2008 Mazda6 Official Photos
September 7, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
Whilst we are packing our bags and getting ready to head to Frankfurt for one of the largest Motor Shows of the year, the PR staff are busy secretly leaking more and more photos of their new models to the media.
The most recent is the all new Mazda6, since Mazda Australia has so far been a little quite about Australian specifications, for now let’s just admire the looks.
In the European market, the car will be equipped with xenon headlights, LED detailing, heated seats and an engine starter button, whether or not all these features will make it to Australia is still unconfirmed.
Lighter, more fuel efficient and emitting fewer C02 emissions than the current 6, the new Mazda6 will continue the Zoom-Zoom philosophy at Mazda after the new Mazda2 arrives next month. The next model to get a refresher will be the Mazda3.
Sources say Mazda is planing to release the new 6 with a 3.5-litre V6 in the U.S. market, but don’t keep your hopes up as it is unlikely Australia will see anything but four-cylinder variants (which is a good thing).
With the enormous worldwide success of the current Mazda6, Mazda designers have not only delivered a worthy successor, but a good looking one too. CarAdvice anticipates the new 6 will make its way to Australia around April next year.
Print it: 
although i doubt it, cos the 3.7L would be a lot heavier, not to mention a bit bigger. it’ll probably screw the weight balance of the 6 and make it nose heavy. but still i reckon it would flog the TRD aurion, looks wise, and dynamics wise.
Finally there’s something really worth waiting for! The highly anticipated Corolla is nice but not as great as it could have been. Beam axle rear suspension and dated 4-speed auto are certainly turn-offs. The Mazda will certainly have sportscar looks, handling but not price tag. I don’t see any drawbacks in this car. Bigger than the current model, it should match up with the big Camry.
Perhaps the only thing Mazda should think about is the correct timing for its launch. The new Accord (non-Euro) is also around the corner (at least in the U.S.), but it’s ugly yet again. Yes, Honda loyalists will still be won over, but with proper marketing, some of them should come around and appreciate the 6.
As for the V6, it’s unlikely to come here. Remember, Mazda is part of the Ford group, and with the launch of the Orion, adding a big engine to the lineup might create some sort of rivalry with entry-level Falcons. We should see an MPS version (perhaps a TRD Aurion rival) and a diesel though.
Heard that one engine variant for this new car will be a 2.5 litre 4-cylinder, which will be fuel efficient.
Looking forward to the launch in 2008.
The new engine is the 2.5l 167bhp petrol engine, it has a bigger bore and a longer stroke, plus freer-flowing intake and exhaust ports which together, improve torque in the frequently used-range by approximately 10%.
Coupled with the reduced weight of the new car compared against the current model, the power to weight ratio will be a significant improvement.
Use of ultra-high-tensile steel increasing torsional stiffness by up to 30% for the hatchback. The body is slightly wider, there is more shoulder room. Knee room for the rear passengers has been increased by 13mm.
This new car is destined to sell well.
The current 6 requires premium unleaded while the Camry makes do with regular. Maybe tuning the engine to accept lower grade fuel will make sales for the new model better. It won’t affect performance that much, since it’s not oriented to that anyway. Fleet buyers may consider it if that were the case.
Great looking car in general, not sure about some of the interior. I thought with the original 6 Mazda had got the interior spot on and someone at mazda had heard of the old saying “less is more”. The new steering wheel is definately tacky compared to tyhe old one!
I’m keen, though the steering wheel looks a bit cluttered and I’ve never owned a car with a push button start.
Still, I know far more about the car than my local dealer… I also think they could have tinkered with the speedo and tacho to make them a little more classy – straight out of the 3.
I’m told late Feb/ early March now
This looks very beautiful, but 125 KW on a 2.5l engine doesn’t sound good enough for me,
A sublime exterior. It doesn’t have much oomph, but low consumption is vital with pending $1.50 petrol prices. Sat. Nav. should be an option.
This car looks stunning butnot toooo gud as the new ford mondeo.
2008 Mazda 6, Hmmmm In understand manufacturers have to try something different from time to time. I personally like the enlarged front guards, however, I’m not keen on the front or rear for that matter of the 2008 Mazda 6. The seemingly enlarge grill was tried and failed with 2003 Mitsubishi’s. It’ll be interesting to see how long this shape lasts on the market compared with its predecessor’s generic shape, (an obvious winner). Of course all this is subjective and up to ones individual taste.
I bought one of these, the TS2 2.0 litre petrol version in January, in England. I have to tell you, I am 53 years of age and I have ownwed many cars, but this car is absolutely superb and the best car I have EVER owned. It is awesome. Even the irritating rear tyre noise above 20mph is not enough to put me off. I have had people almost driving into the car in front, as they drive past me staring at it. I even had one person knock on my door to ask me about it and tell me that it was the best looking car he had ever seen. When you pull up at a junction, you cannot hear any engine noise at all and you cannot feel any vibration through the wheel, pedals or seat. The quality is absolutely stunning. I park it on a car park, do what I have to do and when I return, I catch my breath. It stands out amongst the other cars. It is absolutely beautiful. I am already looking forward to changing it for a new one in 4 years time. I wonder how good that one will be?
I am looking at buying a 2008 Mazda SP23… with the launch of the new Mazda 6, will they now change the Mazda 3’s current model?
Sarah, yes Mazda has already released info on the new shape 3. There is no info on release dates, but will prob be early 09. Just think of the current model, but with character like the new 6. I think it will be quite!
Even better news with Mazda now confirming that the 6 in Aust will now be released with the factory Sat Nav package later this year. Its about time they actually listened to what we wanted. I know I’ll be lining up! Can’t wait.
Just looks like the latest BMW would be, true?
awsome i’m taking that car!