An Early Look at the Next Mazda6

Many people may not realize how significant the current Mazda6 sedan is. The midsize sedan doesn’t sell at the same clip as the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, but its sporty driving feel is so impressive that Ford based three of its best-selling new models on it, including the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ.

The thing is, the Mazda6 is ready for a redesign, and the company has picked September’s Frankfurt Motor Show as the place to reveal all the details. For now, we have this single image above. The most we can glean from the image is that the front fenders get a much more aggressive look, reminiscent of the company’s trio of concepts from last year: the Nagare, Ryuga and Hakaze. The new Mazda6 will most likely be a 2009 model and go on sale in mid-2008.

What do you think? Will the next Mazda6 be as impressive as the current model?

Comments

I hope Mazda improves the reliability of the 6 series this time around... not to say that 6 series isn't reliable, but bulletproof reliability helps out a lot when it comes to selling in volumes similar to the Camry and Accord.

Very pretty. Let's hope it looks this sharp from all angles.

3 things that the Mazda6 has to battle with, and these are tough battles:

(1) Size - it's smaller than the Accord, Altima & Camry! People (not me) who shop for this class size looks for a large size vehicle, and M6 has always been too small when compare to the big 3 (A, A, & C).
(2) $$$ - As related to pt. #1, consumers pay for LARGE mid-size vehicle, and $ to $, they feel like they pay MORE for the M6, yet getting less (space).
(3) Ford's image - not only M6 has to face battles from w/i (a.k.a. Fusion), but Ford's image has never been good for the lst 10-15 years. Unfortunately, there's really nothing Mazda can do for this.

Unless the next M6 can become larger in size, retains good fuel economy (i.e. a good I4 engine), and sell at around or cheaper than the big 3, the next M6 will only continue to be a niche vehicle.

Very sexy looking!! Let's hope the driving dynamics can match the looks!!

I like the look the look of the fenders above the headlights, which makes it look like it's got a good set of shoulders, but the grille is way too big and reminiscent of a last-gen Camry. If Mazda wants to draw the crowds away from Honda & Toyota, they need to take some risks. The fenders/headlights are a good start, but the grille is awful.

My gosh, we had a couple Mazda6 cars as rentals and have been impressed!!!

The first one was gray, with black leather, V6, and sunroof.

The second was also gray, and we got it because we thought it was the other one. We were disappointed to find out it had no leather, 4 cylinders, or a sunroof. :(

We didnt really test out the V6 though we did know it had some guts, not a lot though (we're used to driving a Charger.)

We did not notice the second Mazda6 was a four cylinder until I popped the hood to check. Since there was less options I figured it had one, but it didn't feel like it. It is a GREAT engine with a nice sound.

This is a great car and hope to snatch one up when the new model come out as a third car.

Only problem was it was too small to be a primary car, but good as a second or third.

The styling is definitely sharp.
But, without the Mazdaspeed6, it is really disappointing how Mazda thinks now.

The grill looks like one from Acura and the rest of the front looks similar to a Saturn Sky. It must be getting hard to be original.

J,
A mazdaspeed6 will most likely come a year or two after the new model is released.

I completely disagree about size.

I know to compete in the US mid-size segment the car has to be Altima/camry sized, but the 6 is a world car. Camry size is too big for Europe and Japan where the 6 compete with Mondeos, Vectras and the Avensis.

Personally, I like cars that are bigger than compacts 3, Cobalt etc., but I find that Camrys and Altimas are too big as a personal driver. Also I can't think of a single Camry sized car that actually looks good or is fun. So I'd prefer the 6 to be a different vehicle instead of trying (and failing) to be a Camry like the Galant.

If the 6 comes a Altima what can I buy? I used to like the Jetta (and owned one). VW killed the appeal of the Jetta so I bought a 6. If they kill the 6, I'd have to go with a 03-05 BMW 3-series (the new one is hideous) or a compact or coupe.

I'm niche and I like my niche car.

I currently live an hour from Frankfurt & am wondering...does anybody know the dates the show will be open 2 the public?? Really looking 4ward 2 seeing the 6 in person, among a few others like the new Vectra(Saturn Aura), etc.! Thanx,D

http://www.iaa.de/index.php?id=378&L=1

has info on the Franfurt show. Enjoy!

Thanx Dave, U rock! I can't wait!

The test mules of the new 6 have shown to be on a stretched platform, so all you wanting a bigger 6 are going to get one. As a current owner of an '03 6, however, I'm completely disappointed in the size increase. I've never had anyone complain about leg room in the rear and the trunk has been more than enough for weekend trips (so long as my bike is on the top of the car!)

The car is also going to have the 3.5L in the new Taurus, so it should have slightly better gas mileage and power.

I wouldn't bet on a Mazdaspeed coming out that quickly Dave. Mazda has generally released Mazdaspeed vehicles a year or two before they are discontinued (or refreshened, if you will) in an effort to drum up excitement for the outgoing model.

I agree with everything Tor said. Also, if the Mazdaspeed 3 had a moonroof I would be buying one in the next 6 months. Alas, the only "hot" hatch there that does is a GTI. So who knows, I might be the owner of a 4-door VDUB soon enough. After owning Mazdas for 8 total years of my life, thats a big disappointing.

It's disapointing how many people think every car on the market should be "just like the Camry". If I want a Camry, I'll buy a Camry.

I'm looking forward to next season's Speed Touring car races. Mazda, Acura and Audi have been great to watch. This looks like it will up the ante. (although the grill DOES look lke the old RSX)

Will there be a new Mazda 6 hatchback?

Will there be a new Mazda 6 hatchback?

I like what I am seeing so far, but we need more pics of the side and back before I will make a final judgment.

Dave, do you know if the body is changing or is this a front facade face lift?

Ranger,
No word on a hatch. My guess would be no on a hatch or wagon.

Jason,
One more month until more photos. It is a complete redesign so yes it will be significantly different all around, and inside too.

i heard through a forum that the new direction Mazda may take is to make their cars into big fat appliances like Camrys and Accords to sell in bigger quantities ... i agree with Tor and Adrock. i got the MZ6 for its more unique looks (didn't want to have my car lost in rows of look-alikes), great handling (Camry is more quiet but wallows like there's no tomorrow). Doesn't being unique count anymore? Adding skirts and wings on a Camry doesn't make it handle any better. Hope the new MZ6 will handle as well as, or better than, the current one to match its new slick look.

DL, I agree with you that the 6 handles better than the Accord and Camry and that's a good thing.

However, to answer your question: "Doesn't being unique count anymore?" When you are a business and your "unique" vehicle isn't selling, than the answer is (unfortunately)-- No.

I hope this time around Ford, err I mean Mazda does not take the styling over the top. The top of the line 6 looks like it belongs in a high school parking lot parked next to a WRX.

i think u refer to the Mazdaspeed6 ... well, you must come from a very affluent community where high school kids can afford WRX's ... perhaps you may refer to the STi with its giant wing in the back. i think i wouldn't mind if i was that rich (to be able to give my kid an STi), and i certainly do like the over-the-top styling of it! ... ;) yes i'm BIASED

Just saw some full pix of the new 6 & it's quite sexy!! The interior is awesome too! Can't wait 2 c it in person at the Frankfurt show!!

PS I see a push button for the ignition but dunno if that's standard or not?! Also the taillights r way kewl too!! It looks awesome in hatchback form, some may side it looks like a Lexus IS from the side!