While the new generation is under the radar, Myk Belmonte invites you to check out the model it preceded.
2008-2012 Mazda 6
History
The Philippine premium car market has two types of buyers. The first one are those who love to sit at the back for most and the second one are those who love to spend time behind the wheel. Chauffeur rides include the Camry and the Teana while driver involved vehicles are the Legacy and the 6, the latter car which we will be reviewing in this article.
Developed under the GH platform, the second generation 6 was first previewed in 2007 at the Frankfurt Auto Show before being made for sale next year (North America had this in 2009). Nothing but praises were given to the second generation 6, with the driving feel still the same despite the increase in size. The GJ 6 replaced this just recently, with all models being produced in Hiroshima, Japan.
Ford Group Philippines, who used to handle Mazda at that time, launched the GH Mazda 6 in early 2008. It was only available in just one trim, a 2.5 4 cylinder one. You can buy one until 2012, with the much anticipated GJ Mazda 6 replacing it this year.
Value and Costs
Sedans with 2.0 gasoline engines and above have usually low residuals, and the second generation 6 can be bought for less than a million pesos. Have a lookout for units purchased in October 2010 or later to get the remainder of the warranty.
You'll need more funds to keep this baby in great shape, especially that it has a bigger engine than the top of the line Mazda 3. Parts are mostly purchased in the casa but there are a number of specialist shops out there, so do your research so you can save more. When compared with its peers, they offer a similar cost of maintenance.
Exterior and Interior
More sharper than the model it replaced, the second generation 6 has sleek and sharp lines that can elicit stares (in a low profile fashion) and remains distinctive. A 2010 update had a revised grille, with the Mazda logo being the highlight. Before we leave this paragraph, the second generation 6 has 4,735mm in length, a width of 1,795mm, and a height of 1,440mm.
While the exterior drank growth pills, the inside is something of the same size. Placing three people at the back is very tight and headroom is something to be desired, no thanks to the sunroof. Definitely the materials used in the interior are of high quality, which is something (and should be) commendable.
Engine
Despite the single engine option for PHDM Mazda 6's, this is definitely no slouch since the LS-VE 2,488cc I4 that has 168hp at 6,000rpm and 226Nm at 4,400rpm has the oomph and you can hold the gears until redline. Never a dull moment will be experienced since some sports car genes were infused in the 6's growing pills.
Driving Impressions
A fear whenever redesigning a car is to retain the previous model's personality or not, and thankfully, the 6 still retains the driving prowess it is known for. It steers with confidence and goes with the flow gracefully, but there is a minimal amount of body roll due to the added weight. Braking whenever something goes wrong is excellent, despite the heft.
Verdict
The Mazda 6 is still a great choice when it comes to something premium with drivers involvement, but there are qualities that made me still go for the first generation 6. It may lack some space for the passengers, but those who usually carry people most of the time check other options first before committing to the 6.
The Good:
2008-2012 Mazda 6
History
The Philippine premium car market has two types of buyers. The first one are those who love to sit at the back for most and the second one are those who love to spend time behind the wheel. Chauffeur rides include the Camry and the Teana while driver involved vehicles are the Legacy and the 6, the latter car which we will be reviewing in this article.
Developed under the GH platform, the second generation 6 was first previewed in 2007 at the Frankfurt Auto Show before being made for sale next year (North America had this in 2009). Nothing but praises were given to the second generation 6, with the driving feel still the same despite the increase in size. The GJ 6 replaced this just recently, with all models being produced in Hiroshima, Japan.
Ford Group Philippines, who used to handle Mazda at that time, launched the GH Mazda 6 in early 2008. It was only available in just one trim, a 2.5 4 cylinder one. You can buy one until 2012, with the much anticipated GJ Mazda 6 replacing it this year.
Value and Costs
Sedans with 2.0 gasoline engines and above have usually low residuals, and the second generation 6 can be bought for less than a million pesos. Have a lookout for units purchased in October 2010 or later to get the remainder of the warranty.
You'll need more funds to keep this baby in great shape, especially that it has a bigger engine than the top of the line Mazda 3. Parts are mostly purchased in the casa but there are a number of specialist shops out there, so do your research so you can save more. When compared with its peers, they offer a similar cost of maintenance.
Exterior and Interior
More sharper than the model it replaced, the second generation 6 has sleek and sharp lines that can elicit stares (in a low profile fashion) and remains distinctive. A 2010 update had a revised grille, with the Mazda logo being the highlight. Before we leave this paragraph, the second generation 6 has 4,735mm in length, a width of 1,795mm, and a height of 1,440mm.
While the exterior drank growth pills, the inside is something of the same size. Placing three people at the back is very tight and headroom is something to be desired, no thanks to the sunroof. Definitely the materials used in the interior are of high quality, which is something (and should be) commendable.
Engine
Despite the single engine option for PHDM Mazda 6's, this is definitely no slouch since the LS-VE 2,488cc I4 that has 168hp at 6,000rpm and 226Nm at 4,400rpm has the oomph and you can hold the gears until redline. Never a dull moment will be experienced since some sports car genes were infused in the 6's growing pills.
Driving Impressions
A fear whenever redesigning a car is to retain the previous model's personality or not, and thankfully, the 6 still retains the driving prowess it is known for. It steers with confidence and goes with the flow gracefully, but there is a minimal amount of body roll due to the added weight. Braking whenever something goes wrong is excellent, despite the heft.
Verdict
The Mazda 6 is still a great choice when it comes to something premium with drivers involvement, but there are qualities that made me still go for the first generation 6. It may lack some space for the passengers, but those who usually carry people most of the time check other options first before committing to the 6.
The Good:
- Sports car driving feel
- Well equipped
- Larger than the previous model (2004-2007)
The Bad:
- Limited headroom in the rear
- Limited units in the market
- Soft looking for some
The Pick: 2.5L
THE SPECS
Engine: 2,488cc LS-VE I4 gasoline
Power: 168hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 226Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel Consumption: 6-8km/L (city), 8-10km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Suspension: Front independent double wishbone, rear independent e-type multi-link
MORE INFO
Price (New): P1,680,000-P1,705,000
Price (Now): P650,000-P1,050,000
Rivals: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Teana, Mitsubishi Galant, BMW 3 Series, Subaru Legacy, Audi A4, Mercedes Benz C Class
On Sale: 2008-2012
Resources:
Contacts:
Mazda Alabang - (02) 772-3168
Mazda Greenhills - (02) 722-1102
Mazda Quezon Avenue - (02) 742-2081
Photos from http://sulit.com.ph/17652342
Mazda Greenhills - (02) 722-1102
Mazda Quezon Avenue - (02) 742-2081
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