2006 Mazda6 Preview

Now in its third year of production, the 6 is still charging full steam ahead, but despite its sales success its numbers

With all the incoming competition, it's the right time for Mazda to give the 6 a mid-cycle update. (Photo: Mazda Motor of America)

don't approach those of the benchmark Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. Both models, as well as the Volkswagen Passat, have either had their midlife updates or will be updated soon. The Camry, for instance, will offer Toyota's new 3.5-liter V6 that makes 280-horsepower in Avalon trim. A sporty Camry? Who would have thought?

Another important fact to note is that Ford, longtime partner of Mazda has introduced the 2006 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr, which are all based off the Mazda6's well-rounded and highly refined architecture. Case in point is that with all this incoming competition, it's the right time for Mazda to give the 6 a facelift. The car made a double debut at Geneva and New York this month, each outlining the changes for the two different markets.

In the automotive industry, any visual alterations can be named a facelift, regardless if the operation is major or minor. In

The modifications made for the 2006 Mazda 6 are cosmetic, mainly dealing with the nose and tail. (Photo: Mazda Motor of America)

the case of the 6, the modifications made for 2006 are cosmetic, mainly dealing with the nose and tail. The biggest visible change is the new grille, which is slightly deeper, and features a central spar; it replaces the standard, chrome-edged one, as well as the three-bar colour-key sports grille. Its backing is no longer a diamond mesh material, but an 'elongated honeycomb' mesh instead. A new, less cluttered front bumper fitted with rearranged air intakes and foglamps (optional on base models) was also added to enhance the sporty look of the 6.