All-New Mazda6: In Depth

The new Mazda 2 was the first of Mazda's new Zoom-Zoom generation although the new Mazda 6 has maybe been the eagerly awaited, and it was well worth the wait. The next generation Mazda6 comes in three bodystyles (sedan, hatchback and estate) and measures 65mm longer, 15mm wider, 5mm taller and 50mm longer wheelbase than the previous, first generation dating back to 2002.

The interior build quality has mainly been addressed in the new generation by reducing body gaps and using higher quality materials, giving the Mazda 6 a more premium feel. The new styling cues on the new Mazda 6 are of course the most noticeable, and all the WCF crew were equally impressed with it. If it drives as good as the first generation, the competition will have a fierce fight on their hands. A new 2.5 liter engine (170hp) is added to the line-up which already consisted of the 1.8 liter (120hp) and 2.0 liter (147 hp) petrol engines and the 140 hp 2.0 turbodiesel.

Mazda has three key factors which influenced the design: Emotional and Sporty, Exclusive Experience and Insightful Package. Or in layman's terms, the driver's emotional connection or driving passion, quality and comfortable interior experience and the combination of style and functionality.

Read on for the first details on the European model. The USA will be getting their own version, but more on that closer to its launch date.

Press Release

Mazda6 at a Glance

• Second of the new-generation models representing an evolution of Zoom-Zoom after the all-new Mazda2
• 3 body styles: sedan, hatchback and estate
• 65 mm longer, 15 mm wider, 5 mm taller, with a 50 mm longer wheelbase (sedan and hatchback) than the ?rst-generation Mazda6
• Exquisite craftsmanship: body gaps greatly reduced and higher quality materials introduced for a greatly improved premium feel
• Mazda’s Karakuri rear seat system (hatchback and estate): one-touch seat-drop function from a latch in the boot panel and an all-new boot tonneau cover for the estate that automatically moves up when the rear liftgate is opened
• Sporty performance feel enhanced by new six- point mounting system for the high-mount double wishbone front suspension and electric power assisted steering
• Excellent coef?cient of drag (Cd) lowered to 0.27 (down from 0.30) for the sedan and hatchback, and to Cd 0.28 (down from 0.32) for the estate
• New 2.5-litre petrol engine (170 PS). Also available are 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol engines and the MZR-CD 2.0 turbodiesel (140 PS)
• 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines‘ fuel ef?ciency and CO 2 levels improved by approximately 10 percent
• Active safety: large disc brakes, ABS, DSC, electronic traction control and brake assist (standard in Europe)
• Stopping distance from 100 km/h is 39 m on dry ground among the best in the class (Mazda in-house measurement)
• Passive safety: Mazda’s stiff and strong Triple-H body shell and up to six airbags (depending on market)
• New safety equipment includes Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), parking sensor, an extensive ?eld of vision, Mazda’s ?rst active headrest, crushable brake and clutch pedals and extensive pedestrian protection measures
• CF-Net (Cross Functional Network): combination of switches on the steering wheel which provide integrated control of navigation, audio, air conditioning, driving information, and other systems. Centralised display at the top of the instrument panel to minimise movement of the driver’s line of sight
• Independent air temperature controls, and optional (standard depending on grade) advanced keyless entry system with engine start-stop button
• A BOSE® premium sound system with eight speakers and a Bluetooth® hands-free mobile-phone interface, are optional (standard depending on grade)
• Driver’s seat armrest with adjustable front-back slider mechanism

Mazda signalled its rebirth back in 2002 with the ?rst Mazda6, a sleek, stylish and highly successful car, which embodied the company’s Zoom-Zoom spirit of driving pleasure. Since then, it has been one of Mazda Motor Europe’s best-selling cars with a total of over 440,000 units registered (through May 2007). More than a quarter of all Mazda6s have found owners in Germany during this period, at just under 120,000 units, followed by the UK with around 72,700 units, Russia with about 31,200 units and Italy with over 27,700 units. With approximately 38 percent share each, the hatchback and estate are Europe’s most popular Mazda6 body styles with approximately 38 percent of all Europeans preferring the 2.0-litre diesel engine as their Mazda6 choice.

Mazda6 has proven to be a pillar of reliability, and now, here at the Frankfurt Motor Show, ?ve years and over 100 industry awards later, Mazda unveils a new, more re?ned, more premium Mazda6. Set to become the new benchmark in its class, the new Mazda6 will be available in three body types: sedan, hatchback and estate.

The Three Key Values of the Zoom-Zoom Evolution Concept

Zoom-Zoom evolution is the concept behind the new Mazda6. Along with enhanced environmental and safety performance, the car has a more emphatic Mazda character in its design, dynamic performance, packaging and craftsmanship. Mazda adopted the following key values to embody the development concept.

Emotional and Sporty

• Captivating, sporty styling connects with the driver emotionally
• The driving feel creates oneness between the car and driver

Exclusive Experience

• Exquisite and high quality craftmannship makes drivers and passengers feel good.
• The Mazda6 is supremly comfortable, with space and features for relaxed confi dence.

Insightful Package

• Suberb balance between engaging, sporty styling and a comforable space.
• Simple, easy to use, well-thought out driver interfaces and storage space.

Key Value One: EMOTIONAL AND SPORTY

Engaging styling and dynamic performance creates a sense of delight and kizuna (strong emotional ties) when the owner looks at or drives the new Mazda6.

Design

Chief designer Youichi Sato describes the design theme for the new Mazda6 as “Bold and Exquisite.” The design is an evolved Zoom-Zoom form, which cleverly combines two seemingly contradicting ideas of strength and delicate grace through an expression of Japanese aesthetics. While inheriting the ‘athletic’ design that was key to the signature Mazda look of the previous model, the new Mazda6 is yet a stronger statement of driving dynamism. Its designers also worked on a combination of playfulness and dignity to create a new expression of “cool,” aimed at moving the Mazda6 to the top of its class. Youichi Sato states, “it is vitally important that the new Mazda6 con?dently embodies a Japanese design identity . And it must still look fresh in 10 years’ time.”

Advanced Exterior Styling Based on Japanese Aesthetics

The design theme “Bold and Exquisite” is embodied in the new Mazda6’s sporty styling that is sure to turn heads. “Japanese aesthetics give new Mazda6 its unique visual identity,” says Sato. “Rather than being derived from traditional sculpted forms, it stands apart from its rivals by straightforwardly expressing the Japanese aesthetic sense to embody a new and advanced character.”

The exterior has a unique character, expressed by the interplay of discreetly ?owing curves and prominent edges from the front end through the fenders, and through the taut curves that lend richness and strength to the rear view. The door panels placed between the sharp top and bottom character lines convey an expression of beauty from simplicity . Then there’s the exquisiteness of detail evident everywhere in the tsukurikomi (inbuilt quality). Combined, these elements of beauty create an advanced, emotion-pleasing character that could only be found in a Mazda.

As before, there are three body styles: hatchback, sedan and estate . The ?ve-door hatchback symbolizes the new Mazda6’s sporty and sophisticated nature with a ?owing, coupé-style silhouette and a six side-window cabin design. The sedan plays down its three-box form with its tautly- arched cabin and short, high tail, giving it a fastback look clearly related to that of the hatchback. The estate version features three-dimensional curves that give volume and tension to the side and rear view to achieve a level of stylish design, rare in an estate.

Interior Design – Driving Enjoyment, Secure Feeling, High Quality

The sporty and sophisticated interior design perfectly expresses the “Bold and Exquisite” design theme. For the sporty aspect, the designers created a snug, cockpit-like driving environment with a relaxed driving position, clear instruments and intuitive controls to support it. The design of the dashboard and door trim builds an exquisite contrast between gracefulness and sharpness and mechanical dignity to yield a space where the driver and passengers travel in pleasure, comfort and calmness, helped by the way the facia top curves away from the occupants and seems to ?oat above the structure beneath.

Richly curved surfaces create depth by casting controlled shadows to convey a sense of dignity and high quality feel . New textured paint, sophisticated materials and controlled glossiness add to the air of craftsmanship, along with the micro?ne accuracy with which the components ?t together.

Driving Dynamics

The development theme for the Mazda6’s dynamics was “Driving performance that creates oneness between the car and driver. ” This was realized by driving dynamics, steering, handling, and brake performance that respond accurately to the driver’s intentions. Also, the further enhanced high- quality ride and quietness provide a sense of security in accordance with the feeling of oneness between the car and the driver. This solid sense of security created by the con?dent, predictable handling is central to the Zoom-Zoom evolution concept embodied in the new Mazda6.

Enhanced Engine Line-Up

A new 2.5-litre petrol engine has been developed from the previous 2.3-litre unit. The MZR 2.5 has a bigger bore and a longer stroke, plus freer-?owing intake and exhaust ports which together improve torque in the frequently used range by approximately 10 percent . This assures a more linear acceleration feel, nimbler driving and more precise response. Power is 170 PS . Also available are the enhanced 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol engines and the MZR-CD 2.0 turbo diesel , carried over from the previous Mazda6.

Advanced Six-Speed Manual Transmission

The six-speed manual transmission offers an especially precise shift operation with built-in positive stops for the extremes of the gear lever‘s movements. Also, with the counter weight, a light and smooth operation feel was pursued. The synchronisers between 5th and 6th gears are enlarged to lower the shift force required during high-speed driving by 15 percent compared to the previous version.

Responsive, Con?dence-Inspiring Suspension System

Whether driving in the city or on the motorway, the suspension system delivers a responsive and reassuring drive. The high- mounted double-wishbone front suspension is mounted on a subframe now attached to the body at six points instead of four , for a further re?ned steering stability. This dramatically reduces road noise and improves ride comfort because it allows the use of more compliant suspension bushes.

In the multi-link rear suspension , the front pivot of the trailing link is now placed higher to reduce tail-lift under braking, and the dampers are mounted more upright to improve the leverage acting on them and thus their responsiveness. These modi?cations enhance both handling stability and ride comfort.

Electric Power Steering for Sportiness and Enhanced Environmental Performance

In order to achieve optimal steering assist at various speeds, such as comfortable handling at low speed and stable and rigid handling at high speed, the former hydraulic power steering is replaced with an electric system. Also, to give a more natural steering feel , special attention was paid to reduce the inertia level. Similar to the Mazda RX-8 the motor is mounted on the steering rack and has further evolved with a brushless motor. Also, the fuel economy is improved by approximately two percent compared to the former hydraulic power steering.

Powerful, Progressive, Responsive Brake System

The new Mazda6 is ?tted with larger front brake discs and a larger-diameter master cylinder to enhance the performance level, and brake feel is optimised by various brake tuning measures. The result is a brake system with a very rigid and linear feel, controllable brake performance that conforms to the driver’s intentions. The stopping distance from 100 km/h is 39 m on dry ground, among the best in the segment (Mazda in-house measurement).

Lightweight Body with Greater Rigidity

Besides achieving high body rigidity , Mazda engineers worked on reducing weight to further improve dynamic performance and fuel economy. Reinforcement at key points and the widespread use of high-tensile and ultra- high-tensile steel brought signi?cant increase in torsional stiffness , up by 30 percent for the hatchback, 25 percent for the estate and 14 percent for the sedan. Despite this, the body shell’s weight is greatly reduced to class leading levels due to the increased percentage by weight of high-tensile and ultra-high-tensile steel sheet and an optimal layout created by using CAE technology.

Aerodynamics Among the Segment‘s Best

Attractive styling and aerodynamic ef?ciency go hand-in- hand with the Mazda6. From the early stages of development, Mazda engineers utilized simulation testing to the fullest in order to improve their initial designs, and then carefully ?ne-tuned them with prototypes and the wind tunnel. In the end, they achieved a remarkable drag coef?cient (Cd) of 0.27 for the hatchback and sedan versions and 0.28 for the estate . New horseshoe-shaped air de?ectors ahead of the front wheels ensure adequate brake cooling despite the low Cd. Fore-and-aft lift balance is also optimised, keeping the car stable and ?rmly grounded at high speed.

Key Value Two: EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE

Exquisite craftsmanship enhances the emotional connection between the customer and the car, adding to the delight of ownership

Customers will form a kizuna bond with the new Mazda6 for many reasons. These include a heightened sense of quality, ride comfort and quietness, as well as top-level environmental and safety performance. Adding to this is the re?ned, high- quality build that is part of the craftsman’s spirit of hospitality, creating a comfortable space and equipment levels which support driver con?dence.

Delight of Ownership Through Detailed Craftsmanship

“Tsukurikomi (inbuilt quality)” is one of the three pillars of Mazda’s distinctive craftsmanship. In line with this, the feeling of quality is greatly enhanced for all textures and the seats are upholstered with optional (standard for some grades) high-grade leather.

The second, “functional beauty” requirement for Mazda craftsmanship is served by such measures as optimizing the driving position by setting the steering wheel angle at 21 degrees, a more upright position than on the previous model, to give the driver greater comfort and a better sense of unity with the vehicle.

And to promote the third pillar, “customer delight,” an advanced welcome mode turns on the panel lights in order of precedence, from lower to upper, suggesting to the driver that the car is waking up and getting ready to go. A heartbeat effect around the centre display is also an example of the interface between the car and the driver, along with Action Illumination in which the selected switch lights up when activated and then fades down.

New Technology Keeps the Driver in Touch

Mazda’s new CF-Net (cross functional network) features a combination of switches on the steering wheel , which provide integrated control of navigation, audio, air conditioning, driving information , and other systems through simple, smooth operation and a centralised display at the top of the instrument panel to minimise movement of the driver’s line of sight.

The driver and passenger bene?t from independent air temperature controls , and the optional (standard depending on grade) advanced keyless entry system includes an engine start-stop button on top of the instrument panel. An eight- speaker BOSE® premium sound system , and a Bluetooth® hands-free mobile-phone interface , are optional (standard depending on grade).

Quiet Yet Sporty Engine Note, Dramatically Reduced Road Noise

Another “exclusive experience” development target was improved quietness . While reducing the overall noise of the engine, the engineers also emphasised certain frequencies to overlay a sporty engine note on the serene backdrop. The new 2.5-litre engine uses a dual-mass damper and a ?exible ?ywheel and also focused on weight reduction of pistons and connecting rods. With this, it was possible to reduce combustion noise as well, achieving some of the lowest vibration level measurements in the class.

To reduce road noise while promoting handling stability, engineers reinforced body structures to suppress vibration transmitted from the road to the car body as well as noise radiated from panels. This results in some of the lowest road noise measurements in the class on all road surfaces whether smooth or rough. The diesel models destined for Europe have also undergone extensive work on NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) , resulting in reduced knock and other engine noises to achieve extremely low noise levels.

Key Value Three: INSIGHTFUL PACKAGE

The balance of stylish design and versatile packaging brings delight to daily driving

Sporty and Practical

The new Mazda6 inherits all the functionality of the previous model’s packaging, while raising practicality to a new level with creatively-designed equipment unique to Mazda. Various innovations blend sporty, emotion-pleasing styling with a comfortable interior and practical luggage space.

Sporty Proportions Wrap a Spacious Interior

Mazda’s designers aimed to achieve a cabin with sporty proportions, while making the interior roomier than in the previous model. The line from front windscreen to roof remains smooth but the header section is shifted rearward to eradicate any feeling of oppressiveness that front-seat occupants might feel. The body is slightly wider so keeping the same spacing between the driver and passenger seats as before, creates more shoulder room. Knee room for the rear passengers is increased by 13 mm for a spacious rear seat. These modi?cations add up to a sporty-looking cabin that belies the generous roominess within.

Driving Position For Con?dent, Comfortable Control

Besides having a more upright steering wheel, the gear lever is moved slightly towards the driver compared with the previous model. The driver’s seat armrest has an adjustable front-back slider mechanism , which allows drivers to rest their elbow comfortably while changing gears.

Karakuri Tonneau Cover and a Large Luggage Compartment

By researching the actual usage of the luggage space, the area most frequently used by customers features class- leading width for the new Mazda6. The rear seatbacks fold forward with a simple, single movement (Mazda’s acclaimed Karakuri rear seat fold system) opening up a ?at luggage ?oor. The estate‘s rear tonneau cover automatically moves upwards as the tailgate is opened , eliminating the need to handle the cover every time cargo is loaded or unloaded.

Exceptional Safety and En?ronmental Performance

Exceptional Safety

Improving running, turning and stopping achieves stress-free driving performance that gives the driver predictable control of the vehicle, so every Mazda6 driver will remain in a safe frame of mind. Besides Mazda’s state-of-the-art active safety systems – including large disc brakes, ABS, DSC, electronic traction control and brake assist (standard in Europe) – and a passive safety package with Mazda’s stiff and strong Triple- H body shell and six airbags (standard in Europe), there are further features to help the Mazda6 avoid an accident or protect its occupants if an accident is unavoidable. These include:

• Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) : auxiliary headlamps shine across a corner as the car is steered, thus illuminating the actual path of travel.
• Parking Sensor: eight ultrasonic sensors in total, four in the front and four in the rear bumpers, sense the distance to obstacles from the corners of the car and deliver a series of audible beeps to help the driver.
• Extensive ?eld of vision: the expansive windscreen gives the driver an unobstructed view of high traf?c signals, while optimising the shape of the rear pillars and the use of ?atter rear headrests gives a clearer rear view to ease parking manoeuvres.
• High-rigidity Mazda Advanced Impact energy Distribution and Absorption System body : attains exceptional crash-safety performance by joining front members to the perimeter frame for improved crash energy absorption ef?ciency, by greatly reinforcing the cabin, and through the use of larger cross-section and straighter rear side members in high-tensile steel.
• Mazda’s ?rst active headrest : in a rear-end collision, the front seat headrest is instantaneously thrust forward, immediately supporting the head of the occupant while lightening the load of the impact.
• Crushable brake and clutch pedals : the pedals are prevented from moving rearward into the cabin in a frontal collision, reducing injury to the driver’s legs.

Environmental Ef?ciency

In addition to the aerodynamics enhancement and reduction of rolling resistance, other features such as the electric power steering and LED stop lamp contribute to the fuel ef?ciency . Also, though slightly larger than its predecessor, by conducting thorough weight reduction measures, vehicle weight reduction of up to 35 kilograms has been achieved, depending on speci?cation and model.

In addition to the overall vehicle weight reduction, by ?ne- tuning the engine control aspects, the 1.8-litre petrol engine’s fuel ef?ciency and CO 2 level has been improved by over 11 percent , while the new MZR 2.5-litre petrol engine achieves over six percent better fuel economy and CO 2 emissions than the current 2.3-litre version it replaces. The new Mazda6 engine has the catalytic converter located immediately downstream of the exhaust manifold to assure a sportier performance feel while improving exhaust gas puri?cation.

The 2.0-litre diesel engine has also been improved. With its common-rail fuel injection system, optimisation of EGR volume, pre-mixed pilot combustion and other re?nements, the engine achieves a cleaner exhaust with lower particulate emissions and minimal NOx.

As well as being fun to drive and delightful to travel in, the Mazda6 must excel in safety and environmental measures to deliver maximum kizuna with its customers. Mazda sums up its responsibilities here as “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom,” embodied in the new Mazda6. This is an essential effort in the evolution of Zoom-Zoom.

LAUNCH SCHEDULE

The new Mazda6 will be launched in Europe in November this year.

North America: There will be a dedicated new Mazda6 for the North American market, designed and engineered speci?cally for North America. More information will be provided during Summer 2008, closer to the launch of the North American model.

All-New Mazda6 Preliminary Specifications (for Europe)

Body type	Sedan	Hatchback	Estate
Door	4	5	5
Seating capacity	5	5	5
Overall length without license plate holder mm	4,735	4,735	4,765
Overall width mm	1,795	1,795	1,795
Overall height mm	1,440	1,440	1,440
Wheelbase mm	2,725	2,725	2,725

Engine

Engine type	1.8L MT 4-cylinder I4 DOHC 16-valve	2.0L MT 4-cylinder I4 DOHC 16-valve	2.0L AT 4-cylinder I4 DOHC 16-valve	2.5L MT 4-cylinder I4 DOHC 16-valve	2.0L DE MT 4-cylinder diesel
Displacement cm3	1,798	1,999	1,999	2,488	1,998
Max. power kW/rpm	88/5,500	108/6,500	108/6,500	125/6,000	103/3,500
Max. torque Nm/rpm	165/4,300	184/4,000	184/4,000	226/4,000	330/2,000

Fuel consumption* (combined)

Sedan l/100 km	6.8	7.0	7.7	8.1	5.6
Hatchback	6.9	7.1	7.7	8.1	5.6
Estate	7.0	7.2	7.8	8.2	5.7

CO 2 Emission Level*

Sedan g/km	161	166	182	192	149
Hatchback	162	168	182	192	149
Estate	165	171	185	193	151