2003 Mazda MAZDA6 Review

The stylish, oddly named Mazda6 is the new flagship sedan from Mazda, which aims to fill profitable sporty niche markets with new models instead of directly competing with larger rivals Toyota and Honda.

The 2003 Mazda6 sports sedan replaces the automaker's decent but unexciting 626 and high-tech but aged Millenia sedan. The new car will be made at a plant near Detroit and goes on sale in December. Base sedan prices range from approximately $19,000 to $21,700. Four-door hatchback and station wagon models will follow.
Despite the "6'' in its name, the Mazda6 seats five occupants and is offered with a lively 160-horsepower four-cylinder engine--besides a 220-horsepower V-6.

The Mazda6 four-cylinder has an "i'' designation, while the V-6 has an "s'' designation. Both versions look the same, but most buyers are expected to opt for the four-cylinder model.

My screaming yellow test Mazda6 had the V-6, but the four-cylinder version is said to be more fun--especially with a manual gearbox--because its lighter weight helps give it slightly sharper moves. And it will cost less, which will be important to some younger buyers drawn to the Mazda6; they're mainly college-educated auto enthusiast males in their mid- to late-30s.

So why the Mazda6 name?

"Because our brand strategy is to connect the name of future vehicles with the Mazda brand as much as possible,'' said Robert Davis, vice president product development and strategy for Mazda North American Operations. "For example, Mazda builds the Miata sports car, but more people are familiar with the Miata name than the Mazda name.''

Davis said the Mazda6 "isn't for average sedan buyers who get cars such as the Toyota Camry. Rather, it's for those who want both a roomy sedan's practicality and driving fun.''

That's in keeping with Mazda's "zoom-zoom'' advertising theme. The automaker plans to offer a variety of sporty, fun-to-drive models, including the RX-8 rotary engine sports car next spring. Mazda said one of the benchmark vehicles for the front-drive Mazda6 was the BMW 3-Series, but matching that costlier BMW with its inherently more balanced rear-drive design would be impossible.

That doesn't mean the rigidly built Mazda6 isn't fun. The power steering is quick and the nicely designed suspension provides sparkling handling. The brake pedal has a solid feel, and all-disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution provide short stops. The ride is supple.

Both sophisticated engines only need 87-octane gasoline. Four-cylinder fuel economy is in the mid-20s in the city and low 30s on highways, with the V-6 providing a few less miles per gallon.

The 3,042-3,091-pound four-cylinder model comes with a five-speed manual gearbox or optional four-speed automatic transmission. The 3,243-3,311-pound V-6 version also is offered with that manual gearbox and an optional, more versatile five-speed automatic transmission.

The manual gearbox shifter generally works well, although there should be a shorter throw for both the shifter and clutch.

Even the four-cylinder Mazda6 has an AM/FM/CD sound system, remote keyless entry, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control buttons, folding rear seatbacks, fairly large 16-inch wheels with 60-series tires and power windows, locks and mirrors.

Standard for the V-6 model are a power driver's seat, traction control, automatic climate control system and anti-lock brakes, which cost extra for the four-cylinder version.

Options include a Sport Package, which was on my test car. It had 17-inch alloy wheels and wider (50-series) tires, an Aero kit with revised front and rear fascias, side sill extensions and a rear spoiler. The car's "zoom-zoom'' look really was enhanced with that option.

Stand-alone extras include a power glass moonroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats and Bose sound system with an in-dash, six-disc CD changer.

The Mazda6 has an especially roomy rear seat area and back door openings designed not to get clothes dirty in sloppy weather. The trunk is big with a low opening, and rear seatbacks fold forward to enlarge the cargo area, although they should fold flatter. The seatbacks have release levers in the trunk so there's no need to open a rear door.

The quiet interior looks upscale and has easily reached controls. Front seats are very supportive and the aircraft-inspired gauges can be quickly read, even at night. There are extra-large dashboard ventilation outlets, deep console bin and sturdy cupholders.

The "Triple-H'' construction resists severe impacts from the front, side or rear. There also are side-impact air bags up front, and an optional curtain system adds protection from side impacts for front and rear occupants.

The Mazda6 is a long first step toward Mazda's goal of providing a complete line of exciting vehicles.


2003 MAZDA6

Prices:

Approximately $19,000-$21,700

Likes:

Sleek. Sporty. Roomy. Fun to drive.

Dislikes:

Long-throw shifter and clutch.