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2006 Mazda6 Preview

Refining the Midsize Segments Sportiest Entry

Since its initial introduction at the 2001 Tokyo Motorshow in Japan, the Mazda6 has shaped the appearance and performance of 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

The updated 6 (shown) continues to be designed and engineered for all of Mazdas major markets. (Photo: Mazda Motor of America)

new models, just wouldnt 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 Mazdas major markets. Functioning as the brands main midsize family car, it received European influence in its handling and ride, Japanese performance and durability all wrapped up in a package thats easy on the eyes with no particular

The current Mazda6 (shown) has shaped the appearance and performance of everyday Mazda passenger cars, while redefining Mazda as a carmaker. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

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 5-Door, a practical liftback model. Last year also saw the confirmation of the 274-horsepower turbocharged, all-wheel drive Mazdaspeed6.

Now in its third year of production, the 6 is still

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

charging full steam ahead, but despite its sales success its numbers dont 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 Toyotas 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

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

based off the Mazda6s well-rounded and highly refined architecture. Case in point is that with all this incoming competition, its 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 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

The rear bumper has been modified to improve the visual flow of the exterior. (Photo: Mazda Motor of America)

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.

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