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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.

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



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SVXXXSVXXX - 11/27/2007 1:37:41 PM
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EXCELLENT looking car! Far better than the new ACCORD!

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1995e341995e34 - 11/27/2007 3:34:24 PM
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can this take on the accord? sure, and just about every other fwd car out there.


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

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PorschinatorPorschinator - 11/27/2007 1:44:54 PM
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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.

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w209w114w209w114 - 11/27/2007 1:56:22 PMView My AgentSpace
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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
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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
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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
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Looks like a mix of the Lexus IS and the Saturn Sky...

Interesting.


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Agent001Agent001 - 11/27/2007 2:04:21 PMView My AgentSpace
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Can't wait to see and drive the 'SPEED' version!

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

001


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Autoegr525Autoegr525 - 11/27/2007 2:16:17 PM
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001,

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



ATrainATrain - 11/27/2007 9:25:16 PM
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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
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Yes. Lexus wasnt the first to use short rear decks. Get over it

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enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 11/27/2007 7:40:40 PM
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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.

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stash84stash84 - 11/28/2007 11:15:14 PM
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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.



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mini22mini22 - 11/27/2007 2:13:15 PM
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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.

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answeranswer - 11/27/2007 2:17:50 PMView My AgentSpace
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Damn. Even the wagon looks good.

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Htay7500Htay7500 - 11/27/2007 2:19:00 PM
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it might not make it to the states.

this and the legacy rules all!



S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 11/27/2007 5:05:58 PMView My AgentSpace
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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
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enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 11/27/2007 7:41:47 PM
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what in the world does the ISF have to do with a discussion of $25,000 sedans?

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JUGNUJUGNU - 11/27/2007 2:34:43 PMView My AgentSpace
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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


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S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 11/27/2007 5:06:38 PMView My AgentSpace
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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
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iamdabest1iamdabest1 - 11/27/2007 3:25:39 PMView My AgentSpace
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just curious does anyone know if the rx-8 is fast/ reliable ? is it a good car to have ?

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M35MTM35MT - 11/28/2007 8:12:35 AMView My AgentSpace
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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
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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.

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07mcs07mcs - 11/27/2007 3:41:55 PM
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Wow, good looking MAZDA

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mini22mini22 - 11/27/2007 3:42:24 PM
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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.

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PlanBPlanB - 11/27/2007 3:49:56 PM
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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.

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fuzionfuzion - 11/27/2007 3:58:56 PM
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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.


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ElSparquitoElSparquito - 11/27/2007 4:17:21 PM
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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
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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???

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MtlMotorsMtlMotors - 11/27/2007 6:27:40 PM
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Every car has a base model, I don't know why that bothers you.


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


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

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

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stevenv1999stevenv1999 - 11/27/2007 5:09:21 PM
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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.

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lexusis350lexusis350 - 11/27/2007 5:22:31 PM
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I like the Accord better. This looks nice, but the Accord has Honda's good name behind it.

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henbmwhenbmw - 11/27/2007 5:38:59 PM
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I don't see any interior shots - the Accord is a tough act to follow inside and out.

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Mark412Mark412 - 11/27/2007 6:36:02 PM
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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.

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M35MTM35MT - 11/28/2007 8:15:39 AMView My AgentSpace
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see: Mazdaspeed6


Mark412Mark412 - 11/28/2007 10:51:28 PM
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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
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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.

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JUGNUJUGNU - 11/28/2007 6:14:02 AMView My AgentSpace
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"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


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M35MTM35MT - 11/28/2007 8:17:29 AMView My AgentSpace
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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
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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?

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daytonavioletdaytonaviolet - 11/28/2007 9:17:40 AM
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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
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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
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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
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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.


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StarStar - 11/28/2007 7:18:10 PM
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StickShiftCamryStickShiftCamry - 11/28/2007 10:25:53 PM
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Nicer Chrysler Sebring back, nice.

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farabira1farabira1 - 11/29/2007 4:25:06 AM
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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.

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G_riderG_rider - 11/29/2007 4:20:33 PM
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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

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GodgoreGodgore - 11/29/2007 4:44:27 PM
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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.



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richard112360richard112360 - 11/29/2007 6:54:48 PM
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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!!!!!

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dano100dano100 - 11/30/2007 12:57:41 AM
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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.

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saintdiablosaintsaintdiablosaint - 12/1/2007 2:57:49 PM
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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


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rumnycrumnyc - 12/3/2007 2:27:24 AM
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looks like a prettier/more interesting version of the current IS. well done mazda!

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