Mazda 6

Mazda 6

Mazda had made four generations of 626 upper medium sedan/hatchback/estate by the time the company announced the first-generation 6 in 2002. That car was the first of a new generation of Mazdas with the 2, 3 and RX8 following in quick succession. More significantly, it was a critically and commercially successful design. Now, with the second-generation 6 following closely after the announcement of the Mazda 2 at Geneva this year, we are seeing the next wave of mainstream Mazdas.

Based on the architecture of the Mondeo, the 6 is significantly more substantial than its predecessor. Relative to the Ford, the Mazda is lither and its detailing is less busy. The exterior has a similar front fender treatment to that first seen on the 2, which is the main defining feature of the car. Otherwise the design is quite orthodox, well-resolved and contemporary, but lacking strong distinction. And with the new Mondeo having a far more dynamic design identity than previously, the new 6 perhaps also needs more "zoom, zoom"...

Another issue is how Mazda appears to be a generation behind in perceived quality. This can be seen in the location of the side indicator repeater in the fenders and not the door mirrors, and it is even more apparent in the interior. There, the overall theme of the new car develops that established by its predecessor, but the execution lacks the cohesion and material quality of its competitors in the European upper medium sedan class. The round air vents and upper center console black plastic is brittle to the touch and the door handle applique (which is different to the applique on the IP) and lower IP material looks and feels cheap. We expect an early facelift.