Ask what Mazda was a decade ago, you might recall a dull product portfolio consisting of 323, 626, Demio, Millenia etc. Yes, apart from the niche MX-5 and RX-7, Mazda was hardly renowned for driver appeal. So what changed its image by 180 degrees ? That was the first generation Mazda 6. The Mazda 6 surprised people by its great handling, firm ride and sharp steering. It converted Mazda into a driver-oriented brand and won 1.3 million sales worldwide, among which some 450,000 units went to the driver appeal-demanding European market. This was unusual for a Japanese car indeed. Now the second generation aims to take this success even further. Although the new Mazda 6 breaks no new ground in automotive design, it is a handsome car nonetheless. A sleek profile combines with crisp lines and sharp headlights to form a modern and sporty appearance. Cd has been lowered from 0.30 to a remarkable 0.27, which should aid fuel economy and top speed. The inverted triangular grille is a signature of the old car, while the pronounced front fenders have strong resemblance to RX-8. My only criticism is about the details - for example, the various bumper intakes could have been arranged more elegantly. These flaws could hurt its long-term visual durability, if not showroom appeal.
Unlike many people's believes, the new 6 is not derived from Ford Mondeo's EUCD platform but the old Mazda 6 platform. It grows in all dimensions - 65 mm longer, 15 mm wider, 5 mm taller and 50 mm longer wheelbase - but is still compact by class standard. It is smaller than Volkswagen Passat, let alone the oversize Mondeo. Brilliantly, by using more high-strength steel in the chassis and by trimming unnecessary weight from all kinds of components, it achieves greater chassis rigidity, better crash protection and simultaneously a reduction of 35 kg of kerb weight in average. Torsional rigidity of the 4-door sedan is increased by 14 percent, while 5-door hatchback even gains 30 percent. These factors translate to better handling, refinement, performance and fuel consumption. Another good job after Mazda 2. The chassis still rides on double-wishbone suspensions up front and multi-link suspensions at the back, which is already the best configuration today. The front suspension subframe has 6 mounting points instead of 4 and softer bushings to reduce NVH transmitted to the chassis. Other sound deadening improvements contribute to a reduction of 2.5dB (or 45 percent) road noise to the cabin. Mazda proves that clever engineering can reduce weight and NVH simultaneously. Take note, Mondeo. The rear suspensions' trailing links have their front pivots positioned higher to reduce tail lift under braking, while the dampers are mounted more upright to improve responsiveness.
On the road, the Mazda 6 continues to delight keen drivers. Its lightweight and compact size means it is more nimble in the twisty than Ford Mondeo - currently our class leader in dynamics and overall. Its firm and controlled ride, fine body control, excellent grip, powerful brakes and good resistance to understeer put smile on the driver face. Even its electrical power steering seems to be the most sensibly weighted and feelsome of its kind. This is the most engaging drive in the class. However, in terms of refinement it still trails Ford Mondeo a little, blame to the pronounced wind noise generated by the door mirrors. The Mazda also has a firmer ride than the Ford, thus its occupants are subjected to more shocks and road noise over coarse surfaces. Otherwise, it is nonetheless a refined ride by class standard. In terms of engine and performance, the Mazda 6 is competitive enough. 4 engines are offered at launch: 120hp 1.8-liter, 147hp 2.0-liter VVT, 170hp 2.5-liter VVT twin-balancer shafts and 140hp 2.0-liter 16V common-rail turbo diesel. In particular, the 2.5-liter four-pot is a bored and stroked version of the former 2.3-liter unit. It gets lighter pistons, con-rods and a dual-mass flywheel to reduce vibration. It enjoys a slight power and torque boost while consuming 6 percent less fuel. On the road the 2.5-liter is smooth but less potent than expected, so you need to use the slick 6-speed gearbox to extract performance from it. By doing so, 0-60 mph can be done in 7.9 seconds.
Inside, the cabin of new Mazda 6 neither thrills nor disappoints. Its design is conventional and initiative, with some classy details like the orange and blue back-lit dials and steering wheel-mounted controls for audio, sat nav and air con. On the downside, it does not feel as high quality as Passat, Mondeo or Laguna, blame to the hard plastics used at various places and the feel of weight savings throughout the cabin. Although there is more rear legroom and shoulder than the old car, its rear headroom is limited by the sloping rear window. Access to the rear cabin is also made difficult by the sharp-angle C-pillars. This mean 6-footers will be better served in its rivals. Overall, Mazda 6 edges out Ford Mondeo as the best driver's car of the mid-size family car segment. However, if comfort, refinement and quality are equally important to you, the result will be reversed.
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| The above report was last updated on 20 Jan 2008. All Rights Reserved. |
