Mazda6 To Be Unveiled In Frankfurt

Anthony Fontanelle
August 17, 2007

Japanese automaker Mazda recently announced that the new Mazda6 will be unveiled at the upcoming 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The event is slated to be held from September 11 until September 23. The new Mazda6, according to the automaker, is based on the Ford Mondeo. The new sedan is said to embody the Zoom Zoom driving dynamics that the automaker prides itself in.

Along with the announcement, the automaker released an official picture of the sedan. By looking at the picture of the new Mazda6, one can see its resemblance to the RX8 sportscar and the Mazda3. But the new sedan has its own unique look, thanks to the smooth lines on its front fascia.

According to Mazda’s press release: “The all-new Mazda6 arrives as a full redesign of Mazda’s first model to embody the Zoom-Zoom product philosophy, offering a thrilling drive to all those who still remember the love of motion first experienced as a child.” The Mazda6 is the follow-up of the automaker to the new Mazda2. The said new hatchback is smaller than its predecessor thus there are speculations that the new Mazda6 may be smaller than the existing models.

“Following the all-new Mazda2, the new Mazda6 is the second Mazda new generation product to evolve to the next stage, further deepening the emotional connection between man and machine,” according to the automaker.

The new Mazda6 using Ford’s platform for the Mondeo means that the Japanese automaker has dropped the CD3 platform which it has been using for the past models. This shift in terms of the platform being used is part of Ford’s turnaround plan. The Dearborn automaker has shares in Mazda and the two automakers are sharing platforms to cut down cost in the manufacturing process.

The Ford Mondeo has been well received in Europe and this might be something that Mazda will use in its marketing of the new Mazda6. According to Edmunds, the leading online source of auto information, the design of the Mazda6 is more European than Japanese. Thus this means that the new Mazda6 was created for the satisfaction of loyal Mazda enthusiasts. The level of acceptance of the Mazda6 though is still to be gauged as a full review of the vehicle is yet to be released. Specifications are also not yet announced. Reliability expectation is high since Mazda6 parts are known to be dependable.

For the 2008 model year, with the unveiling and subsequent release of the Mazda6, a trim level that has been offered in past models will be missing. Mazda will be discontinuing production of a wagon variant of the Mazda6. The dropping of the wagon version might hurt sales of the automaker but Mazda is looking to focus only on the current demand. The wagon is now almost extinct as more and more consumers are choosing crossover SUVs for their daily drivers.

Regardless of the wagon variant discontinuation, the automaker is expected to attract consumers with the new Mazda6. The Mazda2 was well received and has earned favorable reviews from auto journalists and it will not be surprising if the new Mazda6 receives the same accolade.

Source:  Amazines.com