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- Paganisterr
- Ak Paganister
This is the Car Magazine Article Discussion Thread.
What I want us to do is discuss weather you agree or dissagree with what the article says and tell us your personal experience with the car. For example the reliability of the car. I don't drive the car (as with all the articles I will write) so I might not be exact with the driving experience but with your help this could help lots of people searching for a new car (and debating skills).
Every 2 weeks I'm going to write an article from a car magazine. Every time I will choose a car that people would own in reality, family cars, superminis, MPV's ect.
-----------------------------This week will be the Mazda Mazda6.
"Talk about having an easy act to follow. The Mazda 6's predecessor, the 626, was visually anonymous and dynamically inept, neatly preparing the way for a vast array of improvements. Add a big wad of Ford dollars to bankroll the design and development of the new model and Mazda would have to be trying really hard to create a flop.
Closer ties with the boys from blue oval mean that Mazda will now use modified Ford platforms and a great deal of Ford componentry for its new cars. This exchange has freed-up many of Mazda's top engineering and design bods, allowing them to focus exclusively on the new 6.
And it shows. Its sleek and aggressive design, on-road agility and poise, and intelligently configured and spacious cabin are a world away from Mazda's previous half-hearted efforts. And don't think its link with Ford means this is just a Mondeo with a sharper suit - the 6 and Mondeo share absolutely nothing. In fact, Ford is planning to use Mazda's new range of four-cylinder engines in the Mondeo, ditching its own engines.
Beneath the body is a new ultra-stiff chassis with front high-mount double-wishbone suspension and a multi-link rear layout. Rack and pinion steering and all-round disc brakes complete the mechanical package.
Although I only drove pre-production models of the four-door saloon which arrives in June, the range will extend to five-door hatches and a stylish estate, both of which debut in the autumn.
Three four-cylinder petrol engines will initially be available - a 118bhp 1.8-litre, a 140bhp two-litre and the flagship 165bhp 2.3-litre. They'll be joined in September by two new 118bhp and 135bhp common rail diesel engines. The choice of transmissions runs to a five-speed manual, four-speed automatic or a five-speed tiptronic-style for sportier models.
For a family saloon, the interior is distinctly driver-oriented. You sit lower than expected, the pedals nestle deep inside the footwell and the stubby gearlever is ideally positioned. It's easy to get comfortable too, with a seat and steering wheel that offer generous every-which-way adjustment. The instrumentation is bold and clear, the large circular speedo and rev-counter dials echoing the round airvents and chunky audio and aircon controls.
But enough of the components; what's it like to drive? I got into the 2.3 Sport. It took no more than a few miles over the acned roads and motorways of Rome - the location for the car's launch - to recognise the poise and pliancy of the 6's suspension set-up. It feels taut and agile, the firm suspension soaking up all but the worst road imperfections with a sophistication that BMW drivers will recognise and Volkswagen drivers will not.
The tactile, well-weighted steering which gives plenty of feedback, and the unflappable body control are key factors here. The rack and pinion steering feels sharp and direct, the front end responding accurately and precisely to inputs. There's no slop in the steering, no uncontrolled body movement - just a fluid and controlled ride. The 6 feels pointy and beautifully balanced through corners.
The chassis dynamics are well matched by the big 2261cc four-cylinder engine. The engine, which features variable valve timing and balancer shafts, delivers a strong linear flow of power, accompanied by an encouragingly rorty soundtrack as it nears the redline.
It's smooth and refined right through to its 7,000rpm cut-out, and feels faster than the claimed 8.9 seconds for the 0-60mph dash. Combined with the positive, short-throw gear lever and exceptionally powerful brakes, it made hustling the 6 along the sinewy roads north of Rome a joy.
Some faults did become apparent on the test drive. The cabin is noisier than expected, with road rumble and tyre noise infiltrating the cabin. But Mazda is aware of this and claims that additional sound-deadening will be fitted to production 6s. And some plastics around the handbrake felt cheap and brittle - again, these are apparently being replaced.
Mazda had always stressed that the 6 would be priced at eyebrow-jumping levels. It wasn't joking. The base 1.8S four-door will come with six airbags, aircon, keyless entry, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, 16-inch alloy wheels and alarm, and will cost £13,495. That's more than a grand cheaper than the entry-level Mondeo and Vectra and the 6 is better equipped to boot.
The fully-loaded 2.3 Sport I drove will cost around £17,995, which compares well with the £19,095 which Ford charges for its 2.5-litre V6 Zetec-S Mondeo.
In a market sector which is already teeming with excellence - look no further than the dynamics of the Mondeo, the quality of the Passat and the styling of the Laguna - the 6 pushes these levels higher still. So all those Ford dollars have helped produce a class act that could eclipse its own-brand model.
Ben Whitworth"
Top Gear Magazine
I agree that the car is good looking, the stylish headlights and the rear ones being chromed inside, which is rare to see on a production car.
I agree that the interior is simple to use, one button that swists around for the aircon, another for the radio. The electronic display is simple and easy to see, even when the suns shining on it. The rev counter and speedometer are easy to see, and glows a nice red at nighttime.
The front seat has made me have a bad back on long journeys but that maybe I can't adjust it because my Mum uses the seat and she doesn't want me to adjust it.
I'm taking my Dad's word here for the driving ability of the car. He say's it handles well and there's lots of grip. It manages to handle well and soak up bumps well at the same time which I agree with.
The 2.0-litre engine of the car is pretty good. It has very good low-down grunt. It can accelerate up a hill in 5th gear doing 30mph, which has chuffed my Dad. It revvs well up to the 7000rpm limiter (6800rpm when cold) but can get noisy above 6000rpm. It's not that sporty of a rasp though. Fuel economy is around 34mpg around town and the motorway.
I can't really disagree or agree with the road noise in the cabin on the motorway. It is noticeable but you get used to it. Wind noise isn't a problem untill you get onto a quieter road. Engine noise is apparent all the time, especially on quiter roads but it doesn't get on your nerves. In fact the engine noise makes you feel you're in 5th gear in a 6 gear car.
I agree that the interior quality is a bit cheap in area's, even though Mazda said they would replace some of the parts with better quality.
The reliability of the car is brilliant. It's been nearly a year and the car has had no problems.
Running costs of the car are good. The car does 34mpg. It's a little disappionting as the Honda Accord 2.0 can do 39mpg. Servicing is very cheap. There's was a recall recently and we only had to wait an hour for the replacement to be done. No fuss at all.
The star thing about this car to me is it's price. You get everything you get in a Ford Mondeo and Toyota Avensis without sacrificing much. You may suffer quality a bit but you get a car that drives better than both and the looks will make heads turn.
So my verdict on the article is that it is right in many ways.
My car verdict is: Highly Recommended
What I want us to do is discuss weather you agree or dissagree with what the article says and tell us your personal experience with the car. For example the reliability of the car. I don't drive the car (as with all the articles I will write) so I might not be exact with the driving experience but with your help this could help lots of people searching for a new car (and debating skills).
Every 2 weeks I'm going to write an article from a car magazine. Every time I will choose a car that people would own in reality, family cars, superminis, MPV's ect.
-----------------------------This week will be the Mazda Mazda6.
"Talk about having an easy act to follow. The Mazda 6's predecessor, the 626, was visually anonymous and dynamically inept, neatly preparing the way for a vast array of improvements. Add a big wad of Ford dollars to bankroll the design and development of the new model and Mazda would have to be trying really hard to create a flop.
Closer ties with the boys from blue oval mean that Mazda will now use modified Ford platforms and a great deal of Ford componentry for its new cars. This exchange has freed-up many of Mazda's top engineering and design bods, allowing them to focus exclusively on the new 6.
And it shows. Its sleek and aggressive design, on-road agility and poise, and intelligently configured and spacious cabin are a world away from Mazda's previous half-hearted efforts. And don't think its link with Ford means this is just a Mondeo with a sharper suit - the 6 and Mondeo share absolutely nothing. In fact, Ford is planning to use Mazda's new range of four-cylinder engines in the Mondeo, ditching its own engines.
Beneath the body is a new ultra-stiff chassis with front high-mount double-wishbone suspension and a multi-link rear layout. Rack and pinion steering and all-round disc brakes complete the mechanical package.
Although I only drove pre-production models of the four-door saloon which arrives in June, the range will extend to five-door hatches and a stylish estate, both of which debut in the autumn.
Three four-cylinder petrol engines will initially be available - a 118bhp 1.8-litre, a 140bhp two-litre and the flagship 165bhp 2.3-litre. They'll be joined in September by two new 118bhp and 135bhp common rail diesel engines. The choice of transmissions runs to a five-speed manual, four-speed automatic or a five-speed tiptronic-style for sportier models.
For a family saloon, the interior is distinctly driver-oriented. You sit lower than expected, the pedals nestle deep inside the footwell and the stubby gearlever is ideally positioned. It's easy to get comfortable too, with a seat and steering wheel that offer generous every-which-way adjustment. The instrumentation is bold and clear, the large circular speedo and rev-counter dials echoing the round airvents and chunky audio and aircon controls.
But enough of the components; what's it like to drive? I got into the 2.3 Sport. It took no more than a few miles over the acned roads and motorways of Rome - the location for the car's launch - to recognise the poise and pliancy of the 6's suspension set-up. It feels taut and agile, the firm suspension soaking up all but the worst road imperfections with a sophistication that BMW drivers will recognise and Volkswagen drivers will not.
The tactile, well-weighted steering which gives plenty of feedback, and the unflappable body control are key factors here. The rack and pinion steering feels sharp and direct, the front end responding accurately and precisely to inputs. There's no slop in the steering, no uncontrolled body movement - just a fluid and controlled ride. The 6 feels pointy and beautifully balanced through corners.
The chassis dynamics are well matched by the big 2261cc four-cylinder engine. The engine, which features variable valve timing and balancer shafts, delivers a strong linear flow of power, accompanied by an encouragingly rorty soundtrack as it nears the redline.
It's smooth and refined right through to its 7,000rpm cut-out, and feels faster than the claimed 8.9 seconds for the 0-60mph dash. Combined with the positive, short-throw gear lever and exceptionally powerful brakes, it made hustling the 6 along the sinewy roads north of Rome a joy.
Some faults did become apparent on the test drive. The cabin is noisier than expected, with road rumble and tyre noise infiltrating the cabin. But Mazda is aware of this and claims that additional sound-deadening will be fitted to production 6s. And some plastics around the handbrake felt cheap and brittle - again, these are apparently being replaced.
Mazda had always stressed that the 6 would be priced at eyebrow-jumping levels. It wasn't joking. The base 1.8S four-door will come with six airbags, aircon, keyless entry, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, 16-inch alloy wheels and alarm, and will cost £13,495. That's more than a grand cheaper than the entry-level Mondeo and Vectra and the 6 is better equipped to boot.
The fully-loaded 2.3 Sport I drove will cost around £17,995, which compares well with the £19,095 which Ford charges for its 2.5-litre V6 Zetec-S Mondeo.
In a market sector which is already teeming with excellence - look no further than the dynamics of the Mondeo, the quality of the Passat and the styling of the Laguna - the 6 pushes these levels higher still. So all those Ford dollars have helped produce a class act that could eclipse its own-brand model.
Ben Whitworth"
Top Gear Magazine
I agree that the car is good looking, the stylish headlights and the rear ones being chromed inside, which is rare to see on a production car.
I agree that the interior is simple to use, one button that swists around for the aircon, another for the radio. The electronic display is simple and easy to see, even when the suns shining on it. The rev counter and speedometer are easy to see, and glows a nice red at nighttime.
The front seat has made me have a bad back on long journeys but that maybe I can't adjust it because my Mum uses the seat and she doesn't want me to adjust it.
I'm taking my Dad's word here for the driving ability of the car. He say's it handles well and there's lots of grip. It manages to handle well and soak up bumps well at the same time which I agree with.
The 2.0-litre engine of the car is pretty good. It has very good low-down grunt. It can accelerate up a hill in 5th gear doing 30mph, which has chuffed my Dad. It revvs well up to the 7000rpm limiter (6800rpm when cold) but can get noisy above 6000rpm. It's not that sporty of a rasp though. Fuel economy is around 34mpg around town and the motorway.
I can't really disagree or agree with the road noise in the cabin on the motorway. It is noticeable but you get used to it. Wind noise isn't a problem untill you get onto a quieter road. Engine noise is apparent all the time, especially on quiter roads but it doesn't get on your nerves. In fact the engine noise makes you feel you're in 5th gear in a 6 gear car.
I agree that the interior quality is a bit cheap in area's, even though Mazda said they would replace some of the parts with better quality.
The reliability of the car is brilliant. It's been nearly a year and the car has had no problems.
Running costs of the car are good. The car does 34mpg. It's a little disappionting as the Honda Accord 2.0 can do 39mpg. Servicing is very cheap. There's was a recall recently and we only had to wait an hour for the replacement to be done. No fuss at all.
The star thing about this car to me is it's price. You get everything you get in a Ford Mondeo and Toyota Avensis without sacrificing much. You may suffer quality a bit but you get a car that drives better than both and the looks will make heads turn.
So my verdict on the article is that it is right in many ways.
My car verdict is: Highly Recommended
