Mazda6

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Mazda6
Overview
ManufacturerMazda
Also calledMazda Atenza (Japan and China, 2002–2019)[1]
ProductionFebruary 2002–2024
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size car (D)
Layout
  • Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
  • Front-engine, all-wheel-drive[2][3][4]
Chronology
Predecessor
Mazda EZ-6

The Mazda6 (known as the Mazda Atenza in Japan, derived from the Italian attenzione) is a mid-size sedan produced by Mazda since 2002, replacing the long-produced Capella/626.[5]

The Mazda6 was marketed as the first example of the company's "Stylish, Insightful and Spirited" design philosophy,[6] 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 CX-7 in November 2006. The 2003 Mazda6 is essentially the seventh-generation Mazda 626, part of the 'G' model code family.

First generation (GG1; 2002)

First generation
Pre-facelift
Overview
Model codeGG1 / GY
Production
  • February 2002 – June 2008
  • 2003–2016 (China)[7]
Model years2003–2008 (US)
2004–2008 (Canada)
Assembly
DesignerKaname Sawai, Koizumi Iwao[8]
Body and chassis
Body style
Related
Powertrain
DISI turbo I4 (Mazdaspeed 6)
  • 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6
  • Diesel:
  • 2.0 L MZR-CD I4
  • Transmission
    • 4-speed 4F27E automatic
    • 5-speed JF506E automatic
    • 5-speed FS5A-EL automatic
    • 5-speed G35M-R manual (I4)
    • 5-speed A65M-R manual (V6)
    • 6-speed A26MX-R manual (Mazdaspeed 6)
    • 6-speed AWTF-80 SC automatic
    • 6-speed G66M-R manual
    Dimensions
    Wheelbase105.3 in (2,675 mm)
    Length
    • Sedan and liftback (International): 4,670–4,690 mm (183.9–184.6 in)
    • Sedan and liftback (North America): 4,745 mm (186.8 in)
    • Wagon (International): 4,700 mm (185.0 in)
    • Wagon (North America): 4,770 mm (187.8 in)
    Width1,781 mm (70.1 in)
    Height
    • Sedan and liftback (International): 1,430–1,435 mm (56.3–56.5 in)
    • Sedan and liftback (North America): 1,440 mm (56.7 in)
    • Wagon (International): 1,480 mm (58.3 in)
    • Wagon (North America): 1,455 mm (57.3 in)
    Pre-facelift
    Sedan
    Liftback
    Estate/station wagon

    The first-generation Mazda6 was launched in Japan as the Mazda Atenza in May 2002. The model lineup consisted of a four-door sedan, a four-door hatchback and a five-door wagon, marketed in North America as the "Sport Sedan", "5-Door" and "Sport Wagon", respectively.[9] In Australia, the lineup was first available in Limited trim, as a sedan; in Classic trim as sedan, hatch or wagon and in Luxury trim as a sedan and liftback — and Luxury Sports trim, as a liftback. In New Zealand, the lineup consisted of 2.0L GLX (sedan only), 2.3L GSX (sedan, liftback, and wagon), and 2.3L Limited (sedan and liftback).

    The first generation was marketed 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 120 hp (89 kW) direct injection turbodiesel ("DITD") estate up until 2007. As of 2008, the European Mazda catalog listed only the "Sport" version of the 146 hp (109 kW) turbodiesel estate, while the "Luxury Sport" version had been dropped.

    Drivetrain combinations included the

    turbodiesel
    that comes with a six-speed manual transmission and produces significantly more torque than the V6, with much improved fuel economy.

    Facelift
    Liftback
    Sedan
    Estate/station wagon

    In North America, the 5-speed automatic optional on the V6 models were replaced by an

    MZI V6 engine was only fitted to vehicles manufactured at Mazda's Flat Rock Assembly Plant and destined for the U.S. and Canadian domestic markets.[citation needed
    ]

    Mazda's Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi Prefecture produced the Mazda6 for international markets from February 2002 to August 2007. In North America, Mazda6 production was handled at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. The first Mazda6 rolled off the AAI assembly line on October 1, 2002, one month after 626 production ended. There are also satellite plants building Mazda6 models in China and Thailand for local markets.

    In September 2005, the Mazda6 received a facelift which introduced 5-speed auto and 6-speed manual transmissions, standard 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, and minor bodywork upgrades.[12]

    In China, the Mazda6 was introduced by

    Besturn B70
    or Hongqi C301.

    Mazdaspeed6

    Mazdaspeed6 (Wheels from Mazda RX-8 prefacelift).

    The 2006 Mazdaspeed6 (known as Mazdaspeed Atenza in Japan and Mazda6 MPS in Europe, South Africa and Australia) is a high-performance version of the first generation Mazda6. 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

    Euro 5 emissions standards. All markets received 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 can route between a 100/0 to 50/50 front/rear torque split depending on driving conditions. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential.[13][14]

    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 optional DVD navigation. Automatic climate control is standard, as is a 200 W

    moonroof
    feature is optional on the Grand Touring trim.

    The Mazdaspeed6 was released to generally positive reviews, and was noted for impressive power and handling.[15][16]

    Second generation (GH1/GH2; 2007)

    Second generation
    Pre-facelift
    Overview
    Model codeGH1 / GH2 / GZ
    Production
    • August 2007 – August 2012
    • 2009–2016 (China)
    Model years2009–2013 (North America)
    Assembly
    DesignerKoichi Sato (2005)
    Body and chassis
    Body style
    Related
    Powertrain
    Engine
    Transmission
    Dimensions
    Wheelbase
    • International: 2,725 mm (107.3 in)
    • North America: 109.8 in (2,789 mm)
    Length
    • Sedan and hatchback (2007–2010): 4,735 mm (186.4 in)
    • Sedan and hatchback (2011–2012): 4,755 mm (187.2 in)
    • Wagon (2007–2010): 4,765 mm (187.6 in)
    • Wagon (2011–2012): 4,785 mm (188.4 in)
    Width
    • International: 1,795 mm (70.7 in)
    • North America: 72.4 in (1,839 mm)
    Height
    • Sedan and hatchback: 1,440 mm (56.7 in)
    • Wagon: 1,490 mm (58.7 in)

    The second-generation Mazda6 made its premiere at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.[17][18] It is based on the modified first-generation Mazda6 chassis which Ford also utilized as their CD3 platform. Mazda continued 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 previous 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.

    • Sedan (rear)
      Sedan (rear)
    • Liftback (rear)
      Liftback (rear)
    • Estate (rear)
      Estate (rear)

    Facelift

    • Mazda 6 Sports hatchback (facelift; front)
      Mazda 6 Sports hatchback (facelift; front)
    • Liftback (facelift; rear)
      Liftback (facelift; rear)
    • Sedan
      Sedan
    • Estate/station wagon
      Estate/station wagon
    • Interior
      Interior

    North America

    The North American version was redesigned for the 2009 model year, with the wagon and hatchback versions being dropped there. 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.

    4-cylinder and North American versions get the 3.7-liter V6 which is also available in the Mazda CX-9.[23] Motor Trend recorded a 0–60 mph acceleration time of 6.1 seconds for the Mazda 6 V6.[24]

    In America, only a sedan model was available (In the Middle East, USDM Mazda6 known as Mazda6 Ultra is sold alongside the JDM Mazda6). A Mazdaspeed6 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 Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys, or Chevrolet Malibus. Early reviews have been favorable.[25]

    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.[26][27][28] 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. On April 5, 2014, Mazda reissued the same recall for spiders against all 2010–2013 Mazda6 vehicles with 2.5 liter engines.[29][30]

    Production for North American market would be transferred to

    Hofu, Japan, when Mazda ceased production at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant.[31][32]

    The last Mazda6 rolled off the line at Mazda's Flat Rock Assembly Plant on Friday, August 24, 2012, with Mazda discontinuing production on American soil, effectively ending the 20 year joint-venture between Mazda and Ford.[32] Mazda moved production of the Mazda6 back to the Hofu factory in Japan.

    • Mazda6 (North American version)
      Mazda6 (North American version)
    • Rear view
      Rear view

    Recall

    In China, over 680,000 Mazdas, including Mazda6 made between September 2008 and January 2016, were recalled due to faulty airbags. An earlier recall involved 280,000 Mazda6 models made between 2003 and 2008 for a similar issue.[33]

    Motorsport

    In 2007, Mazda won its first manufacturers championship in the Touring Car class.

    2009, they finished 2nd in the manufacturer's championship with 65 points, behind Acura.[35]

    The Mazda6 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.[36]

    The Mazda6 also gives its name to a stock car in the

    Third generation (GJ1/GL; 2012)

    Third generation
    Overview
    Model codeGJ1 / GL
    Production2012–2024
    Model years2014–2021 (North America)
    Dimensions
    Wheelbase
    • Sedan: 2,830 mm (111.4 in)
    • Wagon: 2,750 mm (108.3 in)
    Length
    • Sedan: 4,865 mm (191.5 in)
    • Wagon: 4,805 mm (189.2 in)
    Width1,840 mm (72.4 in)
    Height
    • Sedan: 1,450 mm (57.1 in)
    • Wagon: 1,480 mm (58.3 in)

    The third generation Mazda6 sedan was unveiled during

    The design was a finalist in the "2013 World Design of the Year".

    • Sedan (pre-facelift)
      Sedan (pre-facelift)
    • Estate/station wagon (pre-facelift)
      Estate/station wagon (pre-facelift)
    • Interior (pre-facelift)
      Interior (pre-facelift)

    Awards

    The Mazda6 was second place in 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.

    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 the Mazda6 won the Carsales Peoples Choice award for its class in Australia.[citation needed
    ]

    The Mazda6 also won "Best Family Sedan" in MotorWeek's 2009 Driver's Choice Awards.[42]

    The Mazda6 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.[43]

    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.[44]

    Motorsport

    For the 2013 Rolex Sports Car Series the Mazda6 was involved in the short lived Grand-Am GX series. Three cars were used, one racing under the number #70, being driven by Jonathan Bomarito, Marino Franchitti, Tom Long, Sylvain Tremblay, and James Hinchcliff, a VisitFlorida.com sponsored car using the number #00, driven by Tristan Nunez, Spencer Pigot, and Tristan Vautier, and Yojiro Terada, and the third car was driven under the #25, being driven by Andrew Carbonell, Tom Long, Rhett O’Doski, and Derek Whitis. The car was successful, albeit in a class with few other cars. The class they were driven in was the GX class, intended for cars using alternative fuels or alternative technologies. The class folded after one year, and was not carried onto the 2014 United SportsCar Championship

    Sales

    Mazda6 sales in the U.S. by year
    Year Japan[45] U.S.[46] Australia Mexico[47] Canada Europe[48] China[49] Vietnam[50]
    2003 66,118 12,709 91,948
    2004 72,148 12,075 89,389
    2005 71,447 14,783 141 71,893
    2006 66,203 12,826 1,003 74,462
    2007 57,575 12,397 980 64,009
    2008 15,848 52,590 10,207 2,241 65,208
    2009 7,398 34,866 8,758 2,193 6,614 46,876
    2010 7,105 35,662 7,455 3,216 6,092[51] 38,702
    2011 4,588 35,711 5,794 2,170 3,676 28,204
    2012 5,207 33,756 6,558 2,363 5,128[52] 19,343
    2013 22,388 43,638 7,701 4,162 4,224[53] 32,538
    2014 11,387 53,224 5,883 3,776 3,023[54] 31,032 27,710
    2015 12,360 57,898 5,276 3,627 2,703[55] 30,519 42,000
    2016 9,407 45,520 4,369 2,627 2,053[56] 29,226 34,246
    2017 6,394 33,402 3,647 1,721 2,541[57] 23,090 53,493
    2018 7,782 30,938 3,328 1,429 2,292 20,873 47,060
    2019 5,350 21,524 2,612 1,061 1,402 22,048 41,950 936[58]
    2020 2,933 16,204 1,727 636 1,049 6,950 30,978 1,653[59]
    2021 2,350 16,214 1,491[60] 475 1,411 4,890 19,502
    2022 2,043 335 1,511[61] 0 0 4,483
    2023 1,690 1,528[62]

    References

    1. ^ "え?? アテンザ改めMazda6発表!!! マツダの車名戦略は成功するのか!?". 4 July 2019.
    2. ^ "MAZDA6|i-ACTIV AWD – 雨や雪道でも安定した走りの4WDシステム|マツダ". www.mazda.co.jp. Retrieved 2022-02-22.
    3. ^ "Mazda 6 Wagon 2.3 MZR 4WD Technical Specs, Dimensions". www.ultimatespecs.com. Retrieved 2022-02-22.
    4. ^ "2003 Mazda Atenza 1gen/I Sport Wagon 4WD full range specs". www.automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 2022-02-22.
    5. ^ Neff, John (2006-03-17). "Mazda makes millionth Mazda6". autoblog.com. Retrieved 2009-04-18.
    6. ^ Prossnitz, Lindsay (16 March 2016). "Auto Evolution: Mazda Put the Zoom Zoom in its Mazda6". Web2Carz.com. Retrieved 2019-09-27.
    7. ^
      Nikkei
      . Retrieved 2014-12-16.
    8. ^ 《高木啓》 (2001-10-18). "【東京シヨー2001出品車】マツダ『アテンザ』-世界一のデザイン | レスポンス". Response.jp. Retrieved 2017-01-16.
    9. ^ "All-New 'Mazda Atenza' Zooms into Dealer Showrooms Nationwide". Mazda Newsroom. Mazda. 20 May 2002. Archived from the original on 2021-02-22. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
    10. ^ "2004 Mazda 6 1st-gen. phase-I Sedan (GG-series) all versions specifications and performance data". Automobile Catalog. automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
    11. ^ "Mazda Showcases 'Mazda6' Sedan at North American International Auto Show". Mazda Newsroom. Mazda. 8 January 2002. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
    12. ^ "Mazda Unveils Freshened Atenza". Mazda Newsroom. Mazda. 23 June 2005. Archived from the original on 2021-02-22. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
    13. ^ "Mazdaspeed 6 Technical Training" (PDF). ugnius. Mazda. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
    14. ^ "Pre-Orders Start for Mazdaspeed Atenza". Mazda Newsroom. Mazda. 23 June 2005. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
    15. ^ "2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 6". Edmunds. Edmunds.com Inc. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
    16. ^ Robinson, Aaron (January 2006). "2006 Mazdaspeed 6 First Drive". Car and Driver. Hearst Autos, Inc. Retrieved 21 October 2020.
    17. ^ Spinelli, Mike (2007-09-06). "jalopnik.com". jalopnik.com. Retrieved 2009-04-18.
    18. ^ km77.com. "km77.com". km77.com. Retrieved 2009-04-18.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
    19. ^ Henry, Jim. "industry.bnet.com". industry.bnet.com. Archived from the original on September 19, 2008. Retrieved 2009-04-18.
    20. ^ "xeoto.com.vn". xeoto.com.vn. 2012-06-22. Archived from the original on 2022-01-28. Retrieved 2020-03-15.
    21. ^ "auto123.com". auto123.com. 2008-07-24. Retrieved 2009-04-18.
    22. ^ "wheels.ca". wheels.ca. 2008-07-26. Retrieved 2009-04-18.
    23. ^ "2009 Mazda Mazda6". Autoblog.com.
    24. ^ Motor Trend 2009 Car of the Year Finalist Archived 2009-10-28 at the Wayback Machine – Retrieved 25 October 2009
    25. ^ "2009 Mazda 6 vs. 2008 Honda Accord vs. 2008 Nissan Altima". Edmunds.com. 2008-09-07. Retrieved 2009-04-18.
    26. ^ "Spider web fire risk prompts Mazda6 recall". BBC News. 2011-03-04.
    27. ^ Valdes-Dapena, Peter (2011-03-03). "Spiders lead to Mazda recall". CNN.
    28. ^ United States Department of Transportation (11 March 2014). "NHTSA Campaign Number 14V114000: Spiders may block fuel tank vent line". National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
    29. ^ Jones, Stacy (2014-04-05). "Spider causes Mazda6 sedan recalls for second time in three years". NJ.com. New Jersey On-Line LLC. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04.
    30. ^ "Gas-loving spider prompts Mazda recall in U.S." Thomson Reuters. 04 Mar 2011. Last accessed 16 May 2001.
    31. ^ "MAZDA:Next Midsize Car for North America To Be Built in Hofu, Japan". 2011-06-07.
    32. ^ a b "Mazda Finally Ends U.S. Production At Flat Rock, Michigan (24 August 2012)". Automobioemag.com. 24 August 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2020.
    33. ^ "China's FAW to recall 680,000 more Mazda cars over faulty Takata airbags". Reuters. 8 Jul 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2017.
    34. ^ "SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge – Series History". World-challenge.com. Archived from the original on 2009-04-10. Retrieved 2009-04-18.
    35. ^ "SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge – Points". World-challenge.com. Archived from the original on May 18, 2008. Retrieved 2009-04-18.
    36. ^ "Event Entry List". Grand-am.com. 2008-02-25. Archived from the original on December 20, 2008. Retrieved 2009-04-18.
    37. ^ "Mazda de México participará en la NASCAR Corona Series". Portal Automotriz. April 9, 2010. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
    38. ^ "2013 World Car Awards" (Media Release). World Car Awards. 2013-01-31. Retrieved 2013-05-20.
    39. ^ "Mazda Takeri concept foreshadows next Mazda 6". AutoWeek. 2011-10-24. Retrieved 2021-04-29.
    40. ^ "Mazda Shinari Concept Previews Next-Gen Mazda 6". Car & Driver. 2010-08-31. Retrieved 2021-04-29.
    41. ^ "Mazda Atenza's Award-Winning Streak Continues". Mazda Newsroom. Mazda. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
    42. ^ "Driver's Choice Awards 2009". MotorWeek. mpt.org. Archived from the original on 2010-01-29. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
    43. ^ "Mazda 6 Overview". Edmunds.com. Retrieved 2009-04-18.
    44. ^ "canadiandriver.com". canadiandriver.com. 2008-07-28. Retrieved 2009-04-18.
    45. ^ "マツダ6 新車販売台数推移/売れ行きと生産状況は? - クルマを買う!" [Mazda 6 New car sales trends/sales and production status?]. kuru-ma.com (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-12-27.
    46. ^ "Mazda6 US car sales figures". carsalesbase.com. 2015-11-08. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
    47. ^ "Venta al público y producción de vehículos ligeros por marca, modelo, segmento y país origen". Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática (INEGI) (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved 2021-10-29.
    48. ^ "Mazda6 European sales figures". 4 February 2014.
    49. ^ "Mazda6 Atenza China auto sales figures". 22 April 2015.
    50. ^ "Mazda 6 2021: giá xe, thông số (Ưu đãi tháng 12!) – xeoto.com.vn". Archived from the original on 2022-01-28. Retrieved 2021-09-03.
    51. ^ "Mazda Canada Sets Sales Record In December". Mazda News. Retrieved 2018-03-08.
    52. ^ "Mazda Canada announces sales for December 2012 and full year". Mazda News. Retrieved 2018-03-08.
    53. ^ "Mazda Canada reports sales for December and 2013 full-year". Mazda News. Retrieved 2018-03-08.
    54. ^ "Mazda Canada Reports Sales for December and 2014 Full-Year". Mazda News. Retrieved 2018-03-08.
    55. ^ "Mazda Canada reports sales for December and full-year 2015". Mazda News. Retrieved 2018-03-08.
    56. ^ "Mazda Canada reports sales for December and full-year 2016". Mazda News. Retrieved 2018-03-08.
    57. ^ "Mazda Canada Reports Sales For December and Full-Year 2017". Mazda News. Retrieved 2018-03-08.
    58. ^ "Mazda Vietnam Reports Sales For Year 2019". Xeoto.com.vn. Archived from the original on 2021-01-08. Retrieved 2021-09-04.
    59. ^ "Mazda Vietnam Reports Sales For Year 2020". Xeoto.com.vn. Archived from the original on 2021-04-14. Retrieved 2021-09-04.
    60. ^ Costello, Mike (2022-01-06). "VFACTS: Australia's 2021 new car sales detailed in full". CarExpert.
    61. ^ Costello, Mike (2023-01-05). "VFACTS: Australia's new car sales results for 2022". CarExpert.
    62. ^ Costello, Mike (2024-01-04). "VFACTS 2023: All-time Australian sales record, Ford Ranger tops charts". CarExpert.

    Notes

    1.^ European markets only.

    External links

    This page is based on the copyrighted Wikipedia article: Mazda6. Articles is available under the CC BY-SA 3.0 license; additional terms may apply.Privacy Policy