When launched in 2001, Mazda put lots of hopes in the Mazda6 sedan. But things weren't quite as they have expected: during its life time there were only around 80,000 units sold, while its competitors went easily over 100.000 units. So Mazda had to do something about that. And in 2009 they have revealed a new Mazda6. It came with a new design, new engines with improved fuel economy and better performance. In just a few words it offers all the standards in its class.

The 2010 Mazda6 is offered in two different versions: i and s, with prices ranging from $18,450 to $28,390.

Under the hood Mazda placed a range of two engines: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 170 hp at 6,000 rpm and 167 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, and a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 272 hp at 6,250 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. The engines are mated to either a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission or an electronically-controlled five-speed automatic with overdrive ratios for the top two gears.

Full details after the jump.

Press release

The MAZDA6 is a mid-size sedan that doesn't behave like one.  It offers all the standards in its class like four-doors, five-passenger seating, interior roominess, comfort and convenience features and lots of cargo space.  However, the MAZDA6 goes one step further by adding style, performance, technology and passion.

For the 2010 model year, MAZDA6 offers minor trim and package enhancements.  To streamline the most popular options, a new Touring Plus model is added to both the i as s models, which adds power moonroof, ground illumination, Bluetooth, electroluminescent gauges, Blind Spot Monitoring System and anti-theft security alarm, in addition to Touring trim features.  A new Technology Package is offered on Grand Touring models and a Multi Information Display (MID) for the audio and Bluetooth is standard on Grand Touring trims with Technology Package.

Program Engineer Hiroshi Kajiyama established ambitious goals and high standards in the development of the MAZDA6.  To be widely recognized as the best vehicle available in the mid-size market, the MAZDA6's underlying concept rests solidly on three fundamental pillars:

• A sporty appearance integrated with a highly dynamic character
• A unique experience
• An insightful package

"The MAZDA6 driving experience is unlike any other mid-size sedan, able to handle the track or city streets with grace," said Robert Davis, senior vice president, product development and quality, MNAO.  "Offering such features as xenon headlights, keyless entry, push-button start, heated mirrors, Sirius satellite radio and Blind Spot Monitoring System, the MAZDA6 is poised to remain a serious threat in the segment."

ABOVE-AND-BEYOND STYLING

When the MAZDA6 design effort commenced in the spring of 2004, Chief Designer Youichi Sato summed up the opportunity represented by a new sport sedan with world-wide reach as "Time to be Japanese."  Sato challenged all of his designers working on the new MAZDA6 in four studios under his leadership (Hiroshima, Yokohama, Frankfurt, Irvine) to create a wholly fresh, upscale, premium - yet still sporty - appearance for the North American MAZDA6.  Before the sketching began, the fundamental mission was defined by three key guidelines:

• Evolve the Zoom-Zoom spirit to the next level.
• Infuse the new MAZDA6 with a dignified sports appearance.
• Ensure that the design reflects Japanese culture, aesthetics, and spirit.

The bold exterior design of the MAZDA6 features a front fender reminiscent of the one found on today's RX-8.  Sculpture that flows from the front fascia, through the headlamp, over the top of the front-wheel opening, and into the side surface ahead of the front door achieves two aims: it accents the importance of wheels to the MAZDA6's athletic character and it visually trims the length of the front overhang.

The harmony of sharp edges with richly curved surfaces adds to the MAZDA6's visual appeal.  Powerful wheel arches, attached like wings to an airplane's fuselage, create an athletic stance and instill a dynamic character.  Large areas of both doors are perfectly smooth and taut to exhibit blank-space beauty.  Fine attention to detail is clearly evident in the taillights' intricate LED components.  All lights nestle jewel-like within their surrounding surfaces.

DETAIL-ORIENTED INTERIOR

While a few distinctive Mazda interior design elements, such as round instruments and a three-spoke steering wheel accompanied by a T-shaped instrument panel, were a given from the start of this design project, new priorities called for an otherwise fresh approach.  The quality of execution had to be the highest Mazda had ever achieved in any US production.  Surface textures, gloss levels, parting lines, and decorative areas all received careful attention.

The interior needed an expansive feeling without losing its focus on fun for the driver combined with comfort and safety for all passengers.  To achieve that, a bi-level theme was adopted: a roomy bottom zone with solid and safe upper areas.

Blacked-out instrument faces with brighter metallic markings, needles, and trim gives the MAZDA6 interior an exquisitely detailed look.  Seats are highly refined with soft-look volumes combined with comfortable cushions and highly effective side bolsters.  Attractively curved surfaces blend the console into the instrument panel.

Sculpted shapes combined with metallic-looking control panel areas achieve the desired contrast between dignity and celestial beauty.  Crisp edges abut gently curved soft surfaces.  Unique patterns and textures give the MAZDA6's interior a fresh, original appearance.  Use of black trim provides a rich, sporty look that's unprecedented in the mid-size segment.  Brightly finished switches in the steering wheel and center stack area mark the interior as a premium execution.  High-mounted entertainment system and climate controls enhance functionality.

The entry-level interior benefits from brightly plated metal accents and a choice of black, beige, or gray cloth upholstery with a contemporary weave pattern.  Available Touring-level trim adds a leather steering wheel cover.  The Grand Touring interior uses leather only for upholstery material in a choice of black, beige, or gray tones.

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Engine and performance

Mazda's reputation for providing world-class powertrains - both engines and transmissions - is deeply rooted.  Quick throttle response, strong acceleration, and outstanding flexibility are core to Mazda's spirit.  Guaranteeing that MAZDA6 customers enjoy the class-leading performance they expect, two engine choices are offered on the sedan.

MZR 4-Cylinder:

A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is available and heads the mid-size class with 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.  Its peak torque of 167 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm tops nearly all competitors' engines.  EPA fuel economy is 21 city/30 hwy on automatic and 20 city/29 hwy on manual transmission.

Bore and stroke increases over previous applications yield a piston displacement enlarged to 2.5-liters (2489cc).  Advanced features include chain-driven dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, counter-rotating balance shafts located in the oil pan, and aluminum block and head construction to save weight.  The crankshaft is forged steel for utmost durability. Forged connecting rods minimize reciprocating weight.

Variable intake valve timing yields a smooth idle, low emissions, and excellent high-rpm power.  An injection-molded, nylon-reinforced-plastic intake manifold provides smooth internal passages with minimal weight.  Fuel is delivered to the intake ports by an electronically controlled sequential injection system.  Ignition coils are modular units positioned directly above the spark plugs. Shimless bucket tappets require no maintenance.  Light-weight pistons are coated with a special anti-friction compound and fitted with low-tension rings for improved gas mileage.

Several features designed especially for maximum power in the MAZDA6 i application include a cylinder head with improved intake and exhaust flow, a low-restriction exhaust manifold, and a two-mode intake manifold with a center entry and an electronically-controlled throttle body.

To minimize noise and vibration, the damper at the forward end of the crankshaft is equipped with two tuned masses.  At the output end, a flexible flywheel also diminishes NVH.  The deep-skirt block is engineered for extra stiffness and main-bearing caps are integral with a lower-block ladder-type reinforcement.

3.7-LITER MZI V6:

The 60-degree 3.7-liter V6 engine, designated MZI, will continue to be utilized on the 2010 MAZDA6.

With a stirring 272 horsepower available at 6,250 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm, the MZI V6 is the most powerful engine in its class.  Mazda engineering tests show that it's also quieter than its competitors at full throttle.  EPA fuel economy is 17 city/25 hwy with its standard-equipment automatic transmission.

The list of advanced features includes light and stiff aluminum construction for the block and cylinder heads, a forged-steel crankshaft with induction-hardened journals, and variable intake-valve timing. Dual-overhead camshafts are chain-driven and equipped with maintenance-free direct-acting bucket tappets.

Cast-in iron cylinder liners provide a dependable bore surface.  The intake manifold is injection-molded nylon-reinforced plastic to save weight.  Two close-coupled catalytic converters minimize the time required following a cold start for the emission controls to reach full effectiveness.  A dual exhaust system provides low restriction for excellent high-rpm power.

To achieve best-in-class smoothness and quietness, the MAZDA6 s's 3.7-liter V6's crankshaft has a full complement of counter-weights and a dual-mass damper.  The aluminum cylinder-head covers are rubber isolated to minimize the amount of radiated valvetrain noise.

MANUAL AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS:

To maximize control and driver involvement, the MAZDA6 i SV, Sport and Touring are equipped with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission capable of exploiting all the performance provided by the 2.5-liter MZR engine.  MAZDA6 i customers who prefer an automatic transmission with a manual shift mode can opt for an electronically-controlled five-speed automatic with overdrive ratios for the top two gears.

A six-speed automatic with manual shift mode is standard in the MAZDA6 s.

One Zoom-Zoom feature inherited directly from the Mazda RX-8 sports car is called Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) control.  AAS senses winding road conditions and provides a gear ratio (usually third) with optimum acceleration response exiting a corner.  Decelerating into a bend, AAS quickens down-shift speed to provide maximum engine braking. During passing maneuvers following a merge into traffic, AAS holds lower gears longer to maximize acceleration.

PRECISION CRAFTMANSHIP A HIGH PRIORITY

Providing customers with a vehicle that's utterly dependable, perfectly designed and manufactured, and pleasing to a broad spectrum of customers is every company's dream. Achieving these lofty goals requires a deep commitment and the willingness to sweat innumerable details.  Elevating the MAZDA6's quality so that it becomes the mid-size segment's shining star was a monumental undertaking.

To ensure the highest level of quality, a fleet of MAZDA6s were driven for more than one million miles in early 2008, prior to the launch of the 2009 model.  Today at AutoAlliance International (AAI), a sample of cars are driven on a track to test the steering for accuracy, drift, and pull with a torque meter.  In addition, every production MAZDA6 is run on a chassis dynamometer to check shift quality, electrical performance, and other functions.

When the car was launched in 2009, major revisions were made to the front suspension and damper valve in the power steering gear to help improve straight-ahead tracking over a wide variety of road surfaces.  To verify that wind and road noise are lower than a specific limit, an Aachen Head audio recorder is belted into the vehicles for inspections.  While past inspection procedures primarily involved visual checks, today there are more hands-on and dynamic checks for the MAZDA6 than ever before.

Painting each car is a 34-step process that begins with electrically-charged primers and continues with sealers, base and color coats, clear coats, and a trip through a 340-degree bake oven.

To minimize wind noise while improving fuel economy, ambitious aerodynamic targets were set early in the MAZDA6's developmental process.  A large panel under the powertrain, plus air deflectors near the front tires, and two covers in the rear floor area, smooth under-car air flow.  Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis helped eliminate noise-causing turbulence observed in the outside rear-view mirror mounting areas.

Wind-tunnel tests reported a low drag coefficient of 0.27, a 10-percent improvement over the original MAZDA6, and a number better than a Porsche 911.  Very low lift at high speeds and in cross winds improves both directional stability and driver confidence.

PEACE OF MIND WITH ADVANCED SAFETY

Tremendous strides have been made in avoiding accidents with contemporary safety features such as ABS and DSC.  To safeguard occupants when a collision cannot be avoided, the MAZDA6 has been engineered with energy absorbing and intrusion resistant zones in its body structure.

Double load paths along both sides at the front of the vehicle help absorb head-on collision energy. The integrity of the cabin area is bolstered by a substantial dash-support crossmember braced by two driveline tunnel reinforcements.

A special stopper device keeps the brake pedal from moving rearward and into the driver's survival space in the event the engine and transmission are dislocated during an accident.  The fuel tank is mounted ahead of the rear suspension and surrounded by high-strength-steel side rails and two crossmembers capable of resisting crush and leakage in the event of a high-speed or offset rear impact.

A special triple-H structure consisting of roof rails, door pillars, sill structures, and floor crossmembers does an excellent job of resisting side-impact intrusion. Front doors have dual reinforcement beams and energy-absorbing material built into their trim panels.

All MAZDA6s are equipped with six air bags.  The side-curtain bags cover all the front and rear door glass to minimize the chance of injury.  Standard dual-chamber bags built into the front seats are optimized for both chest and hip protection.  Front seat belts are engineered to automatically take up slack when the air bags are triggered and to pay out slightly to lessen chest loads as the occupant moves forward.

To guard against under-riding high-mounted SUV bumpers, the MAZDA6's front bumper beam's height has been increased by 0.79 inch. In order to minimize fender-bender repair costs, the scope of damage caused by a low-velocity collision has been greatly reduced in the MAZDA6. Additionally, more substantial latches and a more robust rear seatback structure do a better job of resisting cabin intrusion resulting from trunk cargo shifting forward during a frontal impact.

EQUIPMENT FEATURES AND OPTIONS

The MAZDA6 sport sedan is available as two models - the MAZDA6 i powered by a 2.5-liter I-4 and the MAZDA6 s powered by a 3.7-liter V6.  Both feature an expanded range of trim levels, options, and equipment packages to serve the full breadth of the mid-size segment.  This is the most comprehensive nameplate Mazda has ever offered North American customers.

The MAZDA6 comes with standard features such as air conditioning with a pollen filter, power door locks and windows, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, Center IP display, mp3 compatible stereo, 16-inch wheels, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), side air bags and curtains, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control (TCS).

The first step up, MAZDA6 i Sport adds remote key-less entry, cruise control and steering wheel mounted controls.  The MAZDA6 i Touring adds 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55R17 tires, fog lights, 8-way power driver's seat, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, in-dash 6-disc CD changer and trip computer.  Building on the Touring model, the new MAZDA6 i Touring Plus adds power moonroof, ground illumination, electroluminescent gauges, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio operations, anti-theft security system and Blind Spot Monitoring System, while the MAZDA6 i Grand Touring includes leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose® audio system and welcome lighting system.

The MAZDA6 s models come equipped with the 3.7-liter V6 with 6-speed automatic transmission.  MAZDA6 s Touring Plus adds chrome dual exhaust finishers over the i Touring Plus model.  MAZDA6 s Grand Touring offers 18-inch alloy wheels with P235/45R18 wheels and chrome dual exhaust finishers over the i Grand Touring model.

All 2010 Mazdas come with a roadside assistance program.  With a call to a toll-free number, owners can access roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout the United States and Canada.  In addition, a comprehensive three-year/36,000-mile warranty covers every part on the vehicle except those subject to normal wear.  Also, all 2010 models receive a five-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty and a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty.

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Specifications

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Price

Packages and options

Accessories

Trim Level Equipment:

SV model features: air conditioning with in-cabin microfilter, side air bags/side air curtains, 205/65R16 tires, TPMS, anti-lock brake system w/EBD, traction control system, DSC, engine immobilizer, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD stereo w/6 speakers, tilt & telescopic steering wheel, 2-12V power sockets and auxiliary-audio input jack

Sport model adds: cruise control, remote keyless w/illuminated entry system and retractable key

Touring model adds: 17" alloy wheels, 215/55R17 tires, 8-way power driver's seat, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, premium trim, leather steering wheel & shift knob, center console sliding armrest, fog lights and trip computer

Touring Plus model adds: power moonroof, ground illumination, electroluminescent gauges, Bluetooth® phone & audio, global open/close, blind spot monitoring system, anti-theft security alarm, carpeted floor mats and cargo mat

Grand Touring model adds: heated leather seats, dual zone automatic climate control, Bose audio system and welcome interior lighting system (V6 includes 18" alloy wheels and 235/45R18 tires)

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Competitors and press reviews

"While the rest of the world got its Gen II Mazda6 family for 2008, our unique sedan-only incarnation had to wait a season. Styled, scaled and spec'd to please U.S. loyalists and attract new buyers from all corners of the "C/D-sedan" segment, the North American variant exceeds the world-car platform in every key dimension, shares barely 10 percent of its components, and has no common sheetmetal or glass. Four-cylinder (Mazda6i) and V-6 (Mazda6s) choices carry, but new powerplants add substantial punch. Most important, it embodies a level of overall sophistication its predecessor never managed to approach." (MotorTrend)

"For anyone but the truly power-hungry, the 2.5 is plenty of motor for day-to-day driving. There's no sport shift program for the automatic, but there's no need for one. Kajiyama says that the U.S.-specification transmissions were recalibrated to take advantage of the extra torque generated by the larger engines we get here. Downshifts come easily and upshifts are quick. A manual gate is there if you want to choose your own gears." (InsideLine)

"The engine is strong, but not as powerful as 272 horses on paper would lead you to believe (at 3,547 pounds, the weight of the Mazda6 is on par with its competitors), but the six-speed slushbox has a manual mode that responded well to our commands. Push forward to downshift and pull back to add a gear (just like BMW does it). Kudos the Mazda engineers who programmed the transmission software to hit a soft redline at the limit while holding the selected gear. Unfortunately, while the 3.7-liter engine offers best-in-class power, it may also be the Mazda6's Achilles' heel. The EPA fuel economy ratings for the V6 powerplant come in at 17/25 (city/highway)." (AutoBlog)

Competitors

Honda Accord->ke237

The 2010 Honda Accord is available with two engine choices: a V-6 and a 4-cylinder engine. The 3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC® V-6 engine produces 271-hp and takes advantage of Variable Cylinder Management technology and the 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine delivers a total of 190 hp. Available transmissions include a 5-speed manual, a 5-speed automatic and an available 6-speed manual transmission. Prices for the 2010 Accord will range from $21,055 to $31,105.

Toyota Camry

The standard 2010 Toyota Camry is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that deliver 169 hp, or 179 hp in the SE versions. The top of the line models get a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 268 hp and is mated to a six -speed automatic transmission. Prices for the Camry range from $19,395 for a standard Camry with new six-speed manual transmission to $29,045 for the XLE with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Nissan Altima

The 2010 Altima is offered with a choice of two gas burning engines; a 175 HP 2.5 Liter inline 4 cylinder and a 270 HP 3.5 Liter V6. Prices start at $19,900 for the entry level 2.5 S version and goes up to $24,520 for the high end 3.5 SR model.

Conclusion

So, does it worth to buy the 2010 Mazda6? If you take only one criteria into consideration, the price, then definitely yes: it is considerably cheaper than its competitors. But should the price be the only criteria on your selection? We say no, because the Mazda6 is offering much more than this. While the old Mazda6 can't be considered a big success on the market, the new one has everything needed to surpass its competitors: a nice design, cool interior technology and gadgets and powerful engines with improved fuel economy (even if almost 10% smaller than on the competitors).

Also the 2010 Mazda6 is larger than most of its competitors, meaning it will offer more interior space. Yes, of course more length means more weight, and that is a minus for the Mazda6. But on the other hand the sedan comes with bigger engines.

And last, but not last, the Mazda6 is quite a fun car to drive, especially the automatic versions and we might add it feels like a sporty model. So, yes, it definitely deserve the money!