The Mazda 6 is the bigger of the two Mazda family sedans. For 2009, both the 3 and the 6 received extensive exterior re-styling. The previous design of the 6 aimed to be sleek, but the lines of the headlights, fenders, and the grill just didn’t come together as a whole. In contrast, the new fascia looks bolder and better integrated. The lines flowing from the front fender into the front wheel well remind me of the RX-8. The look is clean and classy, and the chrome accent around the fog lights adds some flair. Overall, I think it’s the image change that has been long overdue for the Mazda 6.
One of the Mazda 6’s strongest competitors, ironically, is the company’s own highly successful Mazda 3. The 3 has been such a great value proposition, Mazda was not able to duplicate the success story when it introduced the bigger 6 for the higher-end market segment. The 2009 re-design has the mission of revitalizing the 6 in the market. In order to succeed, it must distinguish itself from its smaller sibling as a car in a separate class. In addition, it has to compete against offerings from other brands in the same segment, including the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Volkswagen Jetta.
The Mazda 6 is available in GS and GT trim levels, with a choice of a 170-horsepower inline-4 or a 272 horsepower V6 engine, so a total of 4 combinations. The base GS-I4 model is priced at $18,550, and includes a long array of features including TCS, ABS, 17-inch alloy wheels, power windows and locks, heated mirrors, cruise control, keyless entry, and anti-theft alarm system with engine-immobilizer. An additional $4,000 will bring you up to the GT trim, which adds among other things, DSC, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather interior, moonroof, power-adjustable front seats with heating, automatic dimming mirrors, Homelink garage door remote control, a better climate control system, and a better audio system. Taking the GS from the I4 to the V6 model adds $5,300. This upgrade adds foglights and HID taillights on top of the 6-cylinder engine.
