2008 Mazda6 preview

By George Skentzos | February 12th, 2008

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Mazda has yet again set the benchmark with its second generation Mazda6, offering three body styles in Australia in a combination of four model grades.

In spite of its significant advances in refinement and quality, the new Mazda6 range begins from $29,740 – a $250 drop over the previous generation.

Available as either a sedan, hatch or wagon, the new Mazda6 is larger than its predecessor in every dimension.

The second-generation Mazda6 will be offered in four equipment grades: Limited, Classic, Luxury and Luxury Sports.

All models feature a refined MZR 2.5-litre, four-cylinder S-VT engine producing 125kW at 6000rpm and 226Nm at 4000rpm, mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption has also been improved, using 8.4-litres per 100km – representing 4.5 per cent decrease over the previous models.

Luxury sedan and hatch and Luxury Sports hatch automatic models also feature steering wheel mounted paddle shift control.

The new Mazda6 also features class-leading active and passive safety as standard. This includes driver and passenger front SRS airbags, side and curtain SRS airbags for all rows, active front head restraints, collapsible pedals and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Dynamic Stability Control, a Traction Control System and antilock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist are standard on all models.

The entry level Limited variant boasts 16-inch wheels, air-con, cruise control, keyless entry, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers and an auxiliary jack, front and rear power windows, six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), traction control, brake assist and active front head restraints.

The Classic adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, lumbar adjustment in the front seats, trip computer, 6-disc in-dash CD player with six speakers and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

The Luxury sedan and hatch add leather trim, Xenon headlamps, power sunroof, blackout instrument cluster, leather-wrapped gear knob, paddle shift gear control, electric front seats – 8-way power with 3-position memory on the driver’s seat and 4-way on the passenger’s – and a premium Bose® 240 watt sound system.

The top of the range Luxury Sports hatch boasts 18-inch alloy wheels, a full sports body kit which includes aero bumper with sports grille and rear spoiler, and aluminium pedals and footrest.

Almost 70,000 first-generation Mazda6s have been sold in Australia, with Mazda predicting it will sell 1000 units of the new Mazda6 per month.

Pricing

Sedan

Mazda6 Limited Manual $29,740
Mazda6 Limited Automatic $31,800
Mazda6 Classic Manual $33,880
Mazda6 Classic Automatic $35,940
Mazda6 Luxury Automatic $43,610

Hatch

Mazda6 Classic Manual $34,910
Mazda6 Classic Automatic $36,970
Mazda6 Luxury Automatic $44,640
Mazda6 Luxury Sports Manual $44,650
Mazda6 Luxury Sports Automatic $46,910

Wagon

Mazda6 Classic Automatic $37,520

Click through for a comprehensive PDF document on the 2008 Mazda6 specifications

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Tom

Interesting. The pricing is not all that competitive with the Mondeo, and I have to say the Mondeo Estate looks more attractive than the mazda 6 version. So get off your arse and import it here Ford, it’d be a viable competitor in this market.

Mazda 6 Hatch Luxury is $4000 more than the Mondeo XR5!
Fred

What a stunning looking car!
Great entry price!
Makes all other other mid size sedans/ hatchs and wagons instantly old looking!
Lcat

Mazda haven’t put a foot wrong with this gen 6, Honda’s next ‘euro’Accord looks promising & fingers crossed Subaru don’t stuff up the next Liberty…
http://www.fordaustraliaforums.com PaulST

You stated that it “features class-leading active and passive safety as standard”? Um… sorry. It has less airbags than a Mondeo. I’ll give the benefit of the doubt before attacking the author.
Please explain…?
o

wagons are really making a comeback there becoming more and more common
Reckless1

For some reason I feel a little underwhelmed, can’t quite pick why. The thing looks great in all variants, the styling being very modern. There’s huge space in the hatch, as there always has been, and it’s a Mazda, say no more.

Perhaps it’s the one engine fits all approach, or the jet black leather is too sombre, or the prices seem a bit high, or there seems to be no navigation option, or their model names aren’t Cranki, Grinki, Zani and Plaini.

I’ll have to go and drive one to get the smell and ambience first hand. I’m sure this car will drive the coffin nails of the Aussie 6s deeper, since Mazda’s buyers are virtually all private retail buyers – now they can have the same size car with fuel economy. This will do to the 6 range what the Mazda2 is doing since its release. Only those who need to tow will need to look at “traditional” choices.
Hendrik

The Mondeo will always be the better driver’s car. But not all Australians know how to drive.

Chk Chk.
http://. Naughtyius Maximus

LOL…………….the depth of stupid comments never ceases to amaze! I would be worried – not all people know how to think!
Oz.

Looking pretty good, not quite as good as the new Mondeo though.
Tom

Slight correction, the mondeo xr5 is $2700 cheaper than the mazda 6 luxury hatch. It does look really good from dead on backwards, but from the side and front its a bit plain. No doubt it will still be really good to drive, but on looks and equipment I don’t think it deserves to. But regardless of that it’ll still outsell the mondeo 2:1. Pity
Tom

wow, its late and my post doesn’t make sense. I meant I don’t reckon it’ll deserve to outsell the mondeo, unless its more amazing to drive, because on equipment and price, the mondeo does seem the better deal.
Joe Paglia

I drive a Mondeo XR5 and have just sat in and had a good look around the 6 Sports Hatch and I must say that I am impressed. In the early 90′s I drove a Telstar TX5 Ghia V6(Mazda 626)and I must say that this new 6 really is as up to the minute as that car was back then. Comparing the 6 to the XR5, I love the styling of my XR5(especially with some 19′s and a trick dual exhaust-10kw’s more as well) but the Mazda will really appeal to Jap car lovers and seems to me to out IS250 the IS250. The Mondeo is a far larger car than the 6 both in dimensions and feel and does feel somewhat Germanic in the way the doors close and its solidity. I didn’t drive the 6 and am somewhat glad that it isn’t available(yet)in either diesel or Turbo, but according to some UK outlets, the 6 doesn’t drive as well as the Mondeo so we will have to wait and see.

I hope that the Mondeo doesn’t get lost in all of the hype that is sure to be generated by the Mazda PR machine and the adoring public, but I suppose that it is Ford’s job to ensure that that doesn’t happen.

I love my Mondeo and I am glad that I didn’t wait for the 6,and I have got to say that the envious looks from other mide size Euro drivers just adds justification to my choice.
BoB

no sat nav in the top of range.. interesting…
Kenzo

i see. the reports ive heard are that the 6 is the better drivers car and the mondeo is more comfortable.

of course both of these cars are not a cheap substitute for the is250

ford always is the better deal and handle better but they are always outsold by mazda be it in the mazda 3, and 2 category. i put it down to desirability. and having a ford badge doesnt help.
Kiasu

Looks good and the price is reasonable. I will have to leave the final judgment till the test drive but knowing Mazda, I doubt I will be disappointed.

One of the reasons why the Mazda 3 outsold the Focus was its style, as was what I learned when I worked at AAMI insurance talking to people that bought the Mazda 3.

I suppose as well many people associate Ford with Falcons and nothing much else, which is why their smaller cars don’t sell like hot cakes.
Frank

Mazda 6 “FTW”
Looks like they stole one of the Lexus designers for this one.

“I drive a Mondeo XR5 ”
Says it all really!Ford spammer.
http://www.caradvice.com.au Anthony

Mazda is producing some high quality vehicles that also look good. Subaru will need to stay on top of their game in all respects including pricing
SteveR32

Hopefully they bring out an MPS version. The last 6MPS was a decent driver IMO let down by average looking rear and rims. Can’t see it coming down unfortunately due to the disappointing sales of the previous edition.
Bret

Frank, At least Joe declared his hand and provided an honest opinion. You on the other hand really contributed nil.

Reckless, yep the first thing I looked for in the specs was towing capacity, and there is no advantage there over our Liberty (and lacks AWD). I like the look from the a-pillar back but for me the Mondeo is the more together package style wise.

Alborz and co, Fantastic “click through” to the full specs, very much apreciated.
Matthew

2 Questions – why is the Wagon only available as an Auto??
When will a deisel option be coming?
Matthew

2 Questions – why the wagon an Auto only – how sad!
When will the deisel option be coming?
Tony

Sharp looks. Bigger than the previous model, yet more fuel efficient, with a small price reduction!

This will take more market share from the local cars. Together with the 2008 Honda Accord, local car manufacturers are in for falling sales.
BoB

yup, I can see this car appealing to the masses, however, budget buyers will still go to the camry as you can get it for
Godspeed

226Nm at 4000rpm – Why do you need traction control?

Well obviously because the spec sheet would look wrong without it, but surely such little torque at low RPM, and only 125kW is not going to set your pants on fire. I would have thought with the new generation it would have at least 140-150kW…?

Maybe you CA guys can tell us how it drives, maybe it develops most of its torque down low.

Any sign of the diesel on the horizon for Australia?
Godspeed

Sorry that was meant to say “such little torque at high RPM” – 4000rpm is a bit high
Frugal One

Is a new Mazda3 on the way?Could go for one of those instead of a Corolla?Please inform.

The new Mazda6 is better than the haonda euro.

I think the Mazda6 is going to steal sales from the *large* ie Falcodore segment.

Cheers

FO

PS Inform about Mazda3…….Thanks!
ScottB

I don’t know, I want to like the way this thing looks, but I just can’t get excited by the photos. Maybe it’ll look better in the flesh than in photographs as some cars do. Its not ugly by any stretch of the imagination, its just…..lacking a little flair or spark of interest. Can’t say I’m a big fan of the alloy wheel designs either.

Honestly though, I prefer the look of the current generation 6 this one is replacing. Oh, and has anyone else noticed how closely the new Euro Accord looks like the new 6?
Simon T

I wish they still have the chrome accent on the top of the front grill. Looks bare without it.
Daniel Dacey

For those asking about a diesel. Mazda are apparently working on a new diesel and Mazda Aust have decided to wait for that, rather than put in the carry over diesel like other markets have. It will be a bigger capacity diesel and should hopefully be here second half of next year.

Re the Mazda 3. I think I read somewhere the Mazda 3 was getting replaced in 2009 with a new model. Would make sense as its starting to get old.

Dan
Kris

Love the look of the new Luxury Sports hatch, inside and out.

On the downside for the new 6, don’t expect an MPS version folks. The current one isn’t selling well enough and Mazda are not contemplating an MPS version of the new 6 as a result. The turbo diesel will arrive in the second quarter next year and boasts 135kw of power and 400nm of torque. 5 speed manual will be standard and Mazda are still working on a new auto to handle the torque output. Should be an absolute hoot on the open road with those stats.
Stevo

Nice face but the engine is a bit underdone IMO. The current Honda Accord Euro is already putting out 145kw and the upcoming Euro will have at least 150kw and it looks just as good if not better.
VW_Freak

Stevo, I think you’ll find Mazda are achieving economy over power – 8.1 litres per 100 km is a pretty impressive effort for a 1400-1450 kg vehicle. The Accord Euro (140kW, btw) does about 9l/100km, and Toyota’s pathetic Camry does 10l/100km. I’m sure Mazda could get the same power figures if they played with the new 2.5 litre MZR specs, but then the economy wouldn’t be as good. Can’t wait for the MPS, this new motor with a hair dryer will be good for close to 300HP!
VW_Freak

Oops, 8.4l/100km for the new 6, not 8.1 (I quoted the UK fuel consumption figure) :þ
Iamthestig

It is a pity that Mazda persists with those small hard to read red LED’s in the dash plus red lighting in the instruments. Sure the LED’s are high up but with polarised glasses on, they and the gauges are hard to read compared with other styles.

The buttons on the dash and steering wheel also seem to have been designed for a certain look and not for easy use. (Why have HUGE buttons for some functions then skinny buttons for others ?)

Maybe I am being critical – what do you think ?

Other than that, it all looks good but I am sure the dealers would love to have a diesel auto…
http://caradvice.com.au Mike

Who thinks the base model 6(i think its the base model) looks like the base model civic? anyway, thats a stunning car, looks fantastic, im not a mazda man but that wagon is something ive been looking to buy for a long time
realcars

Yet another good reason not to buy a CAMRY.
http://caradvice.com.au Greg

Big japanese brands such as mazda, nissan, subaru, and toyota have avaliable wagons or hatches or both for that matter in most of their series, but take a look at honda, The company with countless sedan variants and thats all full stop. yea theres the all mighty Crv that no one could possibly like, even if you did, you wouldnt deem it a wagon but rather a small 4wd, and i dont think you call a jazz a wagon or a hatch considering its size. The accord and accord euro competitors all have wagons avaliable, how funny, honda have 2 different accords both with many variants (vti, luxury, v6 luxury etc etc) but both only avaliable in sedan, its completly pathetic, im sure im not the only one who would like an accord in a tourer or wagon version, im a honda man but im so dissapointed, i need a new car and by the looks and advantages of this new generation 6, its definetly a winner in my book
Tony

Have never bought a wagon, never will. They look ugly to me.
Wheelnut

Going by the look of this car and other new Mazdas [incl concepts]; not tomention fit; finish and features etc all I can say is “lookout Toyota”
GregR

Had a brief look at the 2008 Mazda 6 tonight. Can’t wait to go for a test drive on the weekend.
From what I have seen today & read from test reviews, the luxury Sports Hatch is going to be my next car.
Nice lines & of course excellent build quality.
I am a little disappointed by the price hike for upper end models though.
Great work Mazda
fasthonda

The new Euro Accord will have the 4 cylinder 2.4 litre producing 147kW and 233Nm.I believe it will out handle and out pace the Mazda6.Compared to the Euro Honda,the Madza6′s interior looks so-so.Infact the Honda’s dash looks very classy,while the Madza looks well,cheap.
http://ozmazdaclub.com David (OMC)

Great looking car and another winner for Mazda…the only thing that I would question is why not a manual variant in the wagon. With the 2door 2 coming this year and a face lifted 3, RX8 and CX7 Mazda is just zooming away with confidence.
Jerry

The price hike (for luxury and luxury sport) is disappointing. Considering aussie $ is very strong at the moment, I expect the price for top of the range model won’t exceed 40K. But, I’m wrong I guess
I wonder how much the diesel one will cost.
Robbo

My 2 bob’s worth……

I think the 08′ 6 looks great, it almost has the curves of a VW Passat without the rediculous headlamps and is now more Euro styled. Traditionally Japanese cars are all designed from the side on (eg Lancer) and are now beginning to get that curvy feel and look.

My wife has a series 2 Mazda3, why did i buy it vs a Focus? The Focus is built somewhere in the middle east and the fits were not good. The dealership demo model had door trims and vents etc that could be jiggled by hand, although they didn’t rattle (yet). Although the focus was more powerful, more solid on the road. It just didn’t cut it.

Also having brought new a falcon ute in 04, i’ve largely been unimpressed by the lack of service with respect to warranty and customer care.
The mazda guys bend over backwards.

I want to replace my ute with a wagon in September, the 6 will be high on the list if they offer a manual diesel. I don’t understand where the marketing comes from but most i speak to prefer manuals, you shift when you want to shift and there’s none of this tiptronic crap that gets boring after about 3 seconds!
But given price and spec the 6 will still be hard to beat even in auto vs subaru, passat and volvo
http://caradvice.com.au Lantl

I would buy one tomorrow if it had a satnav.
No satnav, no sale.
Oh well I’ll just have to wait for the new Euro.
Tom

Robbo, the Ford Focus is built in South Africa, which if you refer to an atlas you’ll find is a considerable distance from the middle east. Mazda’s do have great quality, up there with the best really (although no where near audi, but you get what you pay for).

I’ve posted too much on this topic already, but I still think the Ford Mondeo is better value. Shame about the lack of manual options in the base range though, so if you want manual you could do a lot worse than a mazda 6. Like a camry for instance.
Bavarian Missile

So whats so wrong about SA…..BMW 4 cylinders are made there
along with Golfs………..not to mention XY GTs which we are all wanting to ship back here if we can find one.

Seriously it has nothing to do with where their made just the quality controllers……and even Germany has some bad days!

I do agree I like the look of the Mondeo better its really is a jaw dropping car to behold for the first time! Wow came out of my mouth when I first saw one,but Mazda also have made a good product for as long as I can remember,that’s not to say the Mondeo is bad though!

hahaha a Camry,now your talking! I still belive the best Camry they ever made was the SV21…….great car!

Me hates those SUV thingys no matter what model……but the CX9 is a fabulous looking car on the road! My opinion Mazda has always been a step above Toyota an even split between them a Subbie for quality…..just below Honda!
No Name

Hi Missile.
Why Mazda don’t jump on the diesel bandwagon amazed me. They are losing out big style. I’ve seen afew of these banging around the UK but Mazda never sells as well as Ford. Judging by the number of told Mazda 6′s in Melbourne this will sell well. If only a diesel!! I don’t understand whay Mazda released this car in Euroland before Australia and the USA?
Kenzo

i beleive the new accord euro will outhandle the new mazda 6. but judging from the performance of the mondeo, and with mazda matching if not exceeding it, the bar is set very high. the question is how much does the entry level 2.4 litre euro cost. coz 35kaud problably buys you the 2.0 litre only with 114kw.
Realcars

Mondeo and Mazda6 two good reasons not to buy a Camry.
aw

Saw a couple of these at a dealership today. Looked absolutely amazing. I’m due to replace a VZ Berlina this year, and the 6 is a definite to look at (along with the Passat, Mondeo and Kluger). A car the size of a falcodore with good fuel consumption= big seller. I can’t wait to offload my bommodore
Tony T

Has anyone test drive the new Mazda 6. How long is the wait ? is it imported from Japan. thanks
Joe Paglia

Hey guys, Just heard that Woolworths have just signed a deal with Ford to replace their Commodore(Berlina’s I think)fleet with Mondeo TDCI Hatch’s. We’re talking about hundreds of cars. Maybe AW was right when he said that Falcadore size + great fuel economy = big seller.
Just had a drive of the 6 Sports Hatch in 5 speed form and I was very impressed, but I still prefer my Mondeo XR5 and it is substantially bigger inside than the 6.
GregR

In response to Jerry & Mazda Australia.

The cost of the Manual Luxury Sports hatch is $48K drive away. A rather massive hike on the previous model.
Entry level is $38k drive away…………how it gets to be that price when it is supposed to be a whisker lower (before on-roads), than the ’07 model I will never know.
I might add when I was trying to negotiate to buy, the dealer was not offering ANY discount saying Mazda wasn’t giving them any discounts……………Funny isn’t it dealers have a margin but not prepared to cut into their massive profits

I feel the elevation in price would have been justified IF the vehicle was fitted with Sat Nav & a V6 under the bonnet, but alas it isn’t.

Had a look at the range at two dealers on the weekend & I was soo disappointed with the one I HAD INTEDNDED buying from but will now avoid……………….. Trying to get info from the dealer was like pulling teeth, & I was told wait for 12-24 months to buy one when the price comes down a tad.
But I want to buy it now I said, no interest shown by the dealer so I walked off & said call me when you want to sell me a car
Same dealer couldn’t give me a brochure, HAD NONE TO GIVE
Test drive WASN’T EVEN OFFERED.

The second dealer had the full range of vehicles & they look great. Left my details so as to find out what colours are available within a reasonable time, & blow me over NO CALL back.

Mazda has a great product but sheesh the people selling them can’t be bothered.

Mr Mazda put a rocket up your dealers butts.
WheresBear

Sorry but Mondeo XR5 is a piece of junk in a comparitive sense and can see why people prefer the Focus XR. The Mondeo generally is a great car but the XR5 doesn’t have that much ‘go’ and has a terrible suspension.

Many ‘sports’ orientated cars don’t necessarily need to have huge amounts of grunt but if they don’t handle then forget it.

Mazda 6 – regardless of model – has class leading handling and has had since it arrived in 02. Even the diesel range is sold in a ‘sports’ trim ie lowered suspension, sports seats etc and will outclass an XR5 Mondeo any day of the week on twisty bits.

After driving both old and new Mazda 6′s as well as most of it’s comnpetitors it’s easy to see why Mazda continues to blitz the Australian car scene.

Ford has vastly improved its game and think they will go from strength to strength on the back of it Euro designed Fiesta/Focus/Mondeo range with Holden failing badly with their poorly engineered and marketed Daewoo sourced try hard range.

Nissan is a current ‘fail’ with the Dualis and hideous Tiida and Subaru – despite the Libery / Outbacks being a great looking piece of kit – still have 4 speed autos and are very slow…..the 2.5 auto Outback is pure *yawn* in performance terms. C’mon Subaru…
aw

Wheresbear: So what the Subaru is slow. Buy a Manual, they aren’t hard to drive. They are good cars, very reliable. I have to agree with oyu as well, Holden’s are going down the gurgler, it won’t be long till we see a Daewoo Commodore. And with Ford, the only models I would buy are the imported ones from Europe (i.e. Fiesta/Focus/Mondeo) Much nicer than the Australain Made fords and holdens. Will definitely not be buying an Australian Car. Japanese and European all the way.

Thanks for the good Comments Joe Paglia. Much appreciated
WheresBear

Aw…the Subaru is still very slow compared to er…everything even in manual. However it’s not all about speed but 4-spd auto and 5-spd manual is old news.

I agree that (despite the somewhat redneck image that some may have of Aussie built offerings)the FG / VE Falco-dores are a world class car. Flat out finding anything the US makes as worthy and like Aw says – wouldn’t buy a Daewoo sourced car no matter what badge was put on it. It’s not to say I’m anti-Korean…some of the new Hyundai, Ssanyong and Kia’s are right up there now!
Tony T

Is it worth to buy the current mazda3 SP23 for around $34K drive away or the limited/classic sedan/hatch Mazda6 ?

I believe the new mazda6 is more saftey features than previous model with TCS EBA DSC etc…

Has anyone tried Mazda Ringwood in Vic ? is it a good dealer for bargaining ? I am waiting for motorshow to come to check out the mazda6 and compare with 2009 Honda accord.
aw

Wheresbear: You obviously don’t know much about cars. I have had a few Subaru’s and currently a Forester X. Let me tell you, they aren’t slow, I have beaten a few lebs off at the lights in their wanky cars, all because they thought they could beat my Forester (and mine is stock standard). A friend of mine also has A WRX STi and let me tell you it ain’t slow. I think maybe you should drive a couple before you say things like this. Anyway what do you drive? A falcon by the sounds of it. Anyway, this is about people having something useful to say, not whether we can break the world speed record in our stock cars. The outback and other subarus in automatic suit a lot of people, and they don’t whinge about performance.
aw

Tony T: If the SP23 Suits you and you need a car right now, go for it. But if you can wait, or the SP23 Doesn’t suit you, go and buy a 6 on run out, or if you can, wait till the Euro is released, and then decide, but the sp23 and the 6 are both excellent cars, so is the euro. No matter what you decide, you will have probably spent your money well
Mikey

I dont see many ford mondeo on the road, but I am sure within 6 months there will be plenty new mazda6. It is the most affordable good looking family car.
WheresBear

Awww. Awww…having issues are we? I’ve driven over 500 vehicles in the business over the years so I have a fair idea of whats hot and whats not.

No body is knocking Subaru for a quality build. They generally make ugly cars though as (Impreza, Tribeca, Forester anyone?) but at the end of the day they’re functional. At least the Outback & Libery are great looking cars. I’m not going to get into conversations about the general IQ of a WRX owner either. Special people at best (wiggles little finger).

A Forester 2.5 manual pulls 9.8 in ideal conditions to 100 and the auto 10.8. The Outback is slower again. Anyone who you were trying to race er…wasn’t racing I’d say since a base model Lancer will leave you crying in the dust if being a traffic light hero is your thing.

However as I’ve said its not purely about performance but after driving 2 Outbacks for several weeks (1 man and 1 auto) it wasn’t a great experience. They looked great but having to work the engine to keep up with traffic, struggling on hills and useless at overtaking it wasn’t for me. Used a heap of fuel because of the extra work too.

For the record I settled on a Mazda 6 turbo diesel wagon (6-spd man) – its effortless torque in any gear will wave bye bye to you at the lights. Same with mid range / overtaking (without touching the gears I might add) and will be far off into the sunset while you are filling up again and again.

It cost a little more than a Forester but is in a different league in looks and features, built every bit as well and has the same functionality for day to day use.

At least Subaru have a diesel boxer coming soon – though the new Impreza stuggling with hideous looks and a crappy 2.0 litre (that has a requirement for premium unleaded!) that struggles unless you rev it (yes driven one of those too) and still a 4spd auto/5-spd man *wakey wakey*

At least the new Mazda 6 has a 2.5 engine thats smooth, very fuel efficient and pulls 8 second performance in a 6-spd manual – or a 5-spd auto if so desired. Oh look…a 140kW 2.2 diesel with 6-spd auto in 2009. At least they’re in touch with the the market unlike some. Maybe you should go looking for that Falcon Awww…at least they use about the same amount of petrol as your stone age 2.5 but are significantly quicker (since you’re a traffic light hero apparently)….? Better looking too.
AW

No I’m not a traffic light hero. And no I won’t buy a falcon becuase they are shit. My forester does the job, and I am more worried about practicality than anything when I buy a car. And anyway, I have just purchased a diesel vehicle as well, so you are not the only one who can drive further and further. What are you? A Car salesman by the sounds of it. I don’t like the new Imreza either, in fact I probably won’t buy another subaru becauase they are becoming ugly, and still have 4 speed autos (like bommodores). I will probably buy either a german or japanese car like the VW Passat i have just purchased.

WRX Owners mostly aren’t wankers like you. Some of them are respectable people with intelligence that actually want a good car with a bit of get up and go. There is a minority of people that drive wrx’s like losers and mod them so they look and drive even worse than before.

And before I finish, you think you may know what is hot and what’s not, but by the sounds of it you think you are the best thing since sliced bread.
P.s Good choice on the 6. They are good cars
AW

Let me tell you, the forester uses a lot less petrol than a falcon, and unlike a falcon, the subaru is reliable and doesn’t have a shit resale. I ask you this question again, do you know anything about cars. Just becuase you have had a ‘vast’ experience of cars, doesn’t mean you know what you are talking about.
WheresBear

Toni T…for once I kinda agree with Awww. Remember the Mazda 6 (new and old) and Euro Accord all use premium unleaded. The SP23 does not.

You get an awful lot of car in the runout Mazda 6 at the moment so definitely a strong case – it’s been recognised as the best car in it’s class since 2002 and nothing has changed.

The SP23 is a great car but hard to ingore the value of the runout 6. If you have a family the 6 is a clear choice but for single or a couple the SP23 definitely has cred.

Considered a runout Mazda 6 diesel? They’ve sold only in a sports trim in either wagon or hatch (lowered suspension, sports seats etc) and 6-spd manual.

They look identical to the petrol except for the MZR-CD badges on the front doors and the single exhaust. No smoke (particulate filters standard), use stuff all fuel and have performance on par with the petrol (less than half a second slower than the 6 petrol and quicker in overtaking, in gear acceleration etc). It’s better value than the 3 diesel though the 3 has traction control – the 6 does not.

After having driven a new 2.5 petrol Mazda 6 I’m impressed; normally I don’t go for the first model in a new car (remember EA Falcon’s ugghhh) but since the mechanicals are derived from existing parts then I doubt there would be many preblems.

They go, they stop, they go round corners and do it in a classy spacious environment. Drive one and you’ll see what I mean.
AW

A few good points there wheresbear. I think we should agree to disagree about Subaru’s, and get on with the topic here, the New Mazda 6. What are they like to drive? Any good? I have a friend with a 4 year old Mazda 6 who wnats to replace it with a new one. I couldn’t tell him because I didn’t drive one when I bought the VW.
pk

New Mazda 6 looks great. Think i’ll wait for the new Honda Accord to arrive in OZ before i make my decision. Hope HOnda release the new Accord Tourer in OZ.Then Honda will have a wagon variant. Decisions, Decisions.

Well down Mazda. This is great, keep the competition going in the market, us consumers benefit. WIN, WIN.
Like It

I just bought a pearl white Classic Sedan 2.5 Auto. Its got long legs through the gears and winds up nicely for a mid size car. The wow factor is hiding in the overall handling of the car and the very responsive engine. Power to weight ratio is excellent. The interior is well thought out with extras you don’t notice at first, an example, and this may possibly be more common than I realise, I was able to adjust the air con, stereo volume and station as well as numerous other things with the in-built steering wheel control. All round including dealing with the salesman at Maitland City Auto Group, Mazda provided the best service and car !
Glenn Stewart

If JD Power car surveys in Germany and Australia are to be believed, the Mazda produces a top notch product.

In Germany the quality survey thrash new vehicles through a 100,000km test.

Past three years, Mazda has ranked first in Germany.
The previous Mazda 6 is the only car in the history of the test to survive the 100,000km fault free.

In 2007, cars between 1 year and 3 years old were tested by JD in Germany. In these tests, the previous Mazda 2 took out first position, Mazda 3 took out second.

I think that says something…

In Australia, the latest JD Power test rated Mazda, Honda and Toyota as the top three (Mazda just beat Honda).

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Unlike a lot of the other manufacturers, it’s great to see that the consumer Mazdas are still 100% Japanese made.
Kelly Brook

Mazda6 is the best looking family car
Lana Malta

Go Zoom Zoom
Minka Kelly

best car ever
Nicky Simpson

Go Mazda
Kristy M

Cool Mazda6
Stacey B

Go Mazda
J5turn

Just bought the Mazda 6 limited. Great car!! i love it and so do all my friends. goes good!!
kanov

I’ve driven this car once in a launching test session (in Jakarta). It was fantastic. The 2.5 MZR I-4 litre petrol engine doesn’t give as much power the ones from Merc or BMW, but it revs happily up to 7000rpm, very lightly, very responsive that it doesn’t feel much slower than the german duo. 0-100 in about 9 seconds for the auto and top speed is well above 200kph thanks to a 0.27 drag coefficient. It looks stunning, especially the white one. The otherwise good and quick paddle-shifts are a bit too far inside the steering wheel, but in overall the CF-NET is a very nice addition. I like the handling, almost like an Audi A3turbo or Golf GTI in terms of minimal body roll. It doesn’t feel like a big car this one, which is good in my opinion. The brakes are impressive as stopping from 100kph takes only 38m according to a magazine’s test here, considering both the edematous new US-type accord and Camry did it in 47m. It stayed very levelled with no excessive nose dive when i tried an emergency braking. Oh, and it’s much more fuel-efficient than Accord or Camry as well because it’s much lighter and again, the low cd. The seats are quite nice with memory settings (very tall people or very short people can drive this car with similar ease), the Bose audio system is also good, in addition to sunroof, front, side, and curtain airbags, ESP, TC, leather trimming and bi-xenon adaptive headlights. Being rather small for a big sedan with much less rear legroom compared to the US-Accord and Camry, this car is more against the euro compact luxuries rather than the considerably bigger japanese rivals. Not enough to match Audi for overall quality, but with a price well under, even cheaper than an A3 here, this car is of very good value. Well the resale value’s crap, but that doesn’t really matter if you priority is to have a great car and motoring experience, not a long-term investment. It sells at 410million rp here, which translates to about 47000 aust$. Too bad in australia where you guys have such good, smooth winding or twisty roads (like the one from Melbourne to Sydney or to Mornington Peninsula, the Great Ocean road and so on), you still have speed limits. Here it’s even worse because traffic jam and potholes are everywhere. I wish i can drive a car like this in the land down under without any speed limit. Now that’d be exciting…