i Touring 4dr Sedan
2009 Mazda Mazda6

Click on the image above for our high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda6 The 2009 Mazda6 is an all-new midsize sedan from Mazda that was designed, engineered, developed, and will be manufactured completely on U.S. soil. While the Japanese and European markets have been enjoying the new 6 (Atenza) since late last year, the North American market finally gets to bask in the sleek new bodywork, along with a bigger engine under the hood. Follow the jump to see if the latest product from team "Zoom-Zoom" can compete head-to-head with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima. %Gallery-27924% All photos copyright Michael Harley / Weblogs Inc. Mazda explains "Zoom-Zoom" as "...the exhilaration and liberation from experiencing the emotion of motion." We're in Southern California, and Mazda is telling us the all-new second-generation Mazda6, like the first one introduced in 2003, evokes Zoom-Zoom. We didn't exactly feel tingly with the last model (the MazdaSpeed6 would be the exception), so we walked out to the new car with key in hand to see if we are going to be feeling "it" with the new car. We've seen plenty of the Mazda6 over the past year. Off the show stage and on the road, our original thoughts are confirmed. First, it's unmistakably Mazda. Second, the 6 doesn't look nearly as painfully boring as its predecessor. Third, it's an attractive package from just about any angle. It's apparent that Mazda designers gave the new model a serious injection of excitement. The sedan now sports a stylish front end with upswept headlights and muscular front quarter panels (think RX-8). The ho-hum door guard strip is gone, and a sleek chrome accent now surrounds the windows and continues to the middle of the C-pillar beyond the end of the door. The LED tail lamps feature elegant accents that tie into the chrome brightwork on the trunk. The six-cylinder model features metallic faux exhaust surrounds to complete the styling look, while the four-cylinder has to make-do with traditional dual pipes on the right side. Compared to the outgoing model, the new Madza6 is 6.1 inches longer, 2.3 inches wider, and sits on a wheelbase that has stretched 4.5 inches. Even with the increased dimensions, the new car hides the size well. The interior of the Mazda6 is tastefully appointed, and very welcoming, as well. Contrasting colors and textures nicely mix, and unique glossy "patterned" trim (it's not fake wood, nor is it fake carbon fiber) looks interesting and classy without appearing gaudy. Like the previous model, the primary gauges are backlit with an orange glow over black dials. Bright brushed metallic finishes accent the dials, steering wheel, and console. We did find ourselves having to reach forward to touch the controls on the sat-nav as the unit sits further from the driver than anything else. The screen is mounted at an angle, which could make viewing difficult in direct sunlight. Polarized sunglass owners will note that their lenses block out some of the gauges. As …
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