Wow Mazda.... WOW

[blondboinsd]

Competes with: Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry
Looks like: The already-sporty Mazda6 got a hunky face-lift
Drivetrain: 170-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed manual; U.S. drivetrain info still to come
Hits dealerships: Second half of 2008
If you were thinking about buying a new midsize sedan, we advise you to wait until the redesigned 2009 Mazda6 makes its way to U.S. shores. The radically redesigned Mazda6 — seen here in sedan, hatchback and wagon versions — will make its way to the U.S. in late 2008. We’re not sure what all the power plants will be, but the models that debuted in Frankfurt today feature an updated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that gets 170 hp. Rumor has it Ford’s 3.5-liter V-6 used in the Edge SUV will also go in the Mazda6 — that could mean more than 250 hp.

But that’s just conjecture at this point. What we do know is that the new Mazda6 is lighter than the previous generation, has a more aerodynamic shape, a new suspension and a new interior. The interior looks to upgrade what was one of the better treatments when it debuted in 2004, but has since been surpassed by others. The new Mazda6 looks to borrow some of the high-quality interior bits we enjoyed in the new CX-9 crossover. Many more photos of all three versions of the Mazda6 are below, and we’ll post concrete news about the U.S.-bound cars as soon as it comes in.

[jwilburn]

Looks like a little baby Lexus. And 170hp? Gonna need more than that for the US market.

[AzNMpower32]

I've said this before on another forum:

The rear end looks like it came from a Chrysler Sebring. The interior looks like it's going to be as well-built as the current Mazda6.........which is about as well-built as a 47-year old dinghy. I don't like the gauges because they'll be impossible to read at night. I think this is yet another Mazda that's too "young" for me.

[trueX5er]

looks aweome!!!!

[trueX5er]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

I've said this before on another forum:

The rear end looks like it came from a Chrysler Sebring. The interior looks like it's going to be as well-built as the current Mazda6.........which is about as well-built as a 47-year old dinghy. I don't like the gauges because they'll be impossible to read at night. I think this is yet another Mazda that's too "young" for me.

I agree the taillights are similar to the Sebring, but I think these look way better.
This is what Mazda says:
" Exquisite craftsmanship: body gaps greatly reduced
and higher quality materials introduced for a greatly
improved premium feel"

[Quicksilver]

Make you wonder "What was it before"?

Originally Posted by trueX5er

I agree the taillights are similar to the Sebring, but I think these look way better.
This is what Mazda says:
" Exquisite craftsmanship: body gaps greatly reduced
and higher quality materials introduced for a greatly
improved premium feel"

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by trueX5er

I agree the taillights are similar to the Sebring, but I think these look way better.
This is what Mazda says:
" Exquisite craftsmanship: body gaps greatly reduced
and higher quality materials introduced for a greatly
improved premium feel"

Ok, is Toyota going to say "The 2007 Toyota Avalon. With more misaligned gaps in the interior trim for a more human-assembled feel" ? Of course they're going to say "its better than ever before!"

Mazda isn't good at interiors, trust me. Every manufacturer can take pretty pictures with cool ambient lighting of the interior and exterior (the super-sparkle BMW photos of late come to mind ). But when you sit down on the dullest of days, the interior should still look and feel good. Mazda just doesn't deliver.

The plastics always feel cheap. When you open the ashtray, the door doesn't feel substantial. When you open the centre armrest, it feels too light. And the dual-colored gauges are stupid. They were just like that on the Mazda3, which made it annoying (it was already impossible to read in the first place during the day).