Mazda Atenza

Mazda Atenza

The Atenza or Mazda6 is a midsize car from the Japanese carmaker Mazda. Replacing the Capella/626, the Atenze/Mazda6 has sold over one million units worldwide since its introduction, making it the fastest Mazda vehicle to reach the one million mark.

The model lineup consists of a 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, and a 5-door station wagon. Drivetrain combinations include a 2.3 L 4-cylinder L-family engine with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed (with sequential-automatic option, dubbed the "4-Speed Sport AT") automatic transmission. A 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 engine is also available with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic (with sequential-automatic option, dubbed the "6-Speed Sport AT"). European versions also feature a four-cylinder turbodiesel. In its first years, the Mazda6 came with a 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic "AT" or a 5-speed manual transmission. During 2005, a 6-speed automatic became available on the 6-cylinder models, while the 4-cylinder sedan received a 5-speed manually shiftable automatic. Power is directed to the front wheels only in most markets, although full-time all wheel drive models are available in Japan and Europe. Not all configurations are available in all areas - for example, the Mazda6 as released in Australia was a four-cylinder car only, while the last 626 which it replaced was a four or six-cylinder car. In addition, the name Atenza (which means Attention) is used only in Japan; the Mazda6 moniker is used everywhere else in the world.

Like the 626 before it, Ford is using the Mazda6's CD3 platform as the basis for a number of other vehicles, including the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ, Lincoln MKX, and a range of SUVs and minivans. Ford also plans to offer a hybrid powertrain on the platform. For its part, Mazda themselves refer to this chassis as either the GG (sedan/hatch) or GY (wagon) series - following the previous 626/Capella in its GF/GW series.

North American Mazda6 production is handled at the AutoAlliance International plant which is a joint venture between Ford and Mazda. The first Mazda6 rolled off this Flat Rock, Michigan assembly line on October 1, 2002, one month after production of the 626 ended. Hofu plants in Hiroshima produce the Mazda6 for Europe and some Asia markets, including Australia. There are also satellite plants building Mazda6 models in China and Thailand for their respective local markets. (Ford owns a controlling interest in the Mazda corporation.)

Mazdaspeed 6/ Mazda6 MPS

The 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 (also known as MPS6 in Europe and Australia) is a high-performance version of the Mazda6. It features a turbocharged version of the 2.3 L MZR I4 which produces 274 hp. This 2.3 L DISI turbocharged engine features direct fuel injection and conforms to the new Euro 5 emissions standards. It has a revised front fascia with a raised hood, a 6-speed transmission, and all wheel drive. The all wheel drive system uses Mazda's Active Torque Split computer-based control which routes up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels depending on driving conditions. Mazda currently has no plans to enter the car into rally racing, and the Mazdaspeed 6 is meant to compete with its Japanese-made rival, the Subaru Legacy GT and similar sport sedans rather than the smaller, rally-car-derived Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

Originally scheduled to be launched in June 2005, the Mazdaspeed 6 was delayed until November. In North America, the Mazdaspeed6 comes in two trim levels; the "Sport" trim with cloth interior and standard key entry and ignition; and the "Grand Touring" trim with leather interior, keyless entry/ignition, and an optional DVD navigation (of which the Canadian model lacks DVD navigation). Automatic climate control is standard, as is a 200 W Bose stereo system featuring 7 speakers and a 9 in. subwoofer in addition to an in-dash 6-disc CD changer. A sunroof with moonroof feature is optional on the Grand Touring trim.

Although Mazda estimates 0-60 MPH times to be 6.2 seconds, recent independent tests by automotive journalists have suggested that the actual numbers might range between 5.4-6 seconds (with DSC deactivated).

2008

Mazda is reportedly developing a replacement for the Mazda6 for the 2008 model year. This new vehicle would reportedly use the 3.5 L V6 Ford Cyclone engine with over 250 horsepower. Insiders predict that the turbocharged MZI engine might be the base offering and that all wheel drive will be available more widely. In addition, it has been said that the next generation Mazda6 will in fact be larger, more luxurious, and take on a shape similar to the Mercedes-Benz CLS 4-door coupe.

Awards

The Mazda6 was 2nd place European car of the year and made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2003. The Sport Wagon won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Station Wagon award, while the Sport sedan won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Family Car award for 2005.

Gran Turismo

The Mazda6 concept, Mazda 6 Mazdaspeed, and Mazda6 5-door are all featured in the Polyphony Digital video game Gran Turismo 4; as is the Touring Car edition of the sedan. It coincides with the full suite of Mazda vehicles in the game.