Zooming Back from Near Oblivion
Mazda has always occupied a special place in the automotive section of my heart. I admire the brand for its courage, ingenuity and perseverance. What other modern day automaker has had the creativity and determination to continually develop the Wankel rotary engine to near perfection? Only Mazda! Remember the Miller Cycle powered Millenia? It's just another of many innovations that have long since separated Mazda from the rest of the automotive field.
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| I've always admired Mazda for their courage, ingenuity and perseverance. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
So when Mazda replaced the dependable yet staid 626 series with the sporting
Mazda6, I just had to give it a try. The new design is sensational, adopting a stylishly European attitude. The heavily raked body is well proportioned, edgy and sleek. Its nose features slim headlights flanking a deep black mesh grille, which collectively impart a level of raciness not generally associated with midsize Japanese sedans.
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| Replacing the tried and true 626, the sporty new Mazda6 is sensational, adopting a stylishly European attitude. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
My GT test car had a spoiler affixed to the trunk lid. This was the only aspect of the design that "spoiled" it for me. I absolutely abhor add-on plastic wings, spoilers, ground effects, side cladding and anything else that isn't true to its form. The Mazda6 looks absolutely sweet without the need to tack on a questionably useful spoiler. Okay I'm breathing again. Fortunately the option can be deleted if factory ordered, or for that matter a dealer would most likely be only too willing to remove the GT trunklid with spoiler attached and replace it with a base model trunklid - making a few dollars more on the spoiler equipped base model in the process. There's always a way to get what you want.
