Agent009
Agent009
"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
View My AgentSpace

Print this Page | Digg It | del.icio.us

Is The Revamped Mazda 6 More Than Ready to Take On The New Accord?
So here I am on a road I know well, in the hills and mountains just north of Nice. It's the kind of road that proves there's still enjoyment to be had from driving, and – if the car's not worthy of it – frustration can set in. It doesn't have to be some mega-money supercar, compromise-free sports car or honed hatchback for everything to gel; it simply has to be designed and engineered to work with the driver's commands and instincts, to involve the driver in the whole dynamic process.

This new Mazda 6 does exactly that, to a wholly remarkable degree. It feels like an Alfa 159 should, or like a BMW 3 series would if it were, like the Mazda, front-wheel drive. It has the precision, fluidity, light-footedness and sixth-sense responsiveness that used to mark out the Peugeot 405 nearly two decades ago. Mazda has been annoying us for several years with the puerile "zoom-zoom" slogan, but the reality really matches the hype.

Of course, every motoring pundit has heaped praise on Ford's current Mondeo. It too feels good to drive, flowing through corners, steering sensitively, keeping the driver interested and passengers comfortable. But the Mazda is a step ahead of the Mondeo, because it has an easy agility the Ford lacks. That's because the Mazda is lighter, smaller and more manageable than the too-corpulent, too-wide Mondeo. Average people have got larger and it's to be expected that cars will grow to reflect that fact, but no one need feel confined in the Mazda 6. It's just the right size for a normal family car.

Read Article
Is The Revamped Mazda 6 More Than Ready to Take On The New Accord?



Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]
SVXXXSVXXX - 11/27/2007 1:37:41 PM
+14 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
EXCELLENT looking car! Far better than the new ACCORD!

reply to this comment
1995e341995e34 - 11/27/2007 3:34:24 PM
+5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
can this take on the accord? sure, and just about every other fwd car out there.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 11/27/2007 1:38:53 PM
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
good looking car. far more personality than the accord. and though i haven't driven recent mazdas, i hear they handle quite well.

reply to this comment
PorschinatorPorschinator - 11/27/2007 1:44:54 PM
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Mazda beats it with looks but none of us have the ability to compare the two physically. Will wait for whta the major mags say. Hopefully they will have the entire mid-size segment show down in C&D, Motor Trend, etc.

reply to this comment
w209w114w209w114 - 11/27/2007 1:56:22 PMView My AgentSpace
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The Accord Sedan is esily bested in looks by pretty much any other new model. The coupe however is stunning.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 11/27/2007 7:38:40 PM
+5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
it's true. the accord sedan is totally boring...but the coupe looks great. just saw one and can't believe how much better looking the coupe is!


brmqbrmq - 11/28/2007 12:20:19 AM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I have seen them both in person and the Mazda looks amazing inside and out. It's a whole level above the Accord and closer to the Acura TL. It take the mazda design theme and makes a very mature and refined look. A can't say much more and violate my NDA.


w209w114w209w114 - 11/27/2007 1:55:17 PMView My AgentSpace
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Looks like a mix of the Lexus IS and the Saturn Sky...

Interesting.

reply to this comment
Agent001Agent001 - 11/27/2007 2:04:21 PMView My AgentSpace
+6 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Can't wait to see and drive the 'SPEED' version!

I like the S-Class/RX-8 front fender bulges.

001

reply to this comment
Autoegr525Autoegr525 - 11/27/2007 2:16:17 PM
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
001,

Are all of those pictures of the production version? If so, incredible job Mazda!


ATrainATrain - 11/27/2007 9:25:16 PM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Interestingly, I agree w/ u 001 - despite the fact that I don't like the fenders on the RX-8 or the S class.


w209w114w209w114 - 11/27/2007 3:07:58 PMView My AgentSpace
+5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Yes. Lexus wasnt the first to use short rear decks. Get over it

reply to this comment
enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 11/27/2007 7:40:40 PM
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
yes, you're wrong. lexus followed classic BMW proportions...short deck, longer hood and a lovely hofmeister kink in the rear door window. so the influence is BMW.

reply to this comment
stash84stash84 - 11/28/2007 11:15:14 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
dugit- these guys bring up the lame looking bmws and always talk bs about how everyone copies them and how bmw is the best...blah..blah..blah.

imo u r absolutely right..it looks like the IS250/350..its funny how THEY have to point out to YOU how it actually looks like a bmw and NOT a Lexus, but when you saw it, you didnt even think about a bmw..

and that comment "get over it" by w209 shows you how angry THEY get when you mention Toyota or Lexus. I read this bs all the time and ive realized that these german carboys have major complexes.



reply to this comment
mini22mini22 - 11/27/2007 2:13:15 PM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I'm unable to open up the article.Question-Isn't this the Euro version of the Mazda 6.If it is then it is smaller then the US version is going to be.

reply to this comment
answeranswer - 11/27/2007 2:17:50 PMView My AgentSpace
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Damn. Even the wagon looks good.

reply to this comment
Htay7500Htay7500 - 11/27/2007 2:19:00 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
it might not make it to the states.

this and the legacy rules all!


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 11/27/2007 5:05:58 PMView My AgentSpace
+5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Htay, we know you want a Legacy...

But IMO, this is more worth your time and money. Hot!


w209w114w209w114 - 11/27/2007 3:09:06 PMView My AgentSpace
+6 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 11/27/2007 7:41:47 PM
+8 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
what in the world does the ISF have to do with a discussion of $25,000 sedans?

reply to this comment
JUGNUJUGNU - 11/27/2007 2:34:43 PMView My AgentSpace
-12 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
43LE

Toyota is trying to be what? they r just themselves.

btw I see a lot of Lexus in 6's exterior design, especially the whole front end looks like a blend of ES and IS. No wonder it looks great and surely better than the Accord.

JUGNU

reply to this comment
S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 11/27/2007 5:06:38 PMView My AgentSpace
+7 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE A LEXUS IN THE FRONT! OR THE BACK! OR ANYWHERE ELSE!


CLK63BlackSeriesCLK63BlackSeries - 11/27/2007 3:08:18 PMView My AgentSpace
+5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
iamdabest1iamdabest1 - 11/27/2007 3:25:39 PMView My AgentSpace
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
just curious does anyone know if the rx-8 is fast/ reliable ? is it a good car to have ?

reply to this comment
M35MTM35MT - 11/28/2007 8:12:35 AMView My AgentSpace
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The RX-8 is all about handling and weight balance. If you like revvy engines with minimal torque (and some TLC needed when it comes to oil) than this is your car. Gorgeous and needy, like a true sports car tends to be.


mini22mini22 - 11/27/2007 3:36:40 PM
+6 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I owned an RX8.(2004)Fun car to drive.Not a lot of power under 4500 RPM but 9000 RPM redline.I had a lot of warranty issues and recalls which soured me on the car. In addition it drank oil like a sive and got about 215 miles to a tank of gas(rotary engine-this is normal).I ended up trading it in for my 06 Mini Cooper S. The Mini has more performance then the Mazda even though it has less HP.It also gets way better mileage and I've had a lot less issues with it then the Mazda.

reply to this comment
07mcs07mcs - 11/27/2007 3:41:55 PM
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Wow, good looking MAZDA

reply to this comment
mini22mini22 - 11/27/2007 3:42:24 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
This article is for the Euro Mazda 6 which uses the Ford Mondeos chassis.The US version is using an updated version of the current chassis.

reply to this comment
PlanBPlanB - 11/27/2007 3:49:56 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is not the next Mazda 6 coming to the US, is it? I thought I read somewhere that the next US Mazda 6 will be on the same platform as the current one. But this is the one we need. It is very desirable from all angles, even the 5-door hatch is well done.

reply to this comment
fuzionfuzion - 11/27/2007 3:58:56 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
It would be extremely smart of them to have this as the next US Mazda 6, but typical Ford, continue offering Americans crap for cars as an American car company, and send the stuff that we actually like out of the country.

(Mondeo, Focus, and now apparently the Mazda 6)

Two ford dealerships have closed up in my area in the last month.


reply to this comment
ElSparquitoElSparquito - 11/27/2007 4:17:21 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
This is the new Mazda6. Like mini22 & PlanB mentioned - it'll be built on an updated version of the existing 6/Fusion platform.

I agree about overseas Ford products, though. The Mondeo & Focus that Europe gets is better than the Fusion & Focus we have. The Ford Falcon in Australia is nice, too.


cRacKhEaDaLLeYcRacKhEaDaLLeY - 11/27/2007 4:06:40 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Will there be a non-abs model with plastic hubcaps wearing 185/85 R15 tires, 4-speed auto under a 4-banger 2.0 engine???

reply to this comment
MtlMotorsMtlMotors - 11/27/2007 6:27:40 PM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Every car has a base model, I don't know why that bothers you.


M35MTM35MT - 11/28/2007 8:14:52 AMView My AgentSpace
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
No, 16-inch wheels, 2.3L 175hp engine is the base for 08.


ElSparquitoElSparquito - 11/27/2007 4:19:02 PM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
2.3L & yes, there's bound to be a base model.

reply to this comment
stldrummerstldrummer - 11/27/2007 4:31:45 PMView My AgentSpace
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Yeah, it could talk on the accord... if there was a coupe to go along with the sedan.

reply to this comment
stevenv1999stevenv1999 - 11/27/2007 5:09:21 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Yes, it is a better looking car than the Accord, but it can never match Honda's engineering or it's handling dynamics. If it does it will surprise me.

reply to this comment
lexusis350lexusis350 - 11/27/2007 5:22:31 PM
-4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I like the Accord better. This looks nice, but the Accord has Honda's good name behind it.

reply to this comment
henbmwhenbmw - 11/27/2007 5:38:59 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I don't see any interior shots - the Accord is a tough act to follow inside and out.

reply to this comment
Mark412Mark412 - 11/27/2007 6:36:02 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Mazda, please add a RWD or AWD version asap, and I'll put down a deposite right away. Oh, and a suspension that's more compliant than the current Mazda 6 would be much appreciated.

reply to this comment
M35MTM35MT - 11/28/2007 8:15:39 AMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
see: Mazdaspeed6


Mark412Mark412 - 11/28/2007 10:51:28 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Duh, I'm talking about the the new generation 6 w/ AWD or RWD. Of course everyone knows about the current Speed6, and fyi its suspension is harsher. If you can't read, don't reply.


lexusis350lexusis350 - 11/27/2007 11:36:58 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
It still isn't possible now. This might look nice, but I still think the Accord, Camry, and Altima have more experience and know more of what the market wants.

reply to this comment
JUGNUJUGNU - 11/28/2007 6:14:02 AMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
"IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE A LEXUS IN THE FRONT! OR THE BACK! OR ANYWHERE ELSE!"

maybe to u it doesn't. but to my eye it's very close to new generation Lexus (L finesse).

btw Seeing from that deboost i can tell there are many Lexus haters out here starting from S4, enthusiastx...etc

JUGNU

reply to this comment
M35MTM35MT - 11/28/2007 8:17:29 AMView My AgentSpace
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
JUGNU,

what you forget is that this car looks very much like the current Mazda3, which was released in late 2003. Now, when was the first L-Finese car released? Late 2005? Who copied who? Don't get that foot of yours too far in your mouth...


gkearns56gkearns56 - 11/28/2007 8:56:56 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The article discusses some of the smaller engines (less horsepower) but what about the 3.5 liter V-6 that some other websites have mentioned. Will they actually have a V-6 engine for this car?

reply to this comment
daytonavioletdaytonaviolet - 11/28/2007 9:17:40 AM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Considering that the Accord, Camry and Altima all do, I'm sure they will offer a V6.


ElSparquitoElSparquito - 11/28/2007 10:21:49 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
It'll be the same Ford 3.5L found in the Fusion & a host of other Ford products. I'm not sure Mazda makes any V6's. The last 3.0L from the Mazda6 was also a Ford engine.


M35MTM35MT - 11/28/2007 10:50:16 AMView My AgentSpace
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Correct, its Ford sourced. It's the same one used in the CX-9. It's the only engine that is shared...get the 2.3 Turbo...much, much better.


BMW995BMW995 - 11/28/2007 11:59:29 AM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
If I were in the market for a family sedan, the Mazda6 and Malibu would be at the top of my list. The Camry has a transmission glich in the 4 cyl. and 6 cyl versions. Why doesn't Toyota fix them? It makes the cars drivability terrible.
The Accord is a tremendous car but I would judge it to cost more than these two. Also the Accord is considerably larger than the Mazda so it probably wou't be as fun to drive.

reply to this comment
StarStar - 11/28/2007 7:18:10 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
StickShiftCamryStickShiftCamry - 11/28/2007 10:25:53 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Nicer Chrysler Sebring back, nice.

reply to this comment
farabira1farabira1 - 11/29/2007 4:25:06 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I really like the Mazda 6s styling, but i also like the edgy looks of the accord. I don't know in terms of design, i can not choose any single one. I have seen the new accord in flesh already, but did not get the chance to see the Mazda 6 yet, so that might play a big role in my decision as well. As for the drive, i am sure that the Mazda will drive better than the accord, they always have.

reply to this comment
G_riderG_rider - 11/29/2007 4:20:33 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The engine is a bit weaker than the competing engines but i do have to admit that this car looks good. Hopefully they put a big power plant in the speed6

reply to this comment
GodgoreGodgore - 11/29/2007 4:44:27 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I agree. It does look like a Lexus from behind. But that's not to say it's not a good looking car. I think it looks great. This should help the weak Mazda 6 sales.



reply to this comment
richard112360richard112360 - 11/29/2007 6:54:48 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The Mazda 6 most certainly beats the Camry and Honda in exterior looks. I would sure like to know what the Honda and Toyota designers are smoking and drinking these days....guys wake up and get with the program!!!!!

reply to this comment
dano100dano100 - 11/30/2007 12:57:41 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
As the current owner of a 2006 Mazda6 Grand Sport I can't wait to drive this beauty. I have found my 6 to be a more engaing car than the '04 TL we previously owned.

reply to this comment
saintdiablosaintsaintdiablosaint - 12/1/2007 2:57:49 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
i have an 04 mazda6 wagon and the front end styling on the 08 or 09 is waaay worse
looks really good inside and from the back too

reply to this comment
rumnycrumnyc - 12/3/2007 2:27:24 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
looks like a prettier/more interesting version of the current IS. well done mazda!

reply to this comment
To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

Most Recent Stories
Honda Sales Falter 30.6% In November: Acura Freefalls 38.9%The World Bids Farewell to the YugoBMW Sales Plummet 36.1% Mini Sales Explode 43.1% In NovemberGM Ceases All Corporate Jet Flights: To Sell Remaining JetsToyota Sales Spiral In November Down 33.9%: Lexus Basement Bound Down 34.7%FOMOCO Sales Continue To Flatline: Down 30.6% In NovemberVolkswagen Finally Fumbles In 2008: November Sales Drop 19.2%Japanese and South Korean Car Sales Plummet in NovemberComparison Test: 2008 BMW M5 vs. 2009 Cadillac CTS-V vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63The Big Three Bailout According to SNLNissan 370Z goes from 0 to 60 in the same time as the BMW M3Mulally chooses Escape Hybrid for D.C. road tripFisker to unveil production Karma Hybrid in DetroitToyota Halts Production And Cuts Management Bonuses To Maintain Positive CashflowChrysler says 2011 Charger and 300 will pass fuel-economy standards2009 GMC Yukon XL DenaliFORD CEO Alan Mulally Will Drive to Washington D.C. To BEG For Money - But What Car Will He Drive To D.C.? His Lexus, OR Perhaps Maybe a Ford Product?Industry Sales Likely To Be Down 28% In November GM May Fare WorseLotus Evora order list includes 007 and Top Gear hostsEveryone Is On A Budget, But Are These 5 Your Choice To Keep Living Large?Could The Detroit Recovery Plan Really As Simple As Merging In To One?Fiat Abarth 500 receives Top Gear’s “Best Hot Hatch” awardDetroit Tells UAW They Can No Longer Pay For Idled Workers To Play Checkers2010 Porsche Panamera auto show debut delayedSwedish Government Confirms Discussions With Volvo and SAABBMW not putting MINI E into mass-productionTop Gear Car of the Year 2008 award goes to VW SciroccoNew Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X FQ-400: Limited Edition with 405HP2009 Nissan 370Z Driven in Japan2010 Jaguar XF-R spotted nearly finishedUAW wants limits on carmakers' executive payDoes It Hurt The BMW Brand Image When They Are Being Sold At Costco?2008 Essen Motor Show: Vw unveils Touareg North Sails EditionCarlsson releases limited edition automatic watchVideo: 2009 Mini Cooper Cabrio in actionPorsche Museum to open its gates on 31 January 2009Vw Eos White Night Edition unveiled at EssenUPDATE 1-German carmakers make fresh move to cut outputAudi R8 GT3 LMS Hits the Track (Video)GM UK takes two Top Gear awardsBMW Konfigurator Using Microsoft Surface for Product NavigatorHow About A Piece Of Kim Kardashian's Booty For The Holidays?Cars They Wish You'd Forget About - "Hey, they can't all be winners!"Acura V8 won't Arrive Until 2015: ReportBrabham M3 revealed at the Essen Show2008 Essen Motor Show: Dodge Challenger SRT8 by EibachNissan 370 Z Japanese Promotional VideElite Carbon Maserati Gran TurismoMarangoni M430 based on Alfa Romeo Mi.To2008 VW Scirocco Collectors’ Edition debuts at Essen