FRANKFURT, Germany — The midsize Mazda 6 enters its second generation with a clean, albeit evolutionary, exterior design. At today's 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Japanese automaker announced significant improvements to its Mazda 6 in nearly every important area, from size to performance.
Available in Europe once again as a sedan, hatchback and wagon, the new Mazda 6 is a bit taller and wider, with a longer wheelbase, which results in a roomier cabin and more stable ride. The cars are more slippery, too — the sedan and hatchback have a drag coefficient of 0.27 and the wagon, 0.28 — with better torsional rigidity.
The car switches to the Ford Mondeo platform, which means double wishbones in front and a multilink rear. The new 6 swaps its former hydraulic power steering unit for an electric system and gets larger front disc brakes. The usual array of active safety gear is there, including antilock brakes with electronic assist, as well as traction and stability control. Mazda has added adaptive lighting and parking sensors, plus active head restraints.
Mazda has bored and stroked its DOHC 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine; the new 2.5-liter unit makes 170 horsepower. European buyers can also opt for a 140-hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel or enhanced 1.8- and 2.0-liter gas units.
What this means to you: We'll miss the old Mazda 6 chassis, but there's still plenty to like about the new hardware.
Available in Europe once again as a sedan, hatchback and wagon, the new Mazda 6 is a bit taller and wider, with a longer wheelbase, which results in a roomier cabin and more stable ride. The cars are more slippery, too — the sedan and hatchback have a drag coefficient of 0.27 and the wagon, 0.28 — with better torsional rigidity.
The car switches to the Ford Mondeo platform, which means double wishbones in front and a multilink rear. The new 6 swaps its former hydraulic power steering unit for an electric system and gets larger front disc brakes. The usual array of active safety gear is there, including antilock brakes with electronic assist, as well as traction and stability control. Mazda has added adaptive lighting and parking sensors, plus active head restraints.
Mazda has bored and stroked its DOHC 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine; the new 2.5-liter unit makes 170 horsepower. European buyers can also opt for a 140-hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel or enhanced 1.8- and 2.0-liter gas units.
What this means to you: We'll miss the old Mazda 6 chassis, but there's still plenty to like about the new hardware.
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