2003 Mazda 6 series (photos and video included)

Parrotheader

Diamond Member
Dec 22, 1999
3,434
2
0
Even though I'm probably still a year away from getting a new car I was getting excited looking at all the new models coming out. The Altima in particular has caught my eye due to its relatively low price for strong power. I'm still not 100% sure that I'd want to pay extra for a 6 cylinder. There's just WAY too many things I could do with that extra money and 175hp from a 4 cylinder makes the Altima even more attractive (a lot better than my current 110hp anyway.)

The Camry has just been redesigned into an uglier form IMO. The Accord has an upcoming redesign but they're being very hush hush about it. Engine power will probably increase, but if it looks anything like the new Civics it'll half to be a fantastic price for me to consider it personally. Then I thought about Mazda. I love the styling of the Millenia, but unless I buy used it's more than I want to spend. The current 626 is nice, but bland and VERY underpowered in 4-cylinder form. I poked around and saw that this model will be TOTALLY redesigned next year. If it's ANYTHING like the photos below (granted these are professional shots of top-end models) then I might seriously consider this over the Altima. I like the styling of it much better although these two reports give conflicting views of the engine power. It's agreed that the 6 cylinder will be about 220hp while the 4 cylinder is reported anywhere between 160 to 178hp. Either way though, I'd personally probably be willing to sacrifice a little on horsepower for the styling. Gotta wait awhile though :eek:

Article from Edmunds.com
Article from CanadianDriver.com (better photos)
Video Preview from Edmunds.com
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
47
91
Yeah man, the new 6 is HOT! :) I also prefer the styling of the new 6 to the new Camry. While I like the new Camry's design, it's a big "bloated" and tall for my tastes. I'd still wait on the Accord though. I'm guessing that it'll get the 3.2 liter V6 from the low-end CL along with an optional 6-speed.

Honda is stating that this will be the most dramatic redesign yet.
 

BigSmooth

Lifer
Aug 18, 2000
10,484
12
81
Funny, I almost posted a link to this article at AutoWeek this morning.

The 6 looks pretty good, once again I am not a fan of the clear tail lights but it looks much better overall than the 626.
One advantage the 6 will have is that it will also be offered in wagon and hatchback form, which I think is a great idea right now.
 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
5
0
The 6 is nice.. I like it.
got some pics of that one at the auto show too.. very nice car... it's a good year for new sporty sedans!
 

Poontos

Platinum Member
Mar 9, 2000
2,799
0
0
A very nice looking sedan! If was 30 and was in the market for a mid-class sedan, I would be at the dealer signing the papers! :D
 

Parrotheader

Diamond Member
Dec 22, 1999
3,434
2
0
219HP is still a good bit less than the Altima's V6, but it's still extremely healthy compared to what it is now. I'll probably opt for a 4-banger whenever I get a new car though (assuming the 4 cylinder is fairly powerful like nearly all of them seem to be now.)
 

Parrotheader

Diamond Member
Dec 22, 1999
3,434
2
0
I would assume they'll probably be in the same price bracket as the Accord and Camry. They'll also be using this car to replace the Millenia too though so I'm wondering if the higher trim models will be extra expensive.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,345
126
I'll take a hatchback in the "arrest me yellow" please! :)

My guess would be that a decked out 6 cyl will run mid 20's. Mazda really needs to be careful. They are brining in a smaller car with less horsepower than it's competitors. They either really need to deck it out with "standard options", or price it very competively or else their sales will be in the gutter.

 

GreenGhost

Golden Member
Oct 11, 1999
1,272
1
81
Nice, and it also comes in a "station wagon" version. I always liked the style of the small wagons, esp. the Audi Avant (or whatever the name is). Maybe finally these stupid SUV's will go away. I hate them as much as a '73 Pontiac, or any other bathtub of the time.

My MX-3 V6 is 10 years old now. That's amazing, and at the same time depressing (where did these 10 years go?). Incredible how good the thing still is, driving it is always a great pleasure. Maybe I will never sell it.
 

Cooltech2k

Banned
Feb 9, 2001
2,001
1
0


<< wish they had made the Mazda 626 MPS instead. Although the new 6 is hot as hell.. the MPS was just awesome.

http://www.mazdafun.com/news mps.htm
>>



Oh Man that is Awesome, Whats Even More Awesome is that that engine Bolts Straight into my Probe GT (Everything Fits) Wich Means that if Anything with that Engine Gets Released here in the States there will be even More Performance parts For me to Choose From...
 

mithrandir2001

Diamond Member
May 1, 2001
6,545
1
0


<< i think Honda is going to use the TL engine. I think it's going to come with a 6 speed >>


Is there a line on this in Vegas? I like to make a bet that the Accord will NOT have a 6 speed. No way! (Not that I don't want one, but I just find the possibility tremendously remote...especially if it is mated to a V6.)
 

LAUST

Diamond Member
Sep 13, 2000
8,957
1
81
Looks like a nice car minus the snorkler tail lights :/

Why is that becoming the new fad :(

But other then those... looks nice :)