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Sedans Mazda6 Article Comments - 2009 Mazda 6 First Drive and Full Test
229 messages, Last post on Aug 25, 2008 at 6:33 AM
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First Drive: 2009 Mazda 6 - First Impressions: With most of its major flaws fixed, the 2009 Mazda 6 is easily one of the most impressive sedans in the midsize class. (more)
Full Test: 2009 Mazda 6 s Grand Touring - Bottom Line: Manages to keep some of the zoom-zoom athleticism despite pandering to the Accord/Camry market.(more)
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I feel that this car was in much needed of an update, but not necessarily in the design. I actually liked the old exterior better, but the new one strikes me as more classy. However, I feel that the rear and side remind me a LOT of the new Lexus ES, or maybe I'm just imagining things. The interior, however, is really impressive to me. I especially like the new dashboard layout & design. The new features, such as the blind-spot monitoring system for both the i & s Grand Touring models seems more of a gimmick, as you simply have to double-check your mirrors and windows before changing lanes. Though having that and other amenities like the Bose speaker system, a navigation system, 6-disc CD changer, moonroof, BSM, and all the safety features plus the overall size of the car is pretty amazing. Not to mention the car's 'zoom-zoom' handling and roadholding. What else would you expect from a Mazda? However, there's something that kind of baffles me about this car... It's a good thing for Mazda to have listened to owner feedback on its cars, especially the Mazda5, but the effects it had on this car brings mixed feedback from me. Firstly, the four-cylinder engine is more powerful, yet the words used to describe it say [on other sites that have previewed the car] that it boasts updated technology to enhance fuel economy. The EPA estimates seem quite low for an engine like that. Plus, both transmissions have 5 or more forward gears. I'm also confused with the fact that the EPA estimates for the 6-speed manual in the four-cylinder are just a tad lower than the auto transmission. The whole point of including 6 gears in a transmission is to combine good acceleration with good fuel economy, in my perspective. I think that can be achieved by reprogramming the ratios there; space them out a bit, will ya? Also, I think that either the V6 or both of the engines could benefit from the stop-start technology that's appearing in cars in Europe that run on conventional gas engines. It'd reduce emissions and fuel consumption. The V6 is simply too much for a front-drive car, also, but I think the main purpose of offering that engine is solely to show up the likes of Honda, Toyota, & Nissan by giving the people what is pretty much one of the most powerful engines in its class. However, I don't understand why they don't offer the 6-speed manual here... it's a sad loss. Many auto-enthusiasts would love that in a car like this. Regardless, this car, I think, will sell just fine, but not as quickly as other automakers' cars. In actuality, I hope it stays that way; it'll make this car seem novel compared to other cars out there. There are simply too many Camrys & Accords out there... I don't really like them at all. Basically owning one of those cars shouldn't make you feel special; millions of others have them, too d: One last thing; I REALLY... really hoped for the grille found in the J-spec Atenza, but noooooo! They absolutely HAD to put that atrocity on the front end of it... It appears fine from the side, however. I'm also wondering why they put the fender flares on the car, because it kind of makes it look portly to me. I don't see the reason to "Americanize" cars by making them bigger than they should. Our cars are becoming obese, and they really don't need to be. They might as well have just kept the Atenza & replaced the badge saying "Atenza" & replace it with "Mazda6" & ship the thing over here & be done with it! Yeesh. Just because we live in America doesn't mean we don't appreciate a small[er] car. my perspective of Mazda... This car company's a really innovative company [refer to the Mazda5], and is known to have embraced the sporty-car concept. What I perceive to be their goal is to give the average consumer a car that's not boring to drive, but invigorating to drive. The engines are peppy and high revving, and the suspension tuning is superb. What Mazda's done is carved a niche into the auto market that supplies people with invigorating driving machines that provide innovation, sporty handling, peppy engines, and eye-catching style. Mazda's purpose wasn't really to become the greenest automaker on the block. And besides, it's really hard to come up with the perfect all-around formula. So buy a Mazda. It'll change your life. (: oops I'm ranting again... but anyway, the new Mazda6 is cool. (: overview: a] the 's' models are for the open-minded [V6 fuel economy, features, etc.] b] take out that grille, please. c] nice, classy styling d] great list of features e] powerful engines with great transmissions [that could be reprogrammed for better fuel economy] f] good size, perhaps too much so. g] [supposedly] awesome handling while having a supple & quiet ride h] still somewhat unique
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Replying to: duhitsbautista (Jun 29, 2008 12:10 pm) Also, BSMS is not a "gimmick". It is a very useful safety feature that has rave reviews from CX-9 owners. Would you say ABS bakes are also a "gimmick"? If you provided more space between you and the car in front of you, you could stop in plenty of time..
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Replying to: mz6greyghost (May 23, 2008 6:16 pm) If you wanted utility, then get a sport-utility vehicle, aka an SUV. or a Mazda5, in that matter. those are pretty cool. The hatch was a loss, as I liked it, and it provided the versatility of a hatch with the style of a sedan. The wagon was fine, but no one will notice its exile. I disagree with the unproven fact that the Mazda6 will have worse handling this time around because it gained... 200 lbs. wow. Actually, for a redesign, that's not much. For a Mazda5, on the other hand, gained about the same amount of weight over 2 years but didn't see a true redesign; just a few new features & such but reviewers still say the same about its handling and efficiency. It's all about execution, the level of technology utilized, and the tuning. I think it'll handle better, and last I checked, the Audi A6 handles exceptionally well... it's a German car, of course d: anyway, my point is, a car that underwent a complete overhaul and gained 200 lbs. shouldn't affect the 6 that much. or at all. it's not THAT portly. + it's good to have a V6 at times.
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Replying to: aviboy97 (Jun 29, 2008 12:19 pm) they're not the only ones that do stop-go commuting... ): I guess you have a point. but I was taking BSMS from a somewhat fixed point of view. I was trying to say that most people would think of it that way because they'd rather just double-check their mirrors. but it's nice to have, especially with the way that some people drive, yikes. it's unfortunate to know that it doesn't activate unless you're putting your turning signal on... some people don't do that... which could render it useless unless you remember to turn on the turning signal when switching lanes. then again, it's a common driving practice. you're expected to do that d: oh well. I'll leave BSMS as a "driving enhancement". but I think ABS is definitely essential in this day & age. what really is a gimmick is the self-parking feature found on new Lexus models; it actually scares me that the car parks itself d: |
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Replying to: duhitsbautista (Jun 29, 2008 12:21 pm) 200 lbs is easy to add and very difficult to remove. Given a choice between the utility of a hatchback Mazda6 with great handling and better fuel mileage or an SUV, I'll take the 6.
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Replying to: moparbad (Jun 29, 2008 7:05 pm) |
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Does anyone know when in August the new mazda Six will be available?
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Replying to: snags (Jul 30, 2008 6:37 am) |
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Earlier in this discussion, someone made reference to a separate discussion on the 2009 Mazda6 general features, etc.. I don't see it listed within Edmunds's Forums and discussion. Is there such a forum someplace? Also, what is the scheduled arrival date of the new model at the dealerships.?? I can hardly wait to see/try this new version. I haven't owned a Mazda since my 1988 I4/5-spd manual MX-6, which was the most reliable, best handling auto I've ever owned. And I kept it far longer than any other Car I've owned; 9 years...! Awesome car that maybe is going to be repeated by the 2009 Mazda6 ?? Hopefully...!! 
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Replying to: microrepair (Jul 30, 2008 9:04 am) |
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