A Fast Start

Introduced in the market in 2003, the Mazda 6 began to flourish immediately. It won second place as European Car of the Year the same year that it came out, not a bad rating considering how new it was!

Various versions of the Mazda 6 won Best Car awards in the next couple of years, all over the world, making this car one of the most popular Mazda’s ever. In fact, it reached its one millionth sale mark in record time, beating out all other vehicles in the Mazda line up.

Engine

The Mazda 6 comes with the Mazda Z engine, but there is a choice between 1.8 L, 2.0 L, and 2.3 L versions. These three options are available with either a six speed or four speed transmissions. The six speed is manual, while the four speed is automatic.

Europeans may also choose the four cylinder turbo diesel engine and some areas allow for the further option of a 3.0 V6 engine with a five speed manual or six speed automatic transmission. This offers lowered emissions for a more “green” car.

In most versions, the Mazda 6 comes in front-wheel drive, although a few versions offer all-wheel drive. The 2008 version will supposedly be presented only in four-wheel drive, a big improvement over previous models.

The different engines and styles are not all available in every country. Each area receives specific versions, although it is unclear as to why.

Driving Features

With a double wishbone suspension system that is mounted slightly higher than other vehicles, you get greater stability and the wide-set wheels add to this stability, making for safer turns at high speeds.

Anti-lock brakes and automatic brake separation are further features that add to the safety abilities of this car.

This car is built with plenty of safety features as well, including seat belt pre-tensioners and dual airbags. It has back seat side airbags, too, plus head curtain airbags that protect the heads of the occupants in case of a crash. The basic frame is also built to withstand impact and protect its passengers with a unique H design.

Body

The Mazda 6 comes in 3 different body styles. The four door sedan, the five door station wagon, and the five door liftback are all popular models. All these models are available in North America.

The body is styled in typical Japanese style, with an uplifted tail and a perky look. The colors are vivid, as is to be expected. The company also boasts that its cars are up to 90% recyclable, in keeping with their new green policies. The parts used in the Mazda 6 are designed for reusability, lowering pollution, and generally improving the world.

Interior

The interiors of the Mazda 6 are elegant and comfortable. The seats in the back are foldable with the touch of a lever, allowing for plenty of cargo space. If you have kids, but need to transport something long, the 40/60 design allows you to fold down just one portion of the backseat.

Options include tailored sun blinds for the windows, a Bose sound system and leather gear knobs as well as two-tone leather steering wheel, handbrake levers and an alloy pedal set. These are far from necessary, but add to the luxurious interior appearance.

The trunk of this car is amazingly spacious and there are storage cubbies built-in throughout the interior. Cup holders are also standard, front and back.

The Future Of The Mazda 6

Rumors are that in 2008, a new updated version of the Mazda 6 will be released. According to secret sources, the engine would be bumped up to a whopping 3.5 L V6 engine from Ford, with over 250 horsepower. It would also undergo a makeover body-wise, changing the style to a more modern, luxurious form. It should be somewhat similar to the Mercedes-Benz four-door coupe.