That entry price will get you a 170hp (127kW) 2.5L inline four-cylinder linked to a six-speed manual transmission, with a five-speed automatic available as an option. Upgrading to the Mazda6 s gets you a 273hp (204kW) 3.7L V6 engine mated to a six-speed sport automatic transmission at a price of $24,800 including delivery. A manual can be had with the sport model as well. All four-cylinder models meet California's PZEV standards in states that require it, while others meet SULEV emissions standards, and all V6 models meet ULEV requirements.
All four trim levels of the 2009 sedan will feature the following standard equipment: air-conditioning, power windows, mirrors and door locks, anti-lock brakes (ABS), dynamic stability control, traction control, frontal and seat-mounted airbags for driver and front passenger, side air-curtain airbags for front and rear seat passengers and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
No further breakdown of new features is included in the latest announcement, but expect more in the coming weeks as the car's retail debut draws nearer.
Original: The U.S. version of Mazda's new Mazda6 sedan has been known for some time to be a bigger, more brawny version of its international doppelganger, but exactly what that meant was unknown. Thanks to a new internet leak, we have the details.
A Mazda-issued survey taken by a forum denizen at the Mazda6Club revealed all the juicy details of Mazda's upgraded 6.
Engine options range from a 170hp four-cylinder in the base 'i' models up to a 272hp 3.7L V6 in the 's' range of packages. Depending on the trim options, the 'i' range is priced from $19,850 to $25,850, while the V6-equipped 's' range starts at $25,150 and goes on up to $29,150.
Both 'i' and 's' ranges feature base, touring and grand touring trim levels. The base 'i' is equipped with a solid complement of features, however, despite starting under $20,000. The full slate of safety equipment - ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution and tire pressure monitoring system, along with dynamic stability control and traction control, are standard.
Air conditioning, a SIRIUS-compatible MP3 capable radio system and power locks, windows and keyless entry are also standard. Corners are cut on the 16-inch wheels with seven-spoke plastic covers and a limited slate of options: only moonroof and navigation can be added, aside from choosing the color and leather or cloth fabric for the interior.
Stepping up the ladder adds such niceties as alloy wheels, trip computer, anti-theft system and push-button ignition. The grand touring features Xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control, blind-spot monitoring and Bluetooth hands-free phone integration.
The 's' models add to the 'i' trim features with more leather, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, more performance options like dual-exhaust outlets and performance steering wheel and shift knobs.
For details on the upcoming Mazdaspeed version of the new Mazda6 or how the new Mazda6 varies from its predecessor, read our previous coverage here.
North American 2009 Mazda6
European Mazda6
Reader Comments
Thu May 8 2008 4:56 PM
Gus says
Looks good.
I guess FWD sedans all bore the hell out of me, but that's just me.
Thu May 8 2008 5:10 PM
Paulbe says
Bigger? The pics I've seen so far suggest only a modest restyle of the sedan.
Thu May 8 2008 5:16 PM
minizzle says
This is truing out to be a great car...(can't wait)
Fri May 9 2008 2:24 AM
James says
Where's Goldilocks when you need her? There's a 102 hp difference between the two engines. Mazda needs to cover the gap.
Fri May 9 2008 2:33 AM
Raptor says
Ah, you Americans get 2,5 liter I4 as a base engine. In Europe that is the most powerful engine available and base is 1,8 petrol or 2,0 diesel (at this moment).
This sux.
Fri May 9 2008 6:15 AM
Rafel says
LOL, what's economy fuel for american people??
2,5l as a base engine? 172 HP as a base power engine??
Maybe, some day american will see what's low consumption.
Fri May 9 2008 7:03 AM
Raptor says
I'm from Europe and I don't give a damn if my engine burns ''american amounts of fuel'', as long as it has plenty HP. This kind of car should get more power.
Wed Jul 16 2008 7:00 PM
Guber says
Japanese design is getting better, not as bland as before. First the Camry, then the Accord, Maxima, now the 6. The new Nissan Maxima is the best of bunch, but 35k is overpriced.
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