Mazda6

Mazda6 MPS
Overview
Manufacturer	Mazda
Also called	Mazdaspeed 6 Mazdaspeed Atenza
Production	2005–2007
Assembly	Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan (Hofu Plant)[6]
Designer	Kaname Sawai (2003)
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size car
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Platform	Mazda GG platform
Powertrain
Engine	2.3 L MZR L3-VDT Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbo I4
Transmission	6-speed A26MX-R manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,675 mm (105.3 in)
Length	4,690 mm (184.6 in)
Width	1,780 mm (70.1 in)
Height	1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Curb weight	1,628 kg (3,589 lb)

Mazda 6 MPS (Australia)

The 2006 Mazdaspeed Atenza (known as Mazdaspeed6 in North America and Mazda6 MPS in Europe, South Africa and Australia) is a high-performance version of the Mazda6. Its mission statement was written with the help of Peter Birtwhistle, chief of Mazda's advanced design studio in Germany at the time. It was initially unveiled as a concept at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. It features a turbocharged version of the 2.3 L MZR I4 which produces 272 PS (200 kW) (European version is detuned to 260 PS (191 kW); the North American version, at 274 hp (204 kW), revised to 270 hp (201 kW) for 2007). All models have 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) of torque. 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 manual transmission, and all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system uses Mazda's Active Torque Split computer-based control, which can route between a 100/0 to 50/50 front/rear torque split depending on driving conditions. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential.[7]

Originally scheduled to be launched in June 2005, the Mazdaspeed Atenza 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. Automatic climate control is standard, as is a 200 W Bose stereo system featuring seven speakers and a 9-inch subwoofer in addition to an in-dash six-disc CD changer. A sunroof with moonroof feature is optional on the Grand Touring trim.

The Mazdaspeed Atenza was released to generally positive reviews, and was noted for impressive power and handling.[8][9]

The Mazda6 was second place in the 2003 European Car of the Year awards 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. The Atenza Wagon also won What Car?'s Best Estate award in 2004. Also the Mazda6 won the 2003 Semperit Irish Car of the Year.

The Mazda6 won the 'Best Mid-size Car (over $28,000)' title in Australia's Best Cars in 2002 and 2003. It came second in 2004, behind the Subaru Liberty, and fifth in 2005 (the Honda Accord Euro was first in 2005). Wheels magazine also awarded the Mazda6 winner of its Active Safety Program in July 2005. In December 2007 in Australia the Mazda6 won the Carsales Peoples Choice award for its class. The Mazda6 also won "Best Family Sedan" in MotorWeek's 2009 Driver's Choice Awards. The Mazda 6 was praised for its edgy handsome design, communicative steering and tight suspension. However, as it was designed as a world car in order to fit the needs of Europe and Japan, it was smaller than its North American contemporaries in the midsize segment, being criticized for its reduced passenger space. Its acceleration, particularly the V6 engine models, lagged behind that of its rivals as well.[10]

The hatchback's liftback/notchback styling was considered a clever design to disguise it as a four-door saloon, as North Americans generally considered trunks more elegant than hatches. The estate had an early demise, but the hatchback was somewhat successful in Canada, especially in Québec, though it would not have a 2009 refresh, as both models were unpopular in the US.[11]

North American version

The North American version was redesigned for the 2009 model year, with the wagon version being dropped there. It is a widened and lengthened version of the model sold elsewhere, with larger engines. Reviewers have noted its coupe-like roofline and sportier style.[15][16][17] North American engine choices include a new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and North American versions get the 3.7-liter V6 which is also available in the Mazda CX-9.[18] Motor Trend recorded a 0–60 mph acceleration time of 6.1 seconds for the Mazda 6 V6.[19]

In America, only a sedan model was available (In the Middle East, USDM Mazda 6 known as Mazda 6 Ultra is sold alongside the JDM Mazda 6). A Mazdaspeed 6 variant was not offered. Despite the North American version's increase in dimensions, Mazda maintains that the 6 retains the overall driving experience is still sportier than rivaling Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys, or Chevrolet Malibus. Early reviews have been favorable.[20]

On March 3, 2011, around 50,000 Mazda6 vehicles from the 2009–10 model years were recalled in the United States, with another 15,000 in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico after it was found that Yellow Sac Spiders were building nests in the fuel line of the vehicles.[21][22] The Mazda6 has two pipes coming from its gas tank, an extremely rare configuration. The amount of gasoline vapor in the fuel line is just strong enough to draw the spider in but not strong enough to kill it. On April 5, 2014, Mazda reissued the same recall for spiders against all 2010–2012 Mazda6 vehicles with 2.5 liter engines.[23][24]

Production for North American market would be transferred to Hofu, Japan, when Mazda ceded production at Flat Rock Assembly Plant.[25][26]

The last Mazda 6 rolled off the line at Mazda's Flat Rock Assembly Plant on Friday, August 24, 2012, with Mazda discontinuing production on American soil, effectively ending the 20 year joint-venture between Mazda and Ford.[26] Mazda moved production of the Mazda 6 back to the Hofu factory in Japan.

In 2007, Mazda won its first manufacturers championship in the Touring Car class.[27] In 2009, they finished 2nd in the manufacturer's championship with 65 points, behind Acura.[28]

The Mazda 6 has also been used in the KONI Challenge Series Sport Touring class. It was last used in 2008 by the Baglieracing team with Dennis Baglier, Chris Gleason, and Marty Luffy as drivers.[29]

The Mazda 6 also gives its name to a stock car in the NASCAR Corona Series.[30]

The Japanese-market Mazda Atenza went on sale from 1 November 2012. Early models include 20S (sedan/wagon), 25S (sedan/wagon), XD (sedan/wagon), XD L-package (sedan/wagon).[37]

For 2014, the changes include SCBS (smart city brake support) become standard for the Atenza 20S and XD, increased efficiency for SKYACTIV-G 2.5 engine models to 16.0 km/L (JC08 mode), new slide glass sunroof option for SKYACTIV-D 2.2 engine models, addition of XD L-package (6-speed manual transmission, leather seats), Bose 11-speaker sound system with Centerpoint 2 surround sound become standard in XD L-package models, addition of deep crystal blue mica body colour to total of 7 body colour options.

In China, the third generation is sold under the Atenza nameplate, to differentiate it from the first generation Mazda6, which is still being produced in China.[38]

In the Philippines as Mazda's local distributor, Berjaya Auto Philippines has unveiled the all-new, third generation Mazda6 sedan are went on-sale by the end of 2013 as a 2014 model year, and followed by a 5-door station wagon variant, the Mazda6 Sports Wagon in late 2014 for 2015 model year (for gasoline engines in 2015 and a diesel engine for 2016 to 2018). In October 2018, Mazda Philippines has revealed the newly refreshed Mazda6 sedan and wagon (for diesel and gasoline variants) during the 7th Philippine International Motor Show on October 24 to 28.

2014 Tokyo Auto Salon concepts (2014)

The Atenza Sedan design concept 2014 is a version of Mazda Atenza Sedan with SKYACTIV-D engine, SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed transmission, original aero parts, BREMBO brake caliper, Soul red body colour, roof, aluminium wheel, aero parts; semi-bucket seat and Alcantara interior upholstery.

The Atenza Wagon design concept 2014 is a version of Mazda Atenza Wagon with SKYACTIV-D engine, SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed transmission, metal decoration at instrument panel, dashboard with leather upholstery and stitching and metal decoration at trunk board.

The vehicles were unveiled in the 2014 Tokyo Auto Salon.[39]

In Australia[40] and New Zealand,[41] the Mazda6 is sold with a 2.5L SkyActiv-G petrol four-cylinder engine producing 138 kW (185 hp) and 250 N⋅m (180 lb⋅ft), a turbocharged 2.5L SkyActiv-G petrol four-cylinder engine producing 170 kW and 420 Nm, or a 2.2L SkyActiv-D twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder engine producing 129 kW (173 hp) and 420 N⋅m (310 lb⋅ft). The 5-door hatchback version of the first and second generation models is no longer available, in favour of sedan (in Sport, Touring, GT and Atenza trim) and wagon (Sport, Touring, GT and Atenza trim[42]). The only available transmission is Mazda's 6-speed SkyActiv automatic. Notably, Mazda's SkyActiv technologies have reduced the petrol model's fuel consumption from an official figure of 8.9 L/100 km (26.4 mpg_‑US) (5-speed auto) for the previous generation to 6.6 L/100 km (35.6 mpg_‑US), a 25% improvement. The diesel's fuel economy gain was less marked, from 5.9 L/100 km (39.9 mpg_‑US) for the previous manual transmission-only diesel model to 5.4 L/100 km (43.6 mpg_‑US) for the new automatic-only offering.

Germany is one of the countries in Europe where Third Generation is offered with AWD system. [43]

The third-generation, 2014 Mazda6 was unveiled at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. North American models with the SkyActiv-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine went on sale in January 2013. Models with the SkyActiv-D diesel engine were originally planned for the second half of 2013, but the introduction of the diesel variant of Mazda6 to the U.S. market was delayed due to emission issues.[44] In 2014, the diesel engine was delayed again, effectively cancelling the program for at least this generation of the model.[45] The diesel engine is available on both the Asian and European models of the third generation Mazda6. The North American models are no longer offered with a V6 engine.

The 2.5 L produces 184 hp (137 kW) and has an EPA rating of 26 mpg_‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg_‑imp) City and 37 mpg_‑US (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg_‑imp) Highway (with the 6-speed automatic).

In the United States, the Mazda6 is available in three models: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring, and is offered only as a four-door sedan. While all three models offer their own distinct features, all of the models offer these features as standard equipment:

• 2.5L, 184 horsepower SkyActiv-G I4
• Bluetooth hands-free telephone system with A2DP stereo streaming capabilities, on all models except the Sport with the 6-speed manual
• 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
• Keyless entry with keyless access and push-button start system

The Sport and Touring models are offered with the choice of either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, while the top-of-the-line Grand Touring is only offered with a 6-speed automatic. In Canada, GX, GS and GT trim levels are offered and all have a 6-speed manual transmission standard.[46]

The Grand Touring model with Technology Package and Advanced Package added features such as radar cruise control, forward obstruction warning, lane departure warning, and automatic high beam control. For 2016, the Grand Touring introduced LED Headlights in lieu of bi-xenon HID headlights, new LED daytime running lights, and LED fog lights. The 2016 Grand Touring with Technology Package also introduced Smart Brake Support (SBS)[47] which is different than Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)[47] which was introduced in earlier Mazda models such as the CX-5. Although the two systems are similarly named, they perform different functions at different speed ranges.

The 2015 Mazda6 was named a Top Safety Pick Plus by the IIHS[48] when equipped with available Smart City Brake Support. It was also named as a 2015 Car and Driver 10 Best pick,[49] a "rare car that looks like it drives and drives like it looks."

The North American 2014 Mazda6 Grand Touring trim with Technology Package introduced the Mazda i-ELOOP (intelligent-Energy Loop) technology. i-ELOOP[50] is a unique regenerative engine braking system that uses the free wheeling alternator to capture energy when coasting.

The captured energy is stored in a capacitor, and that stored energy is then used to power the car's electrical components—from the AC to the power steering—and in turn, improves real–world fuel efficiency by as much as 5 percent. The i-ELOOP equipped cars, which also use active grill shutters at highway speeds, claim an EPA mileage rating of 28 mpg_‑US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg_‑imp) City/40 mpg_‑US (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg_‑imp) Highway, 2 mpg better EPA mileage ratings than the standard gasoline engine Mazda6 with 26/38. The significance of the capacitor system is that the capacitor can store in seconds enough energy to run the car electronics for several minutes.[51]

The capacitor system offers large weight and space savings over batteries. i-ELOOP also achieves better gas mileage by disengaging the energy sapping alternator during acceleration, i-ELOOP is an innovative use of existing alternator waste energy in deceleration mode, which can happen more frequently than regenerative braking, common in hybrid cars.

i-ELOOP is representative of the "different" thinking applied by Mazda engineers to age old problems. While not the case now, it is possible that this type capacitor technology could become part of a suite of energy saving tools used in any type of car, electric, hybrid, etc., similar to the engine stop start technologies that are widely applied in cars today.[51]

Mazda6 sedan (second facelift)

Mazda6 sedan (second facelift)

Interior (second facelift)

A mid-cycle refresh for the 2018 Mazda6 was unveiled in November 2017 at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. Changes to the 2018 Mazda6 include new front and rear fascias, new aluminum-alloy wheel designs, standard i-Activsense driver assistance technologies on all Mazda6 trim levels, new interior fabrics and upholsteries, and two new trim levels, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature. While the base Sport and Touring trims receive the previously-available 187-horsepower, 2.5L SkyActiv I4 gasoline engine, the Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature trims receive a 2.5L SkyActiv turbocharged I4 gasoline engine that produces 227 horsepower (250 horsepower on high octane fuel). A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on all trim levels except the base Sport trim, while a six-speed manual transmission remains available only on the base Sport trim level. A diesel engine for the North American market has not yet been announced for the Mazda6, although it has been announced for the 2019 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV. As before, the facelifted Mazda6 continues to be produced at Mazda's assembly plant in Hiroshima, Japan.[52]

The 2018 Mazda6 was Mazda's first vehicle to receive both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.[53] A software update was available for 2018 Mazda6 owners that added these capabilities, and newer Mazda6 models are equipped with these features from the factory.

The manual transmission was discontinued for the 2019 model year, though Mazda hinted that it might be available as a special-order option in the future.[54]

Mazda6 SkyActiv-D race car

In 2013, Mazda entered the new GX class of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, with Mazda6 cars powered by its 2.2L diesel Skyactiv-D engine.[55][56] During the first race at Rolex 24 At Daytona in January 2013, all three cars had to retire in the first few hours due to engine failure.[57][58] Mazda ultimately won the 2013 GX class championship, beating rivals Porsche and Lotus. It was the only year for the class before the series rolled into the United (now WeatherTech) SportsCar Championship.

The Mazda6 is also presently used as a racing vehicle for the GTS class at SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge. Mazda finished first in the manufacturer's championship standings.[59] Mazda6 drivers also finished first and second in the Touring Car driver points.