Mazda6 Classic Hatch
19 November 2008
Time has caught up with the Mazda6.
The original 6 was a breakthrough car for Mazda and the Japanese car industry, as it was one of the first into the "Euro-Jap" world which combined European looks and driving dynamics with Japanese quality and value.
The new 6, which was totally overhauled this year, still does a great job. And it is still good value.
Lots of people also like the way it looks, the taut chassis, and the roomy cabin.
But. . .
The original 6 was a revolutionary car and this one is only an evolution. That means it is let down by a drivetrain which is not as crisp as some rivals, a ride which is too fiddly with too much road noise, and a package which is not a standout in a world where good is not good enough for Australia.
The latest Honda Accord Euro suffers from similar problems, and also because the original was so good, but that is no excuse when we expect better from the Japanese brand which sets the standard in so many areas.
More about the Mazda6 Classic Hatch
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my wife and I purchased a mazda 6 earlier this year we looked at all the other vehicles in the same class but I just could not get my wife out of the Mazda so bought it full stop ZOOM ZOOM.
Posted by: john kokas - mulgrave 03 December 2008 8:34pm
The Mazda 6 deserves to win car of the year. All mazdas drive well, have great comfort, exceptional extras and good fuel economy. Go the mazda 6.
Posted by: Shane Henry - Sydney 27 November 2008 7:36am
new mazda6 is a improvement on the 2005 model. It looks so much more sporty, it has more room inside, the controls are improved, overall a fantastic car. This deserves to be “car of the year”
Posted by: ron marks - hornsby 25 November 2008 8:43pm
Mazda 6 - classy, fun, zippy - what a combo!
Posted by: Wei Loo - 25 November 2008 10:58am
i own a mazda 6 and you cant beet them for anything
Posted by: joseph - sydney 24 November 2008 9:29pm
Congratulations! The 2008 Car of the Year has to be the Mazda 6.
With the appointed innovations as standard this car is truly outstanding it its field. Can’t do any better in 2008!
Well done Mazda.
Posted by: Gary Sue See - Brisbane 24 November 2008 5:42pm
I think the Mazdas are an exceptional looking vehicle. They are sporty without the pricetag, and have a “solid” appeal unlike other sporty type vehicles. They are roomy without being a big car and every model just has so much appeal. I would love to own one one day. They are elegant, sporty and everyday. Love them.
Posted by: tracey tucker - gold coast 24 November 2008 5:23pm
Mazda is the best car on the market Zoom Zoom
Posted by: JohnUmney - 24 November 2008 4:19pm
I would love to win a Mazda 3, I think the mazda 3 is a very stylish car, it is very fuel efficient. I am a mother of 3 and all the driving around i do from home to school and kindy then shopping it is the perfect car to zip around and still feel like im driving in style. Thankyou.
Posted by: Lynne Kastelanac - Adelaide 24 November 2008 2:58pm
Although the Mazda6 is more of an evolution as suggested, personally, I think some of the negatives are a bit off the mark having driven the 6 classic as this review says. The ride is a bit harsh but the car has sports suspensions (I believe) so that is expected, especially on Australian roads. Also, IMO, this car is also seems pretty quiet as well and drives quite well. Also, this review fails to point out that steering feel in this version is much better and is actually as soon (if not better) that the Audi A4 with quality on pretty much on par with the Audi as well. Most importantly, it is better value than some of the finalist. Other reviews suggest that this and the Euro are actually improvements over the precedesors.
I think this short review is a bit off the mark. Makes we wonder why these and some other worthy cars which should be finalists didn’t make the mark.
Posted by: R - 22 November 2008 7:11pm