|
| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:14:12 |
| Rating |
 587 ( -73 -12.43% ) | | Author | Sue Mead |
|
|
Description:
2003 Mazda6
The Joy of 6
Writer's Notes
2003 Mazda6
Base price: N/A
Engine: 2.3-liter 4-cylinder or 3.0-liter V-6
Horsepower (SAE net): 160 hp (4-cylinder) or 218 hp (V6)
Torque (SAE net): 155 lb.-ft (4-cylinder) or 192 lb.-ft. (V6)
Drivetrain: Five speed manual or four speed automatic (five-speed automatic
available with V6)
Length x width x height (inches): 186.8 x 70.1 x 56.7 in
Wheelbase: 105.3 in
Curb weight: N/A
Safety equipment: Driver and passenger front airbags; optional front side and
side curtain airbags; 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Major standard equipment: Tilt, telescoping steering wheel
Warranty: 36-month, 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty; 60-month
unlimited mileage corrosion warranty
FAQS:
Mazda 6
What is the Joy of '6'? In addition to its lively handling, Mazda engineers
tuned the throttle and exhaust notes to achieve a spirited sound that is
music to the ears of true driving enthusiasts.
Do the sedan, wagon and hatchback versions carry over the same styling? In
general, yes, but each has its own look. The wagon model's snipped rear end
and angled rear windows have echoes of the BMW 5-series sport wagon, and the
hatchback recalls elements of the 'new' Mustang, with a low air dam and
hatch-mounted spoiler.
What are some of the standard surprise and delight features? A stainless
steel dual exhaust system; leather 3-spoke sport steering wheel; leather
gearshift knob and handbrake handle; one-touch split-folding rear seats.
What are the special packages? Sport Package (aero kit, 17-inch alloy wheels,
fog lamps, black interior trim (in leather or cloth) and Optitron
instruments.); Premium Package ( 16-inch alloys with locks, 8-way power
driver's seat, perimeter alarm); and Comfort Package (heated front seats and
door mirrors-requires leather-trimmed upholstery).
Mazda is in the stables of Ford Motor Company. Does that mean that this car
was designed by Ford engineers? No. While Mazda and Ford share some engines
and components, the new '6' is a global product and was designed by Mazda
engineers.
Comments or suggestions about this review? Send an e-mail to: editor@autobytel.com
Autobytel Inc. operates the popular automotive websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com, and Autosite.com.
xxx
Santa Monica, California: How do you translate joy into sheet metal? How do
you get the soul of a sports car to shine brightly in a sedan? And, how do
you make a 5-passenger car say "zoom, zoom"? If you're Mazda, you start with
your finest strand of DNA, mix in your spirit, sprinkle heavily with driving
passion, and add the latest in new technologies. It's highly likely the
freshly-created model-the '6'- will bring you success. And, if you're a
driving enthusiast, it's guaranteed you'll experience "The Joy of 6"!
I recently spent a day driving Mazda's all-new flagship along coastal
highways and snaking two-lanes through the Sierra foothills of southern
California. In addition, there was a cone course set up on a large blacktop
area to safely push the new Mazda6 to its limits-or yours. There were two
available powertrains to compare. And, they both go "zoom, zoom".
The standard engine is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder that produces 160 hp and 155
lb.-ft. of torque; and an optional 3.0-liter V-6 that puts down 218 horses
and 192 lb.-ft. of torque. Both meet ULEV emissions ratings and are
available with 5-speed manual or automatic transmission; 4-cylinder motors
can be matched to 4-speed automatic, while the V6 gets a 5-speed automatic.
Keeping the power on the ground is an all-new platform that is based on a
wide track and low center of gravity, which features a newly developed front
double-wishbone/rear E-type multi-link suspension and a high-rigidity body
with "Triple H" construction. In the front, long suspension travel is offset
between the virtual kingpin axis and the wheel center, and lengthened
suspension arms increase tire-to-road contact - which translates to better
road-feel. In the back, the multi-link suspension delivers excellent
handling and a very comfortable ride thanks to a long suspension travel, as
well (which, conveniently, also helps increase cargo space). Also on board is
quick-ratio, power-assisted rack and pinion steering. I found this highly
responsive, with a great "on-center" feel.
As important as going fast is to handling, transitioning from fast to slow
and coming to an emergency stop are even more important. The new model's
four-wheel disc brakes (11.1-inch ventilated front; 11-inch solid rear) are
matched with 4-sensor, 3-channel ABS and available Electronic Brake
Distribution systems, as well as traction control standard on the 3.0-liter
V6, which is an option on the 2.3-liter I4.
There are also two body styles to choose between. A clean, modern exterior
seems inspired by European design, with sleek cat's eye headlamps, five-spoke
wheels with 16-inch tires and a narrow, chrome-accented front grille. A
rising beltline and wide windshield give the car an athletic,
starting-line-ready stance.
Targeted to primarily male automotive enthusiasts in their mid-to-late 30's, who are college educated, and financially comfortable (have a household income of $75,000 and above), the new Mazda6 goes on sale in November.
My preference was the Sport Package. These versions get 17-inch 5-spoke cast
aluminum wheels with 215/50VR-17 all season radials, halogen fog lamps
integrated into the headlamp clusters, a front air dam, side sill extensions
along with a rear apron and rear spoiler with an integrated center high-mount
brake lamp. Not just for show, this Package has improved road handling as a
result of its increased aerodynamics.
Positioned against a formidable competitor line-up that includes the VW
Passat, BMW 3-series, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry, the
Mazda6 is built on a brand-new platform that replaces both the 626 and the
Millenia models currently in the stables of Japan's number 3 car maker. Offered
over the course of the next year in three models - sedan, hatchback and wagon
- the new '6' follows on the heels of its successful Protégé5 cousin, which
was introduced as a 2002 model last year.
So far, the '6' seems to be an appropriate encore to the Protégé5's
performance on the sales charts throughout 2001 and 2002. More than 1500
units of the Mazda6 wagon versions were sold within two weeks of the
vehicle's introduction in Japan on June 24, and European and Japanese orders
for sedan and hatchback models were six times higher than Mazda expected
within the first month or the vehicle's appearance on the market.
On the heels of this success, Mazda hopes to double its share in the US and
European markets, and the '6' is seen as one of the ways this Asian
manufacturer will get there. Having shifted from its strategy of tailgating
Toyota and Honda in every vehicle segment, this automaker now is focusing on
its core strengths, including the ever-popular Miata and the best-selling MPV
minivan. Since 1996, Mazda has cut jobs, tightened its belt and pinned its
hopes on these superstars. Now, the '6' is taking center stage.
Inside the average-sized exterior packaging is a spacious and comfortable
cabin that is thoughtfully designed. The titanium-finish dash features round
gauges and chrome accents, and controls are easy to find and operate.
Commonly used audio controls are mounted high within the driver's line of
sight, and audio and cruise control switches also are mounted on the steering
wheel.
Seating includes two front buckets and a rear bench that seats three (it's a
much more comfortable ride for two!) and splits 60/40 for extra stowage
space. Seats boast class-leading roominess, and a standard telescoping
steering wheel is unique to the class. Another unique interior feature is
the fold-down rear seat; a design was inspired by a "karakuri," a traditional
Japanese wind-up doll. A single touch on a handle in the luggage area lowers
the rear seat cushions into the floor while the seat backs fold forward to
create an entirely flat load floor.
The newest Mazda offers a host of modern-day standard safety features. Up to
six dual-stage air bags are available -- front driver and passenger "smart"
bags are standard, while front seat-mounted side-impact air bags along with
optional dual front and rear side air curtains. Seats are anti-whiplash, with
pyrotechnic front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters. Of note is a
new crashable pedal assembly design, which helps protect the foot and leg
from injury in frontal collisions.
Targeted to primarily male automotive enthusiasts in their mid-to-late 30's,
who are college educated, and financially comfortable (have a household
income of $75,000 and above), the new Mazda6 goes on sale in November. Mazda
expects to sell close to 75,000 of its new 2003 sedan versions in the US this
model year, with sales of 27,000 in Japan, 7,000 in Canada, with a total of
nearly 200,000 worldwide. Wagon and hatchback versions will be introduced as
'04 models. A number of packages and stand-alone options are available.
The new '6' was a joy to drive and manages to stand out with its spirited and
competent handling in a crowded field. Its attractive styling, modest price
tag and solid performance clearly give it a fighting chance in the mid-sized
sedan market.
--Story by Sue Mead
Sue Mead works as a photojournalist and features writer for more than two dozen publications. She has written for Parade, Popular Science, Open Road, the Road & Track Buyers Guide, Men's Journal, Popular Mechanics and Diversion and she has worked as an auto editor for CNN/fn. Sue has co-driven in two of the world's toughest off-road races, the Baja 1000 and the Paris-Dakar Raid. She attended four Camel Trophy adventures for Land Rover North America and has participated in several long-distance adventure drives. She recently completed her first book, "Monster Trucks and Tractors" published by Chelsea House. Sue lives in New England. |
| Similar news: | - Mazda Posts Gains in First-Half Earnings - Japanese automaker Mazda Motor Corp. on Tuesday reported a 68 percent jump profit in the first half of the fiscal year and raised its outlook for the full year as sales continue to grow.
- Mutual Funds: Why Fees Still Defy Gravity - There's no doubt that the heat is on mutual-fund companies to lower their expenses. Fueled by competition and prompted by regulators, a number of firms have reduced or waived fees in the past 12 months. But that doesn't mean the ordinary investor is going
- Mazda Reports Better Profits - Japanese automaker Mazda Motor Corp. reported Thursday stronger profits for the fiscal year ended March as solid European sales and better profitability in North America offset losses from a fire at a Japanese plant.
| | Find all news similar on 2003 Mazda6 |
| Similar articles: | | | Find all articles similar on 2003 Mazda6 |
|
