Description and history of the car Mazda 6 (Atenza)

Mazda 6 - a mid-size D-class family car, which has been produced since 2002 by the Japanese automaker Mazda Motor. In China and Japan it is called «Mazda Atenza». Replaced the previous model «Capella/626» produced since 1970. From the start of production until 2017, about 800,000 Mazda 6 vehicles were sold in North America.

The engine is located transversely in front, the torque is transmitted to the front wheels, there are also models with all-wheel drive. The body is available as a sedan, hatchback or station wagon. The main competitors are the following vehicles from other manufacturers − Honda Accord, Citroёn C5, Ford Mondeo, Audi A4, Volkswagen Passat, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Teana, Peugeot 508, Renault Laguna, Skoda Superb, Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy and Opel Insignia.

First generation (GG, 2002−2008)

In May 2002, the production of the first generation Mazda 6 was launched with the code «GG», platform based «Mazda GG». The shapes and sizes of the bodies were as follows - 4-door sedan (length: 4670 mm, width: 1781 mm, height: 1435 mm), 5 door hatchback (length: 4670 mm, width: 1781 mm, height: 1435 mm) and station wagon (length: 4700 mm, width: 1781 mm, height: 1480 mm). The salon had three trim levels, called differently in different countries. Torque is directed to the front wheels in most countries, while all-wheel drive models are available in Japan, Europe and Australia. Cars were assembled in Japan, the USA and China.

The line of gasoline engines includes four models of the following characteristics - 1.8 liters «MZR» (1798 cm³, I4 DOHC, L8, 120 hp), 2.0 liters «MZR» (1999 cm³, I4 DOHC, LF, 147L. with.), 2.3 liters «MZR» (2261 cm³, I4 DOHC, L3, 166 hp And six-cylinder 3.0 liter engine «MZI» (2967 cm³, DOHC V6, 222 hp). There was also one 2.0 liter diesel engine model «MZR-CD» (119-134 hp). Automatic transmissions were 4-speed (4F27E), 5-speed (JF506E and FS5A-EL) and 6-speed (AWTF-80 SC). Manual transmissions were 5-speed (G35M-R and A65M-R) and 6-speed (G36M-R).

In 2006, the car was restyled.

Mazda 6 took second place in the award «European Car of the Year» for 2003 and was in the same year in the list of 10 best cars according to the magazine «Car and Driver». Universal won the award «Best Allrounder» V «Canadian Car of the Year», while the sports sedan won the award there «Best family car» for 2005. Universal also won the award «Best car» in 2004 according to the magazine «What Car?». Also in 2003, the car won an award «Irish Car of the Year». In addition, the first generation Mazda6 has many lesser-known awards.

Second generation (GH, 2007−2012)

In September 2007, at the international show in Frankfurt, the second generation of the Mazda 6 was presented to the public with the code «GH». The car is built on a platform «Mazda GH», which Ford uses as its own with the name «CD3». As before, three body types are produced - a 4-door sedan, a 5-door hatchback and a station wagon. Body dimensions in North America are - length 4920 mm, width 1839 mm, height 1471 mm; for the rest of the world, length 4735-4785 mm, width 1795 mm, height 1440-1490 mm. The drag coefficient of the sedan body is 0.27, the station wagon is 0.28. Production was in Japan and China.

The line of petrol engines includes three 4-cylinder in-line engines with the code «MZR» 1.8 liters (1798 cm³, I4, 120 hp), 2.0 liters (1999 cm³, I4, 147 y. with.) and 2.5 liters (2488 cm³, I4, 170 hp), as well as one six-cylinder engine with a volume of 3.7 liters «MZI» (3728 cm³, V6, 273 hp). Diesel engine one 2.2 liter «MZR-CD» 125, 163 and 185 hp Automatic transmissions two models - 5-speed (FS5A-EL) and 6-speed (AWTF-80 SC). There are also two models of manual gearboxes - 5-speed and 6-speed (G36M-R).

2010 Model of the Year Awarded «Family Car of the Year» from the magazine «What Car?». In 2010, the car was restyled. Outwardly, the grille, headlights and taillights have changed. Inside, the front seats and dashboard have been changed. There were also minor improvements in the chassis design. The 2009 model has been tested by the European committee Euro NCAP, you can see the crash test results in the table at the very bottom of the article.

Mazda6 GH, hatchback

Mazda6 GH, wagon

Mazda6 GH, interior

Third generation (GJ, GL, 2012-present)

August 29, 2012 at the Moscow International Automobile Salon was shown the third generation sedan with the code «GJ», and in September of the same year, a station wagon was presented at the Paris Motor Show. Two body styles available - 4-door sedan (length: 4865 mm, width: 1840 mm, height: 1450 mm) and 5-door station wagon (length: 4800 mm, width: 1840 mm, height: 1480 mm). Design «Mazda 6 GJ1» was very highly rated by auto experts and became a finalist in the competition «World Design 2013». The car was assembled in Japan (Hofu and Hiroshima), China (Changchun) and Rossi (Vladivostok).

The car is equipped with two four-cylinder petrol engines «SkyActiv-G» volume 2.0 (1998 cm³) liters with a capacity of 150 hp and 2.5 liters (2488 cm³) 192 hp You can also choose a diesel engine «SkyActiv-D» 2.2 liters (2191 cm³) 150 and 175 hp Two gearboxes were installed, both 6-speed - automatic from the family «SkyActiv-Drive» and mechanical from the family «SkyActiv-MT».

The 2013 station wagon model was tested for safety by the European agency Euro NCAP, you can see the crash test results in the table below. In May 2016, the model was restyled and a new code was assigned «GL». In November 2017 at the International Auto Show in Los Angeles, the updated Mazda 6 model was presented as a 2018 model. The changes affected the exterior design, trim and interior design, as well as new electronic technologies such as «i-Activsense» (driver assistance), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Mazda6 GL, sedan

Mazda6 GL, sedan, back view

Mazda6 GL, interior