A Brief Look at the Mazda 6
The Early Years: First Generation Mazda 6 (2002–2008)
The Mazda 6, initially known as the Mazda Atenza, was first introduced in 2002. The first generation Mazda 6 was developed to replace the Mazda 626. This new model was an entry-level mid-sized car with a hatchback or sedan body style. The first-generation Mazda 6 possessed a 2.3L four-cylinder engine and produced between 160-170 horsepower.
During its initial release, the Mazda 6 received high praise for its design, handling capabilities and driving dynamics. The car’s design was heavily influenced by the ‘sport coupe’ concept body lines, which gave it a sleek and sporty look compared to its contemporary sedans. Additionally, the Mazda 6 was one of the first models from the brand to feature the iconic grille design, now a trademark of the company.
Mazda made several sub-models for the Mazda 6 during the first generation. The “Sport” sub-model helped to further enhance the vehicle’s athleticism and power while the “Grand Touring” sub-model provided additional luxury features for the vehicle’s passengers.
The Second Coming: Second Generation Mazda 6 (2008–2012)
In 2008, Mazda introduced the second-generation Mazda 6. The new model came with several updates including a new design and an optional 272-horsepower V6 engine for the first time in the Mazda 6 history. The new model had a sportier design that gave it a more aggressive front and rear appearance. The 2nd-generation also featured increased interior space, and the improved driving dynamics envied by all driving enthusiasts.
The second-generation Mazda 6 was introduced with soft-touch plastics and high-quality materials, making it one of the most attractive and accommodating cars in its segment. The Grand Touring sub-model returned to the 2nd generation and provided much more luxurious features on both the exterior and interior of the car.
Reshaping the Future: Third Generation Mazda 6 (2014-2020)
The third-generation Mazda 6 was introduced in 2014. This model further enhanced the sportiness of Mazda’s mid-size car, with significant enhancements to fuel efficiency and styling.
The exterior design featured an aerodynamic appearance, with a widened stance and longer hood giving the car a more aggressive look on the road. Under the hood, the Mazda 6 came with a SKYACTIV 2.5-liter engine capable of producing 184 horsepower. During this generation, Mazda also introduced its latest active safety features, including blindspot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts.
The interior of the Mazda 6 offered a luxury-like experience with impressive soundproofing, leather seats, and high-quality materials. The Grand Touring sub-model made its way back into the Mazda 6 line-up providing even more luxury features.
The Future is Now: Fourth Generation Mazda 6 (2021-Present)
The much-awaited fourth-generation Mazda 6 came with important enhancements, including a completely new design and an all-new inline-four 2.5-liter turbo engine capable of producing over 250 horsepower. It was also equipped with cylinder deactivation, enabling it to run on only two cylinders in low-stress situations to save fuel.
Mazda heavily redesigned the exterior design language of the vehicle, giving it an imposing presence on the road. The car has an aggressive grille and sports a completely new version of Mazda’s famed three-bar taillights.
The interior of the Mazda 6 was also more focused on providing comfort, quality, and luxury to its passengers. Mazda introduced a larger 8-inch infotainment system coupled with a Bose Center speaker that delivers an impressive sound system.
RunBidSell Insights
Over nearly two decades of production, the Mazda 6 has become one of the most popular, affordable, and reliable mid-sized cars in the market. It has undergone numerous design refreshes and technological advancements, all while maintaining its reputation for fun-to-drive handling and sleek styling.
The fourth-generation Mazda 6 comes with its own set of benefits, but why you can’t tell whether these changes are the perfect fit for your needs unless you try it yourself. It’s not just about what you need but what you want as well. The Mazda 6 is an incredible vehicle with a fantastic design and high-end features that is worth the wait until you can own it, be it this current iteration or a future redesign.