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Article and Awards
2008 MAZDA MAZDA3 OVERVIEW
The perfect sedan for an active lifestyle, the 2008 MAZDA3 delivers a total driving experience far greater than its price tag would have buyers believe. Offering European sophistication, exhilarating driving performance, advanced technology and best-in-class safety, the MAZDA3 is a leader in the compact sedan segment and continues to be Mazda’s best-selling vehicle globally. |
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THE ALL NEW 2009 MAZDA6 HAS ARRIVED !
EdmundS“One element of the Mazda 6 that hasn't changed is the way it communicates with the driver. The lively feel of the current-generation Mazda 6 has been one of the few reasons to consider it over the competition, and none of that responsiveness has been lost.” –Ed Hellwig, Edmunds
“… the new cabin looks and feels like a top-tier midsize sedan.” –Ed Hellwig, Edmunds
“The 2009 Mazda 6 now sits squarely in the middle of the midsize family sedan segment. It's no longer the sedan to buy just to be different, although its appealing shape still counts for something in a class dominated by soulless styling.” –Ed Hellwig, Edmunds
“…the Mazda 6 remains closer to a sport sedan than any of its competitors. Throw in an expected starting price of just over $19,000 for the base four-cylinder and the Mazda 6 competes well on the value scale, too.” –Ed Hellwig, Edmunds
“Bigger, stronger, and the most fun you can have in a family sedan” –Ed Hellwig, Edmunds
“It feels like an Audi A6, that’s has several hundred pounds removed” –Ed Hellwig, Edmunds
“… The quality of the materials and clean overall design keep it inviting” –Ed Hellwig, Edmunds
Car and Driver
“After a few hours of driving early preproduction samples around southern California, we think mission accomplished. Steering is light and alive, yet it grooves in on straight ahead when the path calls for it. Slack has been zeroed out of brake-pedal motion. Ride is well controlled without being harsh, and noises, both road and wind, are dialed way back. Bottom line: The Mazda 6 was never like this. Think Mazda 7.” –Pat Bedard, Car and Driver
“The 2009 model leapfrog’s Camry dimensions” –Pat Bedard, Car and Driver
“Mission Accomplished” –Pat Bedard, Car and Driver
“Expect , also, a no-excuses Camry/Accord contender this time” –Pat Bedard, Car and Driver
Automotive News
“For the 2009 redesign, Mazda created a modified, larger platform just for the U.S. market, creating a true rival to the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.” –Mark Rechtin, Automotive News
“Its base engine goes toe-to-toe with the segment leaders, and the optional V-6 is the largest and most powerful in the competitive set. Add to that the sporty styling that has become a Mazda hallmark, and the chances to conquest from the Big 3 Japanese entrants just got a lot better.” –Mark Rechtin, Automotive News
“Definitely sportier in appearance, the Mazda6 now has the features and size to go toe-to-toe with the competition. Look at what happened when the Mazda3 succeeded the dowdy Protege. If Mazda can get the word out properly, the same sales success could occur with the Mazda6.” –Mark Rechtin, Automotive News
The summer of 2008 just got a whole lot brighter with the much anticipated arrival of the all-new MAZDA 6. One look and you'll immediately see why. The exquisite craftsmanship and well-balanced, attractive styling is set-off with a sporty, sophisticated flare, sure to captivate and indulge your senses. The 2009 MAZDA 6 is the first of Mazda's "Zoom-Zoom Evolution" second-generation vehicles, building on a heritage of sports sedans and sports cars that no other manufacturer can boast.
Superior Performance
The 2009 MAZDA6 will be available with two engine options: an all-new Mazda-designed and developed MZR 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a powerful 3.7-liter V6.
Choose between a 6-speed manual or 5-speed Sport AT with manual-shift mode on the 4-cylinder, or a 6-speed Sport AT with manual-shift mode for the V6. The drive-train is supported by an all-independent suspension with standard 4-wheel disc brakes, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)†. The MAZDA6 also features the signature balance, dynamics and on-road feel all Mazdas are known for — but with unparalleled reductions in road noise and vibrations — that set the MAZDA6 apart from its competition.
Exclusively Designed for North America
The all-new MAZDA6 has been precisely designed and engineered specifically for the North American market to take on some of the best in the industry. The 2009 North American MAZDA6 is larger inside and out, and features unique styling and a more powerful engine than the similarly-named car selling elsewhere in the world. It will be available only as a four-door sedan in three trim levels — Sport, Touring and Grand Touring, with varying levels of standard and optional equipment.
Advanced Features
The very well-equipped 2009 MAZDA6 is dressed to impress with a striking array of available technology such as the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System, DVD navigation system, Bluetooth® hands-free phone capability†† and the segment-exclusive Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System**. Additional standard and available features include Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) and conveniences such as a moonroof and power windows, door locks and mirrors.
"If the customers want features, then the new MAZDA6 puts check marks in the right boxes there, too, with side and curtain airbags, stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and tire-pressure monitoring on all models."
— CARandDRIVER.com 05.2008 (First Drive Review)
"Bigger, Stronger and the Most Fun You Can Have in a Family Sedan."
— Edmunds.com 05.2008 (First Drive Test)
| HERE IS WHAT IS BEING SAID OF THE NEW 2009 MAZDA6 |
The first MAZDA6 media comments have been published, and overall, the tone is very positive with comments like “Camry killer”, “refined”, “stylish”, and “quality” interspersed through most reviews. Mentions are also positive referring to both engines and transmissions, as well as well-weighted steering and brakes. Styling is compared to Lexus and dynamics to Audi’s A6.
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Mazda CX-9
"Exceptional value, superiority in its class, and most significant development on the new SUV scene"
Now see what Motor Trend has to say about the Mazda3,
Mazda is only competitor to be
SULEV-rated and have
standard Xenon headlamps
and LED taillamps.
3's Good Company
Significantly freshened for 2007, the
Mazda3 has been a staff favorite since
it hit the scene back in 2004. Sure, we
adore this little 3, but would its good
graces be enough to top this list? Of
course not-it would once again have to
prove it was worthy of the crown. To the
test sheets and notebooks!
Power for our 3s Grand Touring comes
from a 2.3-liter twin-cam four, good for
156 horsepower and 150 pound-feet,
numbers that place it midpack. As expected, acceleration times-0-to-60
in 8.5 and the quarter mile in 16.6 at 84.1-aligned accordingly, placing it
second out of four. In objective handling and braking tests, though, the 3
"drinks the others' chocolate milk," as technical editor Reynolds puts it.
Around the skidpad, the 3 runs circles around its competitors, gripping
for 0.86 g, which equals the lateral acceleration of a Mini Cooper S.
Figure eight? Posting a time of 27.5 seconds at 0.61 g, figure it the best
here, not to mention superior to the Hemi-powered Dodge Charger R/T
that dispatched 27.8 at 0.63 in last month's comparison. Perhaps most
impressive is the Mazda's 60-to-0, which, at 112 feet, matches that of the
all-new Pontiac G8 GT.
Out on the drive loop, our notes mirror these fantastic stats. "Always
impressed by the dynamics," claims Loh, adding, "Steering feel is best of
the group." Harwood opines, "This is the sportiest of the four, and the
one I want." St. Antoine says, "Nothing else in this field feels so lively
and well-planted-you can feel the racing DNA in the 3's bones."
Speaking of racing, Mazda sets up the
3's manual mode right-forward for
downshifts, back for upshifts-giving it a
feel befitting a racetrack. Alas, the
tranny did occasionally suffer from
"erratic gear tenacity," in which it
refused to engage a higher or lower cog
upon input. Besides that one niggle,
there's little to carp about with the 3,
particularly with its interior. The seating position is excellent and
especially driver-focused, as all the controls have seemingly graduated
from ergonomics school with honors. Further, interior detailing is posh
and stylish, and such details as electroluminescent gauges and
automatic climate control are uncommon features at this price point.
And what about that price point? Our topline GT starts at $20,830 and,
with an auto-dimming mirror and a moonroof/Bose package, lists for
$23,315. Keep in mind that includes leather, heated seats, and Xenon
headlamps. We should also note that the slightly decontented Touring
trim retails for $19,060.
Regardless of trim, the 3 manages to deliver the ultimate small-car
driving experience. As St. Antoine states, "It feels an awful lot like
another '3'-one that stickers for about twice the price." Not only did it win
this test, but it did so with flying colors.
1ST PLACE - MAZDA CX-9 GRAND TOURING AWD
"The premium blend of performance, utility, and value."
— Motor Trend 06/2007 Comparison Test: 2007 Acura MDX, 2007 GMC Acadia SLT AWD, 2007 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD
"A CROSSOVER THAT'S JUST ABOUT PERFECT"
"As good a blend of tight precision and comfortable compliance as exists in the SUV world, mainstream or luxury"
— USA TODAY, 02/2007 (Test Drive: CX-9)
"Mazda CX-9 is a winner, offering up a degree of style and spirited performance in a category of vehicle not known for it."
— Road & Track
Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2007
Every year, the Edmunds.com editors gather to ponder that eternal question, "What cars or trucks would we most want to park in our garage?" For the 2007 model year our editors have once again scoured the entire automotive spectrum looking for their favorite vehicles. What they've came up with are the Edmunds.com Editors' Most Wanted cars and trucks for 2007.
SUV Under $35,000
Winner: 2007 Mazda CX-9
Mazda's CX-9, the company's largest vehicle ever, is a crossover that combines sleek styling with available all-wheel drive and quite a bit of zoom-zoom. But unlike its little brother, the honorably mentioned CX-7, it also packs a third-row seat, which is becoming a must-have feature for family vehicles. The CX-9 is powered by an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 263 horsepower. Front- or all-wheel drive is managed by a well-sorted six-speed automatic transmission with shifts that are smooth and positive. Available in three trim levels, the CX-9 never stickers for above $34,000. As always, Mazda turns up the dial on driving fun, and this year's winner is no exception to that rule.
Honorable Mention: 2007 Mazda CX-7
Want a little more zip and a little less space than this year's winner? Try Mazda's turbocharged CX-7 that has many of the 9's features but with a lower price tag and no third-row seat. Combining design cues from the MX-5 Miata and RX-8, this crossover provides plenty of cargo room and an all-wheel-drive option. The 2.3-liter inline-4, shared with the Mazdaspeed 6, is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, while its handling benefits from fully independent suspension and ventilated disc brakes at all four corners. Its sporty cabin design, with its buttoned-down handling, tight steering, rapid acceleration and strong brakes, almost make one forget this is a family car.
Reprinted from Edmunds.com
Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2007 Sedan Under $25,000
 Winner: 2007 Mazda 6
The 2007 Mazda 6 and Mazdaspeed 6 hold a special place among those who have driven them. While slotted in a budget-based glorified economy car segment, the 6 offers comfort, capability and class for a surprisingly affordable price. Fun to drive, with smooth power delivery from the automatic, the 6 features a slick-shifting manual transmission if you so choose. Design is simple and tasteful inside and out. Increasing the value proposition is the addition of more safety features, with antilock brakes, traction control and side curtain airbags now standard on every 6. Perhaps the only drawback to the 6 is the lack of oomph under the hood when compared with the competition. But if that's a problem, step up to the turbocharged Mazdaspeed 6.
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| Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2007 |
Wagon Under $20,000
 Winner: 2007 Mazda 3
We love the Mazda 3. It has exceptional handling, spirited engines, powerful brakes, upscale styling (inside and out) and excellent build and materials quality. Its performance and composure make for a fun ride, especially for a small wagon. Labeled a "five-door" by Mazda, the 3 offers 17 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and a considerable 31 when they're folded. Enthusiasts looking for fun will find it in the tight steering and road grip, yet it's civilized and smooth enough to make for an enjoyable everyday ride. The Mazdaspeed version, new this year, takes small-car fun to a new level with its 263-horsepower turbocharged engine and tighter chassis tuning.
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| Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2007 |
Convertible Under $25,000
 Winner: 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Despite the threat of the sexy GM wonder twins, the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky, the Mazda MX-5's refined nature makes it the indisputable king of the $25K drop tops. Last year, Mazda gave its pint-sized roadster a full redesign. Now representing the car's third generation, it's roomier and more powerful, but still as fun as it ever was. Although tuned for a smoother ride than before, the 2007 Mazda Miata still changes direction like a roller skate and speaks to you clearly through the steering wheel and driver seat. And a new power-retractable hardtop (PRHT) version makes the MX-5 an affordable alternative to luxury cars similar in concept, as well as tough competition for all others in its segment.
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| Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2007 |
SUV Under $35,000
 Winner: 2007 Mazda CX-9
Mazda's CX-9, the company's largest vehicle ever, is a crossover that combines sleek styling with available all-wheel drive and quite a bit of zoom-zoom. But unlike its little brother, the honorably mentioned CX-7, it also packs a third-row seat, which is becoming a must-have feature for family vehicles. The CX-9 is powered by an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 263 horsepower. Front- or all-wheel drive is managed by a well-sorted six-speed automatic transmission with shifts that are smooth and positive. Available in three trim levels, it never stickers for above $34,000. As always, Mazda turns up the dial on driving fun, and this year's winner is no exception to that rule.
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