Topic: Mazda6 US-spec unveiled

[Jaeger]

"In North America the "bigger is better" mentality still holds, because people down in the US are bigger!"

True enough. But it is noteworthy that Nissan - with both the current Altima and new Maxima - produced models that are smaller than their respective predecessors, with a clearly stated (and marketed) design objectives to retain / inject an element of sportiness to the driving experience.  The degree to which they have achieved those objectives may be a point of debate, but at least they are trying.  The comment in the CD article about the Altima being the only entry that can still fit in sport clothes is quite telling.  It seems that everyone else is trying to build large comfy luxo-cruisers - leaving the driving enthusiats completely out of consideration.

Jaeger

[MKII]

"In North America the "bigger is better" mentality still holds, because people down in the US are bigger!"

True enough. But it is noteworthy that Nissan - with both the current Altima and new Maxima - produced models that are smaller than their respective predecessors, with a clearly stated (and marketed) design objectives to retain / inject an element of sportiness to the driving experience.  The degree to which they have achieved those objectives may be a point of debate, but at least they are trying.  The comment in the CD article about the Altima being the only entry that can still fit in sport clothes is quite telling.  It seems that everyone else is trying to build large comfy luxo-cruisers - leaving the driving enthusiats completely out of consideration.

Jaeger

I think once you test drive the new Mazda6, your fears of it not being a sporty driver will disappear.
The new 2.5l 170hp mated to the 6spd MT will impress you I am sure. The Altima's 6 cylinder is hard to beat and most likely will feel quicker then the Mazda6 3.7l, but the Mazda6 will win in the dynamics department.

Let us know after a test drive if the Mazda6 has lost its sporty personaliy.

[PJungnitsch]

2009 Mazda6 Canadian Pricing:

GS 4cyl 6MT $22,495
GS 4cyl 5AT $23,595
GS V6 6AT $27,495

To either add $1695 for the "Comfort Package".
-Moonroof
-Dynamic Steering Control
-Power 8 way adjustable drivers seat
-Lumbar support
-Leather shift knob and steering wheel
-Auto Lights
-Rain sensing wipers.

GT 4cyl 6MT $27,395
GT 4cyl 5AT $28,495

To either add $ $1840 for the "Luxury Package"
-Smart Keyless entry
-Push Button Start
-BOSE audio system with 10 speakers
-Sirius Satellite Radio
-Bluetooth
-HID Headlights

To the Luxury Package you can add the Navigation System for $2600

GT V6 6AT $33,095

Add $1965 for the "V6 Luxury Package"
-Smart Keyless entry
-Push Button Start
-BOSE audio system with 10 speakers
-Sirius Satellite Radio
-Bluetooth
-Blind Spot Monitering
-Welcome foot light on exterior mirrors

To the Luxury Package you can add the Navigation System for $2600

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433591&page=91

[gulliver]

Mazda 6  09 canadian spec are on their web site. Looks like a good vehicle for that price.
But I can't get how their 6MT gets 7% lower gas mileage than 5AT and this is in city mode 

[mmret]

Mazda 6  09 canadian spec are on their web site. Looks like a good vehicle for that price.
But I can't get how their 6MT gets 7% lower gas mileage than 5AT and this is in city mode 

Probably a 1st-2nd-3rd gearing issue.

[gulliver]

Mazda 6  09 canadian spec are on their web site. Looks like a good vehicle for that price.
But I can't get how their 6MT gets 7% lower gas mileage than 5AT and this is in city mode 

Probably a 1st-2nd-3rd gearing issue.

More likely. But gas mileage is one of the main reason for purchasing car with manual beside the fun factor and initial cost.
Hopefully they will address this issue in near future.

[quadzilla]

Mazda 6  09 canadian spec are on their web site. Looks like a good vehicle for that price.
But I can't get how their 6MT gets 7% lower gas mileage than 5AT and this is in city mode 

Probably a 1st-2nd-3rd gearing issue.

More likely. But gas mileage is one of the main reason for purchasing car with manual beside the fun factor and initial cost.
Hopefully they will address this issue in near future.

Could also be the way testing is done. I think driving habits would make the biggest difference.

[Leviathan]

Issue .7L/100km on something as nebulous as "city" is an issue?

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Decent pricing and option packaging.

Looking forward to these selling, but will miss the hatch and wagon.

[Ice]

Decent pricing and option packaging.

Looking forward to these selling, but will miss the hatch and wagon.

I'm secretly hoping for at least a liftback version coming out later.  Mazda always does something different...I hope they seriously consider doing something like that again.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Decent pricing and option packaging.

Looking forward to these selling, but will miss the hatch and wagon.

I'm secretly hoping for at least a liftback version coming out later.  Mazda always does something different...I hope they seriously consider doing something like that again.

I had been hoping they'd offer the 5dr Sport again too. Maybe our wishes will come true... maybe?  haha, think we're dreaming for sure.

[quadzilla]

Decent pricing and option packaging.

Looking forward to these selling, but will miss the hatch and wagon.

I'm secretly hoping for at least a liftback version coming out later.  Mazda always does something different...I hope they seriously consider doing something like that again.

I had been hoping they'd offer the 5dr Sport again too. Maybe our wishes will come true... maybe?  haha, think we're dreaming for sure.

I'm going the other way as the size increase has turned me off the new 6. I'd rather keep my wagon than get the new super sized version. I now have may attention turned towards the next gen Mz3 Sport. The new 2.5L engine in the 3_Sport should be fun.

[Dante]

MotorTrend seems to like the new Mazda6 a lot.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0808_2009_mazda6_isport_first_test/index.html

[toolatecrew]

MotorTrend seems to like the new Mazda6 a lot.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0808_2009_mazda6_isport_first_test/index.html

I like it a lot to but since they priced it 18% higher in Canada for a base Model (the US base Model is 1500 LESS than a 3 Sport GS in Canada) I'm probaly going to be less likley to look. The Can $ hasn't been 18% less for a LONG time so there really is no fluctuating exchange rate catchup excuse.

I priced out a very nicley (what I'd want) 6 speed 4cly in the US and the payments to purchase would be a very reaonable $500 range over60 MO. In Canada? Forget it.

I hope they maybe find a way to boost engine power of the 4 over the next year or so. At 170 HP is down on power compared to an Accord and say a similar sized TSX. Jumping to the V6 is an extra 100 HP but you can only get auto , it i less fuel efficient and a lot more $. I think about 185-190 HP in a 6 speed 4cyl would be a real sweet spot.

[Dante]

I priced out the trim that would satisfy me (I4 GS 5A/T w/Comfort) and it was around $25K which I find very good value relative to the other offerings on the same segment in the Canadian market.
From MT and other publications reports, it seems like Mazda is still top of the class for driving dynamics, plus is as good or better in every other aspect than the Camry and Accord and clearly better looking.
I think the new Mazda6 has what it takes to follow the Mazda3 success.

EDIT: I just compared the trims and prices and the Mazda6 is thousands cheaper and still better equipped than the Accord, Altima and Camry (all Canadian prices).

[toolatecrew]

I priced out the trim that would satisfy me (I4 GS 5A/T w/Comfort) and it was around $25K which I find very good value relative to the other offerings on the same segment in the Canadian market.
From MT and other publications reports, it seems like Mazda is still top of the class for driving dynamics, plus is as good or better in every other aspect than the Camry and Accord and clearly better looking.
I think the new Mazda6 has what it takes to follow the Mazda3 success.

EDIT: I just compared the trims and prices and the Mazda6 is thousands cheaper and still better equipped than the Accord, Altima and Camry (all Canadian prices).

25 800 K in the US gets you a top of the line I$ with everything you can get except Moonroof Bose package and NAV (so inluding power seats leather HIDs Keyless start 17 inch wheels etc.

A comperable to what you priced 6 in the US is 3-4 K LESS. Now that would be good value.

[Dante]

I priced out the trim that would satisfy me (I4 GS 5A/T w/Comfort) and it was around $25K which I find very good value relative to the other offerings on the same segment in the Canadian market.
From MT and other publications reports, it seems like Mazda is still top of the class for driving dynamics, plus is as good or better in every other aspect than the Camry and Accord and clearly better looking.
I think the new Mazda6 has what it takes to follow the Mazda3 success.

EDIT: I just compared the trims and prices and the Mazda6 is thousands cheaper and still better equipped than the Accord, Altima and Camry (all Canadian prices).

25 800 K in the US gets you a top of the line I$ with everything you can get except Moonroof Bose package and NAV (so inluding power seats leather HIDs Keyless start 17 inch wheels etc.

A comperable to what you priced 6 in the US is 3-4 K LESS. Now that would be good value.

I'm aware that ANY car costs less in the US, but my statement is relative to the Canadian prices. I haven't checked, but perhaps the same is true if you compare similar trims for the above mentioned models in the US.

[JSCC]

Mazda6 in showrooms and dealer lots as of right now.

[Dante]

Mazda6 in showrooms and dealer lots as of right now.

Looked at and sat in one today. I found it even nicer in person. It's big .... 
In Mazda's tradition, it's well built, the fit-and-finish and the materials are good . I don't like the trim on the center floor console and lower center stack, but other than that, it would be my pick in the segment without a doubt.

[JSCC]

Mazda6 in showrooms and dealer lots as of right now.

Looked at and sat in one today. I found it even nicer in person. It's big .... 
In Mazda's tradition, it's well built, the fit-and-finish and the materials are good . I don't like the trim on the center floor console and lower center stack, but other than that, it would be my pick in the segment without a doubt.

The GS plastic or the GT "similuated wood"?