Spy Shots: 2008 Mazda6
Ace spy photog Chris Doane has scored shots of the 2008 Mazda6, and they show that the next mid-size from Mazda will grow in both length and width over the current model. Check out the extended rear fender flares and raised gas gap, both both clear indicators that the 6's sheetmetal will be expanding. While it's difficult to make out a face through the front camouflage, the front end is also clearly larger. That's a good thing, as Mazda needs to make room underhood for Ford's new 250-hp, 3.5-liter V6 that will be available on the Mazda6. The platform on which the car will ride is reported to be a variant of the one underpinning the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner. This lends credence to the rumor that all Mazda6 models will be available with all-wheel drive, not just the MazdaSpeed6. Expect Mazda's family sedan to still be offered in sedan, wagon and hatchback form, and a hybrid will join the group at a later date, likely after the Fusion goes semi-electric sometime in 2008.[Source: Winding Road]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
TheOne442 2:41PM (8/15/2006)
"the next mid-size from Mazda will grow in both length and width over the current model."
Suprise
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hj 2:57PM (8/15/2006)
I'm sure the guys at Toyota are on autoblog now reading this so they can start copying it for the next Camry.
Toyota copying mazda, it's what they call, "Moving Forward"
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Elliott 2:58PM (8/15/2006)
Why do they always have to redesign them bigger? I've already begun preparing myself in hopes that I won't cry when I read about the redesigned Mazda3. It's a ways off, so maybe I won't be as hurt by it, and it's always possible that they'll introduce an American Mazda2 for us small car fans.
"Will grow in both length and width over the current model". Translation: HEAVY and slow just like every other box on the roads.
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BCM 3:00PM (8/15/2006)
It should be clarified that the Escape/Mariner platform referred to is not the present CD2, which is derived from the last Mazda6 GF platform, but the CD3 Mk2 platform intended for the 2008 Escape/Mariner/Tribute. The CD3 Mk1 used by the current Fusion/Milan/Zephyr/Edge/MKX/CX-9 was of course developed from the present Mazda6 GG platform.
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BCM 3:02PM (8/15/2006)
Brain fart; I meant the last Mazda 626 GF platform was the basis for the Ford CD2.
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Ed Kapuscinski 3:04PM (8/15/2006)
I'm with Elliott.
Everything keeps getting bigger.
Honda's bringing in the Fit now because the Civic has gotten bigger and heavier than it used to be, and now has moved itself out of that market segment. If I wanted a bigger Civic, I'd get an Accord.
I just don't get it.
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Dr. Woo 3:15PM (8/15/2006)
RE: Ed, Elliott
It's an endless, vicious cycle. And it makes me sad.
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Mark 3:16PM (8/15/2006)
Props to Mazda for offering a 5-door sedan. In Europe, the majority of the cars in this segment come in 5-door sedan format, like the Renault Laguna, Ford Mondeo, and Opel Vectra. It add a hint of style and a lot of versatility for those who don't wan't a wagon or true-hatchback. It is too bad the Mazdaspeed6 is only a four-door.
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JarryHames 3:29PM (8/15/2006)
#2 - How did Toyota's Camry copy Mazda's 6? Don't worry dude. I am not a Toyotafile. I think that they're totally different designs. Anyway, this car looks like this car needed to be tweaked in design as well. Mazda mentioned early on that the car would probably grow in size. I agree with everyone else. It seems that each generation of a typical compact or mid-size car keeps getting bigger.
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Dave in MI 3:29PM (8/15/2006)
Looks almost as exciting as the mini update. Yawn.
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retsel 3:38PM (8/15/2006)
camry has stole the design for the next mazda...
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Sid 3:43PM (8/15/2006)
Agreed with Elliot and Ed.
But even as a Mazda fan, I'd have to say that it might be necessary for the Mazda6 to become bigger. I say this because as it stands, a loaded Mazda3 (hatch) is far superior to a I4 Mazda6 in almost every way, including headroom. There is simply no reason for anyone to select a Mazda6 as it stands. The Mazda3 is THAT good.
However, with the Mazda6 becoming bigger and a bit more 'luxurious', it will allow both to exist in their own niches.
And as for how it will look, keep in mind while the normal sedan looks quite boring, the 5-door with the sports package is the real looker. I expect the same for the next-gen and as for typical Mazda handling - the CX-7 and Mazda5 both retained Zoom-zoom. This should be perfectly fine as well.
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Joe 3:59PM (8/15/2006)
I read on this site awhile back that actually Toyota used its current design with the Camry in the US, in Japan first, before Mazda did.
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Krag-Meyer 4:02PM (8/15/2006)
Hatchback, that Looks like a sedan(sort of like the Elantra GT or Suzuki Reno). Cool by me. I just wondering if the MSRP will grow(alot) along with the size of the vehicle?
Since I ain't buying until , ohhhh, 2010(so i can save some $$$, and not have to finance/ pay 6 years, for a new car)may be able to buy one. The problem is, there are only 2 Mazda dealerships, and both are 75-90 minutes one way(in case of recall, or warranty work).
They closed one (long time) dealership in richmond In, which was close to Ohio borderline for years and years.
Not good.
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iQuack 4:23PM (8/15/2006)
This just follows history. As American cars became increasingly larger during the '50s and '60s, Chevy added the Corvair, Chevy II, and Malibu. Ford added the Falcon, (and others), and Plymouth, the Valiant.
The current Honda Civic is larger than the Accord was in the early 80s.
The Mazda 3 is longer, wider, taller, and about 400 pounds heavier than my previous car, a '91 Mazda Protege.
Mazda has offered no large sedan since the 929 and Milennia were discontinued, so a bigger Mazda 6 makes some sense. The Mazda 3 is a fairly large and capable "compact" and is a better choice than the current Mazda 6 that offers little more except for a Ford V6 option.
My fear is that Mazdas are becoming Ford variants which might be OK for some people but a deal-killer for others--including me.
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BCM 4:24PM (8/15/2006)
For the people who think this looks boring and unchanged: it's a test mule with existing sheet metal modified to fit over the new platform, not a production candidate.
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9394 4:33PM (8/15/2006)
Mazda6 has to grow bigger because they are outsold by Camry 7:1.
I hope they add rear headrest to sedan model. Currently it is only available to hatchback and wagon.
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DC_1 4:34PM (8/15/2006)
The Mazda6 needs to grow. I choose the 3 because it offered more than the 6 at the time. The 6 only has a V6 which is really underpowered compared to others in its class. Hopefully it will be ready with the new V6 when its time for me to trade my 3 next summer.
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N Z K 4:35PM (8/15/2006)
I share sympathies with those complaining about the steadily increasing size of vehicles, but look at it all in perspective: At Honda, for example, the Accord ballooned in order to take on the Camry, Maxima, and the Americans. The Civic increased in size to fill the gap. Now that the Civic is about the size of a fifteen-year-old Accord, they brought the Fit to fill the gap at the bottom. That will encourage further growth of the Civic, etc. This pattern is hardly unique to Honda.
The constantly increasing size of cars may be irritating for those of us who like small cars, but we'll always be taken care of.
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aliasfox 5:06PM (8/15/2006)
The Mazda6 offers one thing the Mazda3 sedan can't besides for engine - a large enough trunk. The Mazda6 trunk can fit a bike with the wheels taken off, the Mazda3 can't. Also, the Mazda6 is quieter at speed than the Mazda3 is. I personally prefer the 6i over the 3i (which after incentives, are very close in price), but to each his or her own.
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