11 Sep 07
The longer, wider and taller new version of one of Mazda's best ever sellers in Europe goes on sale soon. Sharing most of its underpinnings with the excellent new Ford Mondeo, the sleek 6 comes in hatchback, saloon and estate form, and has been designed to be roomier, more comfortable and more refined, as well as sharper-handling and more driver-focussed.
The car's increased external dimensions are reflected in the increased interior space. There's more shoulder room, and 13mm more knee-room for rear-seat passengers. The seat folding mechanism has been improved, and in the estate the luggage cover now moves up automatically when the tailgate is opened.
The cabin has been upgraded for a higher-quality feel, with new dashboard and instrument panel, and the steering, brakes and suspension are all revised. New equipment on offer will include adaptive front lighting, parking sensors and active head restraints, plus a keyless entry system and eight-speaker Bose hi-fi.
A new electric power steering system, similar to the RX-8's, replaces the old car's hydraulic set-up, which improves fuel economy by 2%. The double-wishbone front suspension subframe is now mounted to the more rigid body structure in six places, not four, allowing the fitment of more compliant suspension bushes, and new dampers have been fitted to the rear multi-link layout, promising improved stability as well as ride comfort. Larger front brake discs and master cylinder are added, and the aerodynamics have also been enhanced, even for the estate.
The engine line-up includes an all-new 2.5-litre petrol engine, developed from the outgoing 2.3. With larger displacement and freer-flowing intake and exhaust ports, it gives improved torque mid-range, and develops 170bhp. The 1.8- and 2.0-litre petrol units, and the 2.0 diesel, continue little changed.
Also on show at Frankfurt is the RX-8 Anniversary, celebrating 40 years since Mazda's first rotary-engined car, the Cosmo Sport, went on sale. This limited-edition coupe, with the 231bhp high-output engine, has sports suspension with Bilstein dampers, extra soundproofing, special 10-spoke 18" alloy wheels, blue foglamps and 40th Anniversary logos. It comes in white or grey.
Check out the rest of our Frankfurt Motor Show coverage
