Mazda6. Six with a plus

Mazda6. Price: from 653,000 RUB. On sale: since December 2007.

2008 Mazda6
© Photo: Mazda

Engineers from Hiroshima managed to make the new "six" lighter than its predecessor, despite the car growing in size. This could not but affect dynamics and fuel efficiency: the new 2.5-liter engine consumes less fuel than the previous 2.3-liter unit.

The new generation Mazda6, following modern trends, has noticeably increased in dimensions. The sedan has stretched in length by 65 mm, become wider by 15 mm and taller by 5 mm. The wheelbase has also increased — plus 15 mm. However, the most surprising thing is something else: with all these changes and an expanded list of equipment, the car has become lighter by 35 kg. The Japanese had already achieved similar results on the MX5 and Mazda2 models.

The exterior of the new model evokes mixed feelings. On the one hand, the brand's family traits are unmistakably recognizable, on the other — we have a completely different car, and it is distinctly Japanese. The project's chief designer, Yoichi Sato, who previously worked on the rotary RX7, admitted that the "Japanization" of the "six" was a deliberate decision. The car's contours were created under the motto "Time to be Japanese." This approach may resonate in a world where designers increasingly churn out cars that look alike. The minimalist but dynamic style characteristic of Japanese cars of the late last century has already been appreciated in Russia. Perhaps it's time to revive traditions?

The interior is the same story: familiar, yet new. What immediately catches the eye is the disappearance of the round air vents in the center of the front panel — that very "feature" that distinguished Mazda interiors from competitors. True, the original round vents remain in place on the sides. And that's pleasing.

If you take your time and carefully inspect the cabin, touch all the buttons and levers, it becomes clear: every detail here is executed more neatly than before. The Japanese deliberately aimed for maximum quality of finishing. Even the leather on the seats has become noticeably smoother.

Test drives took place at a small automotive testing ground near Budapest, which, as they say, belongs to some mysterious Russian investors. The organizers asked journalists not to be too zealous, because we had prototypes at our disposal — serial production had not yet started. We were offered cars with three engines: 1.8 (120 hp), 2.0 (147 hp), and 2.5 L (170 hp). The latter unit replaced the previous 2.3-liter one, and fuel consumption decreased by 0.6 L per 100 km.

We chose the top version with the 2.5 L engine, which, unlike the others, is paired only with a 6-speed manual. The track, about three kilometers long, was strewn with treacherous turns. After the first "warm-up" lap, when we were familiarizing ourselves with the route, the real test began. It was impossible to resist the temptation to press the pedal to the floor. Acceleration, third gear, a closed turn ahead — we slow down, go through the arc, gas again... The colleague sitting on the right grumbles displeasedly: the seatbelt painfully digs into his chest. I understand him — acceleration to a hundred takes just eight seconds.

The Mazda6 has changed not only externally. The car has become noticeably more stable and handles better. The explanation was found later at the technical presentation. It turned out that the chassis underwent serious modernization. The subframe of the front double-wishbone suspension received two additional attachment points to the body. Dynamic vibration dampers for the upper arms and stiffer shock absorbers were added to the design, increasing structural rigidity. The increased diameter of the trailing arm bushings helped reduce the "galloping" of the rear.

The steering is now with an electric power assist, which becomes "heavier" with increasing speed. This solution, borrowed from the RX8, also reduced fuel consumption by two percent.

Buyers will be offered three body types. The hatchback in the new generation has become more distinct from the sedan: with the same dimensions, it has a smoother, coupe-like roofline in the rear pillar area. The wagon, in turn, has stretched by 75 mm and become the longest car in the Mazda lineup.

Now about prices. The new Mazda6 will be offered in four trim levels: Base, Touring, Sport, Luxury. The base version with the 1.8 L engine is priced at 653 thousand rubles. For a fully equipped car with the 2.5 L engine, you will have to pay 909 thousand rubles.

The success of the new Mazda6 in the market will be determined not only by favorable conditions. The car turned out to be unlike others. And this quality in a world of universal design plagiarism is valued more than gold.

Are you cold, maiden?

Mazda, understanding the strategic importance of the Russian market, conducts serious tests of the car for frost resistance. The preparation of the Mazda6 for the Russian winter took place not only at testing grounds but also on regular roads. That is why the new model was hidden under camouflage — to avoid attracting the attention of competitors. The veil of secrecy proved reliable: clones of the new model are not yet visible. The Chinese, apparently, have relaxed.

Driving
The modernized suspension and reinforced body have made the Mazda6 more composed during sharp maneuvers.

Interior
The front panel looks very modern, but the quality of the plastic deserves only a four.

Comfort
Interior space, unlike many competitors, is truly enough for five.

Safety
There is no doubt that in EuroNCAP crash tests the Mazda6 will show very good results.

Price
If compared with the VW Passat or Ford Mondeo, the price looks quite attractive.

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Excellent handling, comfortable interior, attractive design.
- Uncertainty with Russian quotas.

Our opinion

The interior has become more spacious, dynamics have increased, and fuel consumption has decreased. Add competitive prices to this — and you get a product that could well become one of the bestsellers of the next year. It is also pleasant that Russia is the first country where the Mazda6 will appear. We've made it. Now we are the main ones!

November 28, 2007
Author: Stanislav Pavlov
© 5 Koleso