ‘feel' of European company vehicles, while the second generation models were made larger for family passenger comfort though still maintaining Mazda's exceptional handling abilities. The 6's platform was also used on Ford Fusion, the Mercury Milan, the Lincoln MKX and Zephyr, as well as Ford's SUV's and minivans. Though there has been some talk of the production of a coupe and cabriolet, as of yet, these haven't materialized. Since its inception in 2002, more than 1 million Mazda6 cars have been sold.
The Mazda 6 continued to be built around a uni-body structure and was also still built at the AutoAlliance plant in Flat Rock, Michigan and continues to be a front-drive car with the engine situated transversely in the nose. The 6 is still a very conventional car, but the suspension is all-new with a sophisticated double-wishbone system up front and a supple multilink system in the rear. The station wagon is 187.8 inches long and weighed 3,404 lbs. The Mazda6 5-door station wagon featured the Mazda logo, the single or double horizontal front grill bars and the aggressive air dam gave both the sedan and the wagons a sporty look. It also featured a room, well-appointed interior.
The engines were both all-aluminum units with the base powerplant being a 2.3-liter, DOHC, 16-valve four that due to the variable valve timing, rated at 150 hp. Optional, the DOHC, 24-valve, V6 displaces 3.0 liters and also using variable timing is rated at 219 hp. The four comes with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, while both the V6's manual and automatic gearboxes feature five forward gears.
Though the Accord and Camry were aiming to be sportier, the Mazda 6 featured average handling dynamics, with steering performances from the power-assisted rack and pinion setup exemplary. The Mazda 6 has a turning circle of 38.7 feet, on the wider side for its class. The Mazda6 achieved 0-60mph in just 8.0 seconds.
The main downside seems to be in the rear seat room, though the legroom is generous at 36.5 inches, the shoulder room is only at 54.9 inches, 1.2 inches shorter than the Accord, and 1.8 inches shorter than the Camry. Both the Accord and Camry also feature more headroom, along with a more comfortable rake to the seatback.
By the end of its first year in production, the Mazda6 had ‘firmly established itself as a unique personality in a market segment often accused of being devoid of that trait'. Mazda pushed the envelope for 2004 by introduced two variations not available from the competition; a sport wagon and a five-door hatchback.
Available with both the four and V6 engines, the hatchback is much like the sedan. The sport wagon only comes with the V6, and only in the sportiest 'S' trim level. Both of these body styles increased the utility of the Mazda6, neither of these models lose the sedan's verve or charming character. The hatchback also makes the sedan obsolete, since it gives additional cargo space in a nearly identical package. The wagon is a step up by squeezing even more cargo room into a shape that considerably better looking than either of its smaller brothers.
The 2006 Mazda6 Sports Sedan has continued to set new standards for performance, styling and drivability in its class, and since its introduction in 2004, more than 70 awards for automotive excellence. In 2005, Mazda was the first to offer a six-speed Sport AT automatic transmission featuring manual shift mode in the midsize segment. This avant-garde technology is available on all Mazda A6's models. Additional new features this year included 17-inch alloy wheels standard on all Sports Sedans, 5-Door and Sport Wagon models, optional on base-trim models. Standard on all Sport and Grand Touring models was 8-way power driver's seat. Standard on Grand Touring was Bose® Audio/Moonroof package and optional on all Base and Sport models.
All 05 Mazda6 models came standard with power windows with driver-side one-touch down feature, power door locks and mirrors with keyless entry, along with front and rear overhead dual map lights that are tightly focused to minimize nighttime glare. To increase comfort and room, numerous storage areas were designed into the cabin which included overhead sunglass storage area, door pockets design to hold half-liter bottles, a center console with two cup holders covered by a damped lid and an expandable pocket on the driver's seat back.
On the inside, the Mazda6 is full of spacious comfort for five adults inside an inviting cabin with an attractive interior. The center armrest offers two compartments for storage, CDs and a second 12V outlet. It is easy to handle odd-sized cargo, simply fold down one or both portions of the 60/40 rear seat. The seatbacks are spring-loaded and fold down with a single pull of the release levers, which are conveniently located in the trunk. Inside there was also a three-spoke steering wheel which offered tilt and telescopic adjustments along with integrated cruise and supplemental audio controls.
The instrumentation inside the Mazda6 included an analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel and engine temperature gauges along with a digital readout for ambient outside air temperature. Standard on all cars was a loud, six-speaker integrated AM/FM/CD sound system, while available upgrades include an in-dash six-CD changer, a cassette deck, an MP3 player or a MiniDisc Player. Standard on Grand Touring models was a 200-watt Bose® sound system, it was also available as an option, comprising a six-disc in-dash CD changer, four 25-watt speakers, a tweeter mounted in the A-pillar of each door, an amplifier and a 100-watt subwoofer. Also included with this package was a power tilt/slide glass moonroof with interior sunshade.
For 2006 Mazda introduced a thrill-packed version of its midsize sedan in the form of the MazdaSpeed6. A turbocharged, all-wheel drive Mazda6, the MazdaSpeed6 was more than just a turbo version of the sedan. The MazdaSpeed6 is unique beyond its turbo in the fact that it features direct injection of fuel into its cylinders rather than mixing the fuel with air upstream of the combustion chambers as it conventional. The Speed also featured the all-wheel-drive system, the 2.3-liter, DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder engine. The engine also works out to 272 hp which is channeled through a six-speed manual transmission before the advanced all-wheel-drive system electronically determines which wheels can use the torque first.By Jessica Donaldson
 2009
Mazda
models |
| Mazda 5 |
| Mazda B-Series |
| Mazda CX-7 |
| Mazda CX-9 |
| Mazda i |
| Mazda MX-5 |
| Mazda RX-8 |
| Mazda Tribute |
| Comparable Vehicles | |
| Chevrolet Cobalt | ($15,660-23,425) |
| Chrysler PT Cruiser | ($17,750-24,260) |
| Chrysler Sebring | ($20,515-34,725) |
| Dodge Avenger | ($20,515-22,050) |
| Ford Fusion | ($19,035-25,605) |
| Honda Accord | ($20,775-31,005) |
| Hyundai Sonata | ($18,700-26,550) |
| Kia Optima | ($17,495-22,145) |
| Kia Rondo | ($17,495-22,295) |
| Mercury Milan | ($20,320-26,720) |
| MINI Cooper | ($18,550-30,800) |
| Mitsubishi Eclipse | ($20,250-30,150) |
| Mitsubishi Galant | ($21,250-27,450) |
| Nissan Altima | ($19,900-29,380) |
| Nissan Sentra | ($16,730-21,160) |
| Pontiac G6 | ($20,490-31,870) |
| Pontiac Vibe | ($16,100-20,875) |
| Saturn Astra | ($17,045-19,545) |
| Scion tC | ($17,000-17,800) |
| Subaru Impreza | ($17,495-34,995) |
| Subaru Legacy | ($20,795-34,595) |
| Toyota Camry | ($19,145-28,695) |
| Toyota Matrix | ($16,290-21,950) |
| Volkswagen Jetta | ($17,340-27,090) |
| Volkswagen New Beetle | ($17,990-25,590) |
| Volkswagen Rabbit | ($15,890-18,990) |
| Similarly Sized Vehicles from 2009 |
| A.D. TRAMONTANA R |
| Acura RL |
| Acura TSX |
| Alfa Romeo 159 |
| Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent |
| Alfa Romeo Brera S |
| Audi A4 |
| Audi A6 |
| Audi RS6 |
| Audi TT |
| Mazda: 2001-2010 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Mazda History |
| Other models by Mazda |
| Manufacturer Website |
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| 2 3 5 | 6 787 Chantez | Cosmo CX-5 CX-7 | CX-9 Miata MPV | MX-3 RX-7 RX-8 | RX3 Tribute |
| 6/1/2008 | 6/1/2010 |
