Move along, hardly anything to see here. Still, it's always interesting to chart the changes. KGP photographers demonstrated the importance of keeping the glovebox stocked with trailmix, which allows these sharp shooters to outlast their quarry driving around in preproduction mules of upcoming models. Mazda's new 6 has already had its exterior snapped (see gallery below), but the interior has also received some attention. A new steering wheel is the most noticeable change compared to the already-revealed European model, though the instruments are also tweaked and the start button has been relocated closer to the shifter. Hopefully we'll meet the new 2009 Mazda6 in person in just a couple weeks at the 2008 New York Auto Show, because if not, we'll have to wait until at least the end of year at the next LA Auto Show.
[Source: Inside Line]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
DJ @ Mar 11th 2008 10:07AM
This looks to be a production ready model, so I don't see Mazda holding off for 8 months to show it in LA. It's gotta be NY.
That said, this is gorgeous! Makes the Accord look like a brick and the Camry like the little old man's car that it is. By the way, anyone else seeing A LOT of European Ford Mondeo in the rear 3/4th's?
psarhjinian @ Mar 11th 2008 10:08AM
Mazda has some of the nicest steering wheels: clean, simple three-spokers. No gimmicks (Saab), bizarre layouts (Mitsu, Honda), thin-rim retro treatment (Ford).
You touch this part of the car daily. You'd think people would try to keep it appearling.
Chopper Dave @ Mar 11th 2008 12:11PM
What do you consider to be the gimmicks in the Saab wheels?
(Oh, maybe the plastic inserts in the current 9-3 models? If so, then yeah, ewwwww ....)
psarhjinian @ Mar 11th 2008 12:39PM
I'm talking about the metallic batwing inserts. They're either cold or hot and they're distracting as they scythe through your vision. A normal leather wheel is fine, thanks.
Generally, I think the new 9-3 is an improvement over the NG900/9-3, but detail fussiness (the plain gauges augmented by rings and markings, the cluttered console (pre-2007) is annoying. The steering wheel is just the most obvious target for scorn.
Jimesq @ Mar 11th 2008 10:22AM
It looks good.
R Stowman @ Mar 11th 2008 10:27AM
LOL, already on sale in AUstralia
Moe @ Mar 11th 2008 12:42PM
Nice try, but no. What you're getting in Australia is the global model. There's a North America specific version, that while similar-looking, is completely different. It looks slightly different, and is supposed to be larger. I'm also putting my money on that version going to the Middle East.
Jay @ Mar 11th 2008 1:41PM
I think you'll be surprised when you find out the US car basically the same car as the Euro version. Yes a few minor facia changes and maybe a slight change to the front cross-member to fit the V6 but really the same car. Especially the 4cly.
stealth @ Mar 11th 2008 10:31AM
are you kidding?
this looks so childish.
the old mazda6 looks so much better. so much more stylish.
sr20de @ Mar 11th 2008 10:46AM
Maybe I'm old fashioned but oddly-shaped exhaust tips annoy me and turn me off immediately. The IS-F is by far the worst of the lot.
Toby Robson @ Mar 11th 2008 10:57AM
V6, 6M, graphite blue. Please. Zoom Zoom
Iso @ Mar 11th 2008 11:15AM
I want them to bring back the "Blazing Copper" color. It was/is beautiful. I have no idea why they killed it. :(
It would be nice if they made MazdaSpeed versions of all types of the 6. I'd buy a MazdaSpeed 6 5-door in a heartbeat. I have an '04 5-door. I can't imagine living without the hatch, it's come in handy way too often.
Toby Robson @ Mar 11th 2008 11:43AM
V6, 6M, graphite blue. Please. Zoom Zoom
mole @ Mar 11th 2008 10:58AM
I thought that this model is already on sale? I saw it being displayed at a shopping mall in Singapore since weeks ago. sr20de: I find the IS-F very nice except the fake muffler tips.
SPG @ Mar 11th 2008 11:30AM
Very sharp looking interior.
I think it will age quite well.
Toby Robson @ Mar 11th 2008 11:43AM
V6, 6M, graphite blue. Please. Zoom Zoom
Toby Robson @ Mar 11th 2008 11:46AM
WOAH! Browser meltdown. Sorry All!
Toby Robson @ Mar 11th 2008 11:43AM
V6, 6M, graphite blue. Please. Zoom Zoom
Mr. Oak @ Mar 11th 2008 12:37PM
This looks a little lumpy. Though bland the old 6 was a more fluid design.
Now, I hear people rave about the Mazda 3 and Mazdaspeed 3, which is supposed to be a level down from the 6. I drove current model 6 for 4 weeks, was not impressed. Car was a little skittish on less that perfect road surface, and was awfully boomy for a 3 box sedan. I would hate to hear what the wagon or the lesser 3 sound like.
3rdgear=heaven @ Mar 11th 2008 1:28PM
The only thing you'll hear in my Speed3 is shhhhhh, boom. Then I'm gone.
Seriously, though, I'd love to see a speed6 sportwagon.