I am a very pleased owner of a 2007 GS (4 cylinder), so I am a bit disappointed in Mazda with the (North American) 2009 Mazda6. The new car is bigger (the size of a Camry or Accord), heavier, and less fuel efficient. It is actually bigger than a Ford Fusion (same platform) in both wheelbase, length and curb weight.
My feeling is Mazda wanted to keep costs down, and just took Ford's chassis improvements from the Fusion and put new sheet metal. The only improvement I feel worthy of mentioning is a shorter turning radius (the current model is really huge, and the only minor complaint I have).
The new car is disappointing much like the 2009 Acura TSX, which also seems to have lost its lineage with the JDM and European Honda Accord. The world is going to smaller cars, and I don't think trying to cater to a diminishing market by mimicking the class leaders is a great strategy.
Too bad we aren't getting the world car (Atenza) which is actually lighter, more fuel efficient and more powerful than the outgoing model. I suspect this will not go over here in Quebec, where we love small cars, and where the current 6 is very popular. In fact when I bought my 2007 I was actually shopping for a smaller car, and did not even consider a mid-size. As the smallest mid-size car, it was a great compromise and a truly excellent value.
I think Mazda is blowing it much like Honda has done with the Civic, Acura RSX and TSX, by trying to be more Toyota like. I am not sure they understand that Toyotas are really for people who want trouble-free appliances and not a driving experience.
Check out the comments on the Car & Driver website, I don't seem to be alone.
Link.
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