Kia, Audi Take Top Spot In Least Expensive Brands...

Revealed: 2008 Mazda6

 
21 19,909 views September 6, 2007

Revealed: 2008 Mazda6

Revealed: 2008 Mazda6

Enlarge Photo
The new Mazda6 has been revealed in all its glory ahead of its unveiling at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The new model, once again available in sedan, five-door hatch and wagon bodystyles, brings a new sense of style and design that we predict will lure away customers of more expensive makes. The pictures reveal a dynamically styled model that make rivals like the Toyota Camry and Subaru Legacy look like design school rejects.

Mechanically, the new Mazda6 shares much in common with Ford’s Mondeo range but its dimensions are smaller and its kerb weight will likely be less as well. Officials have revealed that one of the key goals in designing the new Mazda6 was to keep weight low. Not surprisingly, the car weighs less than the outgoing version but also offers more interior space and performance. Less weight also leads to correspondingly lower fuel-consumption figures and less carbon-dioxide emissions than the current too.

Some of the new features of the Mazda6 include xenon headlights, LED detailing, active cruise control and parking sensors. Inside, there’s dual-zone climate control, an engine starter button, heated seats, voice-activated controls and a Bose stereo system. Though we suspect many of these features will be only available as an option, it’s still impressive to see a carmaker offering such lavish features in one of its mainstream models. We’ll post up a story with all the official goodies once the car makes it debut in Frankfurt but until then enjoy all the stunning pics.

Gallery after the jump.

Mazda_6_Frankfurt_001.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_002.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_003.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_005.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_006.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_021.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_022.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_023.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_024.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_025.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_026.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_027.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_028.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_030.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_031.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_032.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_041.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_042.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_043.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_100.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_101.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_102.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_103.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_106.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_107.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_108.jpgEnlarge Photo
Mazda_6_Frankfurt_109.jpgEnlarge Photo


Via: km77



Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Comments (21)

  1. By Jezza Posted: 9/6/2007 8:57am PDT

    Jaguar needs to dump Ian Callum and hire the Mazda designers. Seriously.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. By PandaPo Posted: 9/6/2007 8:58am PDT

    This looks very impressive. Mazda\'s the one company that knows how to deliver in terms of design. Even the Mazda2 is hot and I don\'t even like small cars!
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  3. By James Posted: 9/6/2007 12:59pm PDT

    Beautiful! As a current Mazda 6 owner I think the new 6 is just beautiful. I love the more aggressive, RX-8-style fenders. Inside, I wish Mazda had kept the round air vents in the center, but those probably would not have meshed well with the nav screen. I don't need the push-button starter (is twisting the key so hard to do???) so I'm wondering about the future of the cool Mazda switchblade key.

    Glad to see that although larger and with more powerful engines, Mazda remembered to put the car on a diet. Not that my 6 "feels" fat, but all other new cars/trucks/SUVs get heavier with each redesign -- to me that's just lazy engineering.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  4. By big L Posted: 9/6/2007 5:00pm PDT

    Story reads that less weight leads to lower fuel economy. Should not that be Higher fuel economy?
    Otherwise great read and good for mazda. Less porky car is better and it is beautiful.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  5. By admin Posted: 9/6/2007 7:46pm PDT

    Higher fuel economy = lower fuel consumption.
    Think about it :)
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  6. By jake Posted: 9/7/2007 2:17am PDT

    very nice. where are the side indicators? its a euro model in those pix! us spec ones wont have rear fog lights
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  7. By Andrey KIEV UKRAINE Posted: 9/8/2007 10:07am PDT

    BEST OF NEW CAR IN THE MIDDLE CLASS !
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  8. By Gameyu Posted: 9/8/2007 12:49pm PDT

    Don't be fooled by the look my friends. When the first gen Mazda6 came out I almost bought one (I was able to hold off a few years and bought the 2005 Altima 3.5 SE, I was glad I did). The design was outstanding by the time, and I would say Mazda has done it again. But, looks aside, the mechanical stuff sucks. I had the opportunity of driving a new 2007 Mazda6 4-cyclinder for 10 days straight. The MZR engine has no torque, despite how Mazda's ad campaign would put it. Every left turn at the traffic light was a hassle for the lack of off-the-line acceleration. Cramped interior and floaty ride have made myself (the driver) and the other 4 passengers nauseated. There's a reason why Mazda is not one of the big 3 Japanese player. I also had the chance to test drive 2008 Altima 2.5S. The car felt like it has a small block V6 in there. Fast, with instantaneous shift response for the CVT. Lightweight? Altima would beat the much smaller Mazda6 hands down. The Altima has aluminum hood, trunk lid, and suspension components to reduce weight. I don't think the Mazda6 have those.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  9. By nissansucks Posted: 9/8/2007 8:38pm PDT

    gameyu is obviously full! his pro nissan remarks are totally ridiculous!
    (he/she owns one)
    boo
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  10. By Gameyu Posted: 9/8/2007 10:01pm PDT

    Well see for urself. I test drove all Mazda6 trim level and all Altima trim levels, base Camry plus a few American sedans b4 I landed on my Altima. Now I am doing this AGAIN for a second family sedan. I have test drove more than one Mazda6 plus rented one PLUS driven the other rental Mazda6s (coz I want a Mazda6, it looks good). I thought it was a defect for just one car, but it turned out to be not the case. Off the line accel is one big tell tale of the engine design and quality and it was enough to disqualify my purchase of the Mazda6.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  11. By Mazdaman Posted: 9/9/2007 11:05am PDT

    I've owned my Mazda6 since 2005 and love it. I drove the Altima, Accord and Camry but because they were bland (Accord and Camry) and Altima (pinball game like interior) I went for the Mazda. I don't dispute that the Altima had more torque (25 percent more at the time) and that you could feel it off the line with the automatic transmission. It also felt very heavy on the front end, almost truck-like in feel. I chose the 5 speed manual of the Mazda because you can attain good acceleration if you know how to use a clutch. As good as any Altima. Of course I chose the V6. My decision for the Mazda, believe it or not, was mainly due to the fact that the Mazda felt virtually identical to my previous ride: a 2001 BMW 330Ci. I actually chose the Mazda over a new BMW as cost was a factor but the Mazda mimic'ed the BMW in almost every way. I was impressed that the Mazda rarely felt like a front wheel drive car and definately shows great character when travelling down your favourite twisty road. My next car purchase will put the Mazda6 square in the running but I'll be looking at the Honda, Nissan and Toyota line as usual. I must say the new '6 looks sweet. Then again there's the BMW 335Ci.........
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  12. By JWR Posted: 9/9/2007 4:26pm PDT

    The reason why MAZDA is not one of the "big 3" Japanese players is that they refuse to turn out bland cookie-cutter cars aimed at the average American buyer. The engineering from MAZDA is top-notch despite Ford's involvment and as for handeling and performance it is true that on any given weekend there are more MAZDAs being raced than any ohter marque. If all that you are interested in are straight-line accelaration and living-room ride than a MAZDA is probably not for you. I hope they never change or lose their way again as they did at the turn of the century when they tried to make cars based only on Mass-appeal.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  13. By danieltbs Posted: 9/14/2007 3:29pm PDT

    I was an owner of an original Mazda6 from 2002 to 2006. Perhaps, that makes me qualified to comment. I think this new design is actually uglier and blander than the old one, appearing bulbous and unadventurous. It's dashboard looks like a minor disaster - with panels stacked up too high. Its interior does not break any new ground. This is truly disappointing. The Mazda3 actually looks much better, especially the facelift 'SP' models. I do agree with 'Gameyu' regarding Mazda's inferiority in the engine and transmission departments. Higher than average noise and a busy low-speed ride were also weaknesses. I bought the first Mazda6 because of its 3-series-like handling. But, I've since upgraded to an E90 3-series because it's the real deal. I think the promise of the first model has been reneged.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  14. By Jacky Posted: 9/16/2007 12:47pm PDT

    I just Bought a Mazda3 07 and it was awesome. I tested Nissan Altima and the new Versa. For the comparison: I belive none of the Nissan ALtima and New Versa has the stuff in a Mazda sedan car like Mazda3. Mazda has the auto wiper, auto light, manual adjusted xenon light, LED back light, two different color of gauge and every info that you wanted to look at such as fuel km remaining, average km. Like Nissan Altima top level or Versa top level dosen't even have a Projector light with no Xenon. How can it compare to Mazda.
    For suspension: everything is set. Versa dosen't even have 4 plate disk brakes. don't even try to talk about Altima compare to Mazda6. Because if you want performance from Mazda6. Just consider getting Mazda6 Speed,
    - Jacky
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  15. By john arnold Posted: 9/22/2007 9:36am PDT

    Will the 2008 Mazda 6 be available with auto transmission in the UK

    reg

    John
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  16. By Rob Posted: 9/30/2007 5:04pm PDT

    "I chose the 5 speed manual of the Mazda because you can attain good acceleration if you know how to use a clutch. As good as any Altima. Of course I chose the V6." I

    have to admit buddy, I do like this comment, as it really made me laugh. You really need to brush-up on your Car and Driver or Motortrend. Your puny 3.0 would be LUCKY to even see the taillights of my 05 Altima 3.5 SE. Get real. When the Altima first came out as a redesigned model in 2002, it was THE fastest front-wheel drive car that Motortrend ever tested. Everyone else decided they needed to "jump on the bandwagon" after that. I didn't buy my Altima for the interior or handling. I bought it for the engine, as most of the 3.5 guys did. Ward's rates the VQ35DE engine as one of the best for what, 12 or 13 years in a row now???? Where's Mazda? My point? WATCH what you say before you post. "As good as ANY Altima" Yeah, sure. The new Mazda6 does look stunning and maybe Mazda will finally get "on par" with Altima, Camry and Accord power standards.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  17. By Rob Posted: 9/30/2007 5:15pm PDT

    And please, hold the MazdaSpeed6 comments.......first of all, a REAL engine doesn't need the assistance of a turbo or supercharger to make a car fast. The VQ35DE in the G35 is making 300+ horsepower WITHOUT any help, LOL. The is no replacement for displacement!!!!! Second, the MazdaSpeed6 was limited edition and cannot be factored into a debate in which the debated individual doesn't even posses one. THAT I know.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  18. By Rob Posted: 9/30/2007 5:20pm PDT

    correction*****THERE is no replacement for displacement".
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  19. By Rick Gallaghan Posted: 3/1/2008 12:15pm PST

    I have to say that the new Mazda 6 it's a good example how to improve an existing nice car: the 2008 model got a cool euro-looking and very nice interior design, even better than most japanese automakers nowdays.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  20. By Vila Posted: 4/24/2008 10:16am PDT

    I drove a Mazda 6 as a rental for the last couple of days. The car was fun to drive, apart from the engine: the 2.3L non-turbo felt very weak, especially in 2nd and 5th gears.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  21. By  web design agency Posted: 7/3/2010 7:18pm PDT

    Yeah, I still am in love with mine. bought it new.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Research New Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.
 

Use the form below to send us a tip, give us feedback, or just say hello.

(max 750 characters)