The Mazda6 or Mazda 6 (known as the Mazda Atenza in China and Japan) is alarge family car produced by the Japanese car manufacturer Mazda since 2002, now in its third generation. The Mazda6 has sold over one million units worldwide since its introduction, hitting this sales milestone faster than all previous Mazdas.
The Mazda6 was the first example of the company's new Stylish, Insightful, and Spirited design philosophy followed by the Mazda2 in December 2002, the RX-8 in August 2003, the Mazda3 in January 2004, the Mazda5 in the summer of 2005, the MX-5 in October 2005, and the Mazda CX-7 in November 2006. The Mazda6 is the successor of the Mazda 626, also known as the Mazda Capella and the Mazda Cronos. The 2003 Mazda6 is essentially the 4th generation Mazda 626 as the Mazda6 continues on the G-platform, progressing from the GF-platform 626/Capella to the GG-platform Mazda6.
The Mazda6 currently races in the GTS class of the SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge. Mazda finished first in the manufacturer's championship standings. Mazda6 drivers also finished first and second in the Touring Car driver points.
| Mazda 6 | |
|---|---|
2014 Mazda6 sedan (Europe, third generation)
| |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mazda |
| Also called | Mazda Atenza (China and Japan) |
| Production | 2002–present |
| Assembly | Hiroshima, Japan Hofu, Japan Flat Rock, Michigan (for NA 2002-2013) Bogotá, Colombia (for SA) Changchun, China (for China) Vladivostok, Russia (for Russia) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size car |
| Layout | Front engine, Front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mazda 626/Capella |
First generation (2002–2008)[edit]
| First generation | |
|---|---|
_Classic_hatchback_01.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Production |
2002–2008
2002-Present (China) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door saloon 5-door estate 5-door hatchback |
| Platform | Mazda GG platform |
| Related | Ford Edge Ford Fusion Lincoln MKX Lincoln MKZ Lincoln Zephyr Mazda CX-9 Mercury Milan |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.8 L MZR I4 *L8 2.0 L MZR I4 *LF 2.3 L MZR I4 *L3 3.0 L MZI V6 2.0 L MZR-CD Diesel * Denotes European Engine Code |
| Transmission | 4-speed 4F27E Sport automatic 5-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed automatic 6-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 105.3 in (2,675 mm) |
| Length | Saloon and hatchback: 4,745 mm (186.8 in) Estate: 4,770 mm (187.8 in) |
| Width | 1,781 mm (70.1 in) |
| Height | Saloon and hatchback: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Estate: 1,455 mm (57.3 in) |
The model lineup consists of a four-door sedan, a five-door hatchback and a five-door estate, marketed in North America as the "Sport Sedan", "5-Door" and "Sport Wagon", respectively. In Australia, the lineup starts with Limited, available only as a saloon. Then comes the Classic, available in saloon, hatch or estate. The Luxury model is next available in saloon and hatch versions. Topping the range is the Luxury Sports model, available only as a hatch. In New Zealand the lineup consisted of 2.0L GLX (saloon only), 2.3L GSX (saloon, hatch, and estate), and the range-topping 2.3L Limited (saloon and hatch). The lead stylist for this model generation was Moray Callum.
When it arrived in North America, it was first sold as a 2003 model in the United States and as a 2004 model in Canada. In Europe, the luxury sports model was available as a 220 hp (160 kW) direct injection turbodiesel ("DITD") estate up until 2007. As of 2008, the European Mazda catalog lists only the "Sport" version of the 246 hp (183 kW) turbodiesel estate, while the "Luxury Sport" version has been dropped.
Drivetrain combinations include the Mazda MZR engine in configurations of 1.8 L (L8-DE), 2.0 L (LF-VE) and 2.3 L (L3-VE), initially with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission (with sequential-automatic option, dubbed the "Four-Speed Sport AT"). In the US domestic market a 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 engineis also available with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic (with sequential-automatic option, dubbed the "5-Speed Sport AT"). European and Australian versions also feature a four-cylinder turbodiesel that comes with a six-speed manual transmission and produces significantly more torque than the V6, with much improved fuel economy.
In North America, the 5-speed automatic optional on the V6 models is replaced by an Aisin 6-speed automatic for 2005 model year. The four-cylinder model receives a Jatco five-speed automatic in the following year. Power is directed to the front wheels in most markets, although full-time all-wheel-drive models are available in Japan, Europe and Australia. Not all configurations are available in all areas - for example, the Mazda 6 as released in Australia is available in 2.3L four-cylinder guise only, while the 626 which it replaced was available with a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines. The MZI V6 engine was only fitted to vehicles manufactured at Flat Rock, Michigan and destined for the US and Canadian domestic markets.
Just as before the Mazda 626 was renamed to Mazda6 Atenza, Ford continues to use the Mazda's G-series platform for the basis of a number of its CD3 platform coded vehicles, including the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ,Lincoln MKX, and a range of SUVs and minivans. Ford also plans to offer a hybridpowertrain on the platform. The official Mazda chassis codes are GG(saloon/hatch) and GY (estate) series - following the 626/Capella in its GF/GW series.
Mazda's Hofu plants in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan produce the Mazda6 for international markets. In North America, Mazda 6 production is handled at theAutoAlliance International plant which is a joint venture between Ford and Mazda. The first Mazda 6 rolled off this Flat Rock, Michigan assembly line on October 1, 2002, one month after 626 production ended. There are also satellite plants building Mazda 6 models in China and Thailand for their respective local markets.
In September 2005, all Australian Mazda 6's received a facelift which included a feature upgrade, 5-speed auto and 6-speed manual transmissions, standard 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels and minor bodywork upgrades.
In China, the Mazda6 is used as the base for the FAW Benteng, also known as Besturn or Hongqi C301, manufactured by the First Automobile Works in Jilin Province.
Gallery[edit]
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Mazdaspeed6
| Mazdaspeed6 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mazda |
| Also called | Mazda 6 MPS Mazda Speed Atenza |
| Production | 2005–2007 |
| Assembly | Hiroshima and Hofu, Japan |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size |
| Body style | 4-door saloon |
| Layout | Front engine / all-wheel drive |
| Platform | Mazda GG chassis |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | MZR 2.3 L Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbo-charged I4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,675 mm (105.3 in) |
| Length | 4,690 mm (184.6 in) |
| Width | 1,780 mm (70.1 in) |
| Height | 1,430 mm (56.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,628 kg (3,589 lb) |
The 2006 Mazdaspeed Atenza (known as Mazdaspeed6 in North America andMazda 6 MPS in Europe, South Africa and Australia) is a high-performance version of the Mazda 6. Its mission statement was written with the help of Peter Birtwhistle, chief of Mazda's advanced design studio in Germany at the time. It was initially unveiled as a concept at the 2002 Paris show. It features a turbocharged version of the 2.3 L MZR I4 which produces 272 PS (200 kW) (European version is detuned to 260 PS (191 kW); the North American version, at 274 hp (204 kW), revised to 270 hp (200 kW) for 2007). All models have 280 lb·ft (380 N·m) of torque. This 2.3 L DISI turbocharged engine features direct fuel injection and conforms to the new Euro 5 emissions standards. It has a revised front fascia with a raised hood, a 6-speed manual transmission, and all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system uses Mazda's Active Torque Split computer-based control, which routes up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels depending on driving conditions.
Originally scheduled to be launched in June 2005, the Mazdaspeed Atenza was delayed until November. In North America, the Mazdaspeed6 comes in two trim levels; the "Sport" trim with cloth interior and standard key entry and ignition; and the "Grand Touring" trim with leather interior, keyless entry/ignition, and an optional DVD navigation. Automatic climate control is standard, as is a 200 WBose stereo system featuring seven speakers and a 9-inch subwoofer in addition to an in-dash six-disc CD changer. A sunroof with moonroof feature is optional on the Grand Touring trim.
Car and Driver magazine has achieved a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds for this vehicle.[4]
Awards[edit]
The Mazda6 was second place in the 2003 European Car of the Year awards and made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2003. The Sport Wagon won theCanadian Car of the Year Best New Station Wagon award, while the Sport sedan won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Family Car award for 2005. The Atenza Wagon also won What Car?'s Best Estate award in 2004. Also the Mazda6 won the 2003 Semperit Irish Car of the Year.
The Mazda6 won the 'Best Mid-size Car (over $28,000)' title in Australia's Best Cars in 2002 and 2003. It came second in 2004, behind the Subaru Legacy, and fifth in 2005 (the Honda Accord Euro was first in 2005). Wheels magazine also awarded the Mazda6 winner of its Active Safety Program in July 2005. In December 2007 in Australia the Mazda6 won the Carsales Peoples Choice award for its class.
The Mazda 6 was praised for its edgy handsome design, communicative steering and tight suspension. However, as it was designed as a world car in order to fit the needs of Europe and Japan, it was smaller than its North American contemporaries in the midsize segment, being criticized for its reduced passenger space. Its acceleration, particularly the V6 engine models, lagged behind that of its rivals as well. [5]
The hatchback's liftback/notchback styling was considered a clever design to disguise it as a four-door saloon, as North Americans generally considered trunks more elegant than hatches. The estate had an early demise, but the hatchback was somewhat successful in Canada, especially in Québec, though it would not have a 2009 refresh, as both models were unpopular in the US. [6]
Second generation (GH; 2007–2013)[edit]
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Mazda6 Ruiyi |
| Production |
2007–2013
2007-Present (China) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door saloon 5-door hatchback 5-door estate (non US) |
| Platform | Mazda GH chassis |
| Related | Ford Fusion Mercury Milan Lincoln MKZ Mazda CX-9 Ford Edge Lincoln MKX |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.8 L MZR I4 2.0 L MZR I4 2.5 L MZR I4 3.7 L MZI V6 2.0 L MZR-CD 2.2 L MZR-CD |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,725 mm (107.3 in) North America: 109.8 in (2,789 mm) |
| Length | 2008–2010 Saloon & Hatchback: 4,735 mm (186.4 in) 2011- Saloon & hatchback: 4,755 mm (187.2 in) 2008–2010 Estate: 4,765 mm (187.6 in) 2010- Estate: 4,785 mm (188.4 in) North America: 193.7 in (4,920 mm) |
| Width | 1,795 mm (70.7 in) North America: 72.4 in (1,839 mm) |
| Height | Saloon and hatchback: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Station wagon: 1,490 mm (58.7 in) North America: 57.9 in (1,471 mm) |
The new Mazda6 is based on the Mazda GH chassis platform, a revised version of the GG chassis which Ford also still uses as their CD3 platform. Mazda continues to provide three body styles, including 4-door saloon (sedan), 5-door hatchback and wagon. A number of journalists have already praised its electrically assisted steering for being considerably improved compared to the last generation, providing more feedback to the driver. The hatchback model even has a trunk space which beats the larger rival Ford Mondeo and Opel/Vauxhall Insignia(hatchback) by 200 liters with rear seats folded down.
This model of the Mazda6 was awarded 2010 Family Car of the Year by What Car? magazine.
At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Mazda announced their new 2011 Mazda6.
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_Limited_sedan_(2011-06-15).jpg)
_Luxury_Sports_hatchback_(2011-08-17)_01.jpg)
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North America[edit]
The North American version was redesigned for the 2009 model year. It is a widened and lengthened version of the model sold elsewhere, with larger engines. Reviewers have noted its coupe-like roofline and sportier style.[9][10][11][12] North American engine choices include a new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and North American versions get the 3.7-liter V6 which is also available in the Mazda CX-9.[13] Motor Trend recorded a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.1 seconds for the Mazda 6 V6.[14]
In America, only a sedan model was available (In Middle East, USDM Mazda 6 known as Mazda 6 Ultra is sold alongside the JDM Mazda 6). A Mazdaspeed 6 variant was not offered. Despite the North American version's increase in dimensions, Mazda maintains that the 6 retains the overall driving experience is still sportier than rivaling Accords, Camrys, or Malibus. Early reviews have been favorable.[15]
On March 3, 2011, around 50,000 Mazda6 vehicles from the 2009–10 model years were recalled in the United States, with another 15,000 in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico after it was found that Yellow Sac Spiders were building nests in the fuel line of the vehicles.[16][17]The Mazda6 has two pipes coming from its gas tank, an extremely rare configuration. The amount of gasoline vapor in the fuel line is just strong enough to draw the spider in but not strong enough to kill it.[18]
Third generation (GJ; 2012-)[edit]
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
Mazda6 Grand Touring
| |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2012-present |
| Assembly | Hofu, Japan Hiroshima, Japan Vladivostok, Russia[19] |
| Designer | Akira Tamatani (2010)[20][21] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door saloon 5-door estate |
| Platform | MAZDA SKYACTIV platform |
| Related | Mazda CX-5 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.0 L SKYACTIV-G I4 2.5 L SKYACTIV-G I4 2.2 L SKYACTIV-D I4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic 6-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Sedan: 2,830 mm (111.4 in) Station wagon: 2,750 mm (108 in) |
| Length | Sedan: 4,850 mm (190.9 in) Station wagon: 4,800 mm (189.0 in) |
| Width | 1,840 mm (72.4 in) |
| Height | Sedan: 1,450 mm (57.1 in) Station wagon: 1,480 mm (58.3 in) |
The third generation Mazda6 was unveiled during Moscow International Motor Show in late August 2012. Its design has been extremely well-received, and was a finalist in the "2013 World Design Of The Year". In this generation, there are only 4-door sedan and 5-door station wagon versions available.[22]
In Australia, the Mazda6 is sold with a 2.5l SKYACTIV-G petrol or 2.2l SKYACTIV-D twin-turbo diesel 4 cylinder engine, offering 138 kW/250Nm and 129 kW/420Nm respectively. The 5-door hatchback version of the first and second generation models is no longer available, in favour of sedan (in Sport, Touring, GT and Atenza trim) and wagon (Sport, Touring and GT). Transmission options include Mazda's 6speed Skyactiv automatic as well as a 6 speed manual. Notably, Mazda's SKYACTIV technologies have reduced the petrol model's fuel consumption from an official figure of 8.9L/100 km (5 speed auto) for the previous generation to 6.6L/100 km, a 25% improvement. The diesel's fuel economy gain was less marked, from 5.9L/100 km for the previous manual transmission-only diesel model to 5.4L/100 km for the new automatic-only offering.
In China, the third generation is sold under the Atenza nameplate, to differentiate it from the first generation Mazda6, which is still produced in China.[23]
The 2.5L producing 184 hp and with an EPA rating of 38 mpg highway (with the 6-speed automatic). A 2.2 liter diesel will be offered sometime in the second half of 2013, but final details regarding the engine have not been released.[24]
Production of all North American models was transferred to Hiroshima, Japan, due to ongoing efforts to increase global manufacturing efficiencies.[25]
In the United States, the Mazda6 is available in three models: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring, and is offered only as a 4-door sedan. While all three models offer their own distinct features, all of the models offer these features as standard equipment:
- 2.5L, 183 horsepower SKYACTIV SKYACTIV-G I4 engine
- Bluetooth hands-free telephone system with A2DP stereo streaming capabilities, on all models EXCEPT Sport w/6 speed manual
- Alloy wheels
- Keyless entry with keyless access and push-button start system
The Sport and Touring models are offered with the choice of either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, while the top-of-the-line Grand Touring is only offered with a 6-speed automatic.
In Canada, GX, GS and GT trim levels are offered and all have a 6-speed manual transmission standard.[26]
The 2014 Mazda6 recently won a Motor Trend comparison against the 2013 Honda Accord Sport and 2013 Toyota Camry SE.[27] The 2014 Mazda6 Grand Touring also won in a comparison against the 2013 Honda Accord EX-L in the June 2013 issue of Car and Driver.[28]
In early 2014, the Mazda6 will offer the SKYACTIV SKYACTIV-D diesel I4 engine, which is the same engine used in the Mazda6 race car raced in the Rolex 24 racing series, obviously with less horsepower and torque. The race engine is 60% by weight straight off Mazda6 production lines. The engine is already available on both the Asian and European models of the all-new Mazda6.
As of December 2013, the 3rd generation Mazda6 is not available in South Africa.
Motorsport
In 2007, Mazda won its first manufacturers championship in the Touring Car class. In 2009, they finished 2nd in the manufacturer's championship with 65 points, behind Acura.
The Mazda 6 has also been used in the KONI Challenge Series Sport Touring class. It was last used in 2008 by the Baglieracing team with Dennis Baglier, Chris Gleason, and Marty Luffy as drivers.
The Mazda 6 also gives its name to a stock car in the NASCAR Corona Series.
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