Refining the Midsize Segment's Sportiest Entry
Since its initial introduction at the 2001 Tokyo Motorshow in Japan, the Mazda6 has shaped the appearance and performance of
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| The updated 6 (shown) continues to be designed and engineered for all of Mazda's major markets. (Photo: Mazda Canada) |
everyday Mazda passenger cars, while redefining Mazda as a carmaker. It injected life, style and enthusiasm not only into the Japanese brand, which at that time produced vehicles such as the 626 and the standard-level 323 Protegé that had all the appeal of warm, flat soda, but also to the family sedan segment.
But segment aside, without the 6, subsequent vehicles, such as the 2 (not sold in North America) and 3, as well as the upcoming 5 'mini-minivan', plus the all-important 'zoom-zoom' associated with these performance-oriented new models, just wouldn't be the same.
A true global car, the 6 (also known as the Atenza in its domestic market) was designed and engineered for all of Mazda's major
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| The current Mazda6 (shown) has shaped the appearance and performance of everyday Mazda passenger cars, while redefining Mazda as a carmaker. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
markets. Functioning as the brand's main midsize family car, it received European influence in its handling and ride, Japanese performance and durability all wrapped up in a package that's easy on the eyes with no particular bias towards any of its target nations. As a result, Mazda was able to expand the range of the 6 in all of its markets beyond the traditional sedan. In 2005, the range blossomed to include the Sport Wagon, and the Sport, a practical five-door hatchback model. Last year also saw the confirmation of the 274-horsepower turbocharged, all-wheel drive Mazdaspeed6.
