New model Mazda 6

[nickdrinkwater]

Just seen these pictures on autocar.co.uk:





Looks better than the outgoing model. 

The new 6 follows the CX-5 crossover in ushering in Mazda?s new SkyActiv technology. It is based on a lightweight new modular chassis that can underpin anything from a Mazda 3 family hatchback to a Mazda CX-9 full-size SUV in size.

Two new SkyActiv engines introduced on the CX-5 will be offered with the 6. The Moscow show car will be fitted with the firm?s 162bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual will also be offered for production.

Of most interest to UK buyers will be the 148bhp and 173bhp versions of the latest 2.2-litre turbodiesel, which will be offered with both automatic and manual transmissions.

[FoMoJo]

Very nice.  Subtle changes make the back end look better.

[Atomic]

Very nice.  Subtle changes make the back end look better.

Yes. I agree. This is something hard to achieve, IMO, but Mazda pulled it off. Honda has a bigger gamble with the Accord... Well, maybe not. Mazda needed to take a risk and they did. Overdone? No. They found the perfect balance. I brought up the Accord because Honda will sell them in droves regardless, I think. The Mazda6 needed to grab some much needed attention without looking hideous. Put this on the shopping list  

[hotrodalex]

Best looking mid-size sedan, for sure.

[giant_mtb]

ermagerrrrrrrrd

[Raza]

Best looking mid-size sedan, for sure.

A few years ago, I would have disagreed, but considering how bad the new Passat looks and how good this looks, I'll agree. 

[CALL_911]

I'm a fan.

[SVT666]

Best looking mainstream sedans (in no particular order):  Fusion, Mazda6, and Optima

[Speed_Racer]

Lovin' their new design language. Good riddance goofy-faced Mazdas.

[280Z Turbo]

Ooooooh!

[Onslaught]

Best looking mainstream sedans (in no particular order):  Fusion, Mazda6, and Optima

I agree with this. I think the Fusion and Mazda look the best overall but would need to see them next to one another to pick.

[SVT_Power]

You guys actually like this thing? 

[r0tor]

This design language would have transferred over to a new rx8 generation so nicely.... Makes me cry on the inside its not happening

[Onslaught]

You guys actually like this thing? 

I have no need for it. But it looks darn good for what it is.

This design language would have transferred over to a new rx8 generation so nicely.... Makes me cry on the inside its not happening

Never give up hope.

[TurboDan]

You guys actually like this thing? 

What about it do you dislike? I think it's a very pleasing design.

[Raza]

This design language would have transferred over to a new rx8 generation so nicely.... Makes me cry on the inside its not happening

If the facelifted MX-5 looks like this...

[hotrodalex]

You guys actually like this thing? 

From the pictures, it's almost a perfectly clean and simple design. Everything flows nicely and is pleasing to the eye. What's not to like about it?

[SVT666]

Not crazy about the smoked taillights, but I don't hate it.  The clear things on Nissans are much worse.

[BENZ BOY15]

I think it looks great.

[Gotta-Qik-C7]

Nice.

[Atomic]

Not crazy about the smoked taillights, but I don't hate it.  The clear things on Nissans are much worse.

I wonder if they are on all trim levels or like some Dodge cars standard only on special versions (i.e., R/T series, SRT models). Also, cars typically look far better in person and in certain colors.

[Yawn]

Now hows the interior.....

[MX793]

Looks great.  I hope they apply similar design language to the 3 (and do so quickly).

[Atomic]

Now hows the interior.....

Hopefully, as nice... And sportier than that of the more "grown up" 2013 Nissan Altima... I do not dislike the 13MY Altima, it's just less of what I prefer in a sedan of its size.

[Char]

Mazda and Toyota are easily becoming my favorite Japanese automakers. Now if we could figure out a way for Honda and Nissan to donate some powertrains, we'd be in business.

[Payman]

Mazda and Toyota are easily becoming my favorite Japanese automakers. Now if we could figure out a way for Honda and Nissan to donate some powertrains, we'd be in business.

What's wrong with Mazda and Toyota powertrains?

[Atomic]

Mazda and Toyota are easily becoming my favorite Japanese automakers. Now if we could figure out a way for Honda and Nissan to donate some powertrains, we'd be in business.

The 2013 model year will offer one of the best lineups of mid-size and intermediate cars in ages, IMO. Shortly thereafter, larger cars (full size sedans) will be added to the mix. All expected to demonstrate increased gas mileage. Not all cars I would consider for wanting something more upscale (just preference) but there promises to be a great selection for most tastes, I would think.

I do not know what to expect of the new more family oriented Nissan Altima for MY13. I think it will meet the company's lofty sales goals, but many are scued in light of large fleet deliveries anticipated by Nissan -- admittingly so to boost volume and market share and aiming at Toyota and bragging rights against the new Honda Accord and Toyota. All this competition should keep things in check and deals coming from all directions.

The 2013 Ford Fusion should be even more popular than the outgoing one, especially with its more upscale appearance. I am liking the new Chevrolet Malibu far more seeing them on the roads after not caring for it quite as much seeing it on display when it first debuted in NYC in 2011, along with the revised '13 Taurus at the FMC display. This past show in New York, we saw the all new for MY14 Chevy Impala, looking like a cross between a new Malibu and the 2013 Cadillac XTS.

With two really good cars anticipated to survive the test of time (as in quality, reliability and resale value), the new Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Maibu, I think there will be more cross shopping between the new Malibu and '14 Impala and the new 2013 Fusion and Turaus despite the size difference. Price will obviously be a factor, thinking there may not be an enormous difference -- but no telling this early on without final figures released on each of the models, I doubt. We shall see.

The Mazda6 for 2014: Stunning! I always so the Mazda6 and Nissan Altima as being pretty similar as far as offering a lot of sports appeal. Now, it appears as the Mazda being sportier. Yes. It should be a great year or so in these categories.

[MX793]

What's wrong with Mazda and Toyota powertrains?

Mazda's lagging in V6 and larger engines (they had been relying on Ford for those).  Toyota's 4 cylinders are weak, but their V6s and 8s are very good.  Honestly, I think Honda's powertrains have stagnated horribly.  Outside of the S2000's F20 and F22 motors, they really haven't done much that's noteworthy since the turn of the century.  Good engines, but nothing standout.  And Nissan's almost a 1-trick pony when it comes to engines.  The latest VK V8 is good, but otherwise they're all about the long-in-the-tooth VQ V6 (and its offshoots like the VR in the GT-R).  Their current 4 cylinders, at least what they offer in North America, are thoroughly mediocre.

[sportyaccordy]

Is there anyone really making "thrilling" mainstream 4 bangers anymore?

[Atomic]

Mazda's lagging in V6 and larger engines (they had been relying on Ford for those).  Toyota's 4 cylinders are weak, but their V6s and 8s are very good.  Honestly, I think Honda's powertrains have stagnated horribly.  Outside of the S2000's K20 and K22 motors, they really haven't done much that's noteworthy since the turn of the century.  Good engines, but nothing standout.  And Nissan's almost a 1-trick pony when it comes to engines.  The latest VK V8 is good, but otherwise they're all about the long-in-the-tooth VQ V6 (and its offshoots like the VR in the GT-R).  They're current 4 cylinders, at least what they offer in North America, are thoroughly mediocre.

Honda's new engines are being introduced with the MY13 Accord. With so much news coming out all at once with the intro's from nearly every manufacturer, I cannot recall all of the upgrades, aside from Honda's promise of more power and improved MPG's. There will be new fours, a new V6 and at least one Hybrid, plus CVT's, 6 speed manual and automatic transmission appearing on various models of the Accord.