What they said when the Mazda 6 was new… (Mar 26 2002)
"ZOOM Zoom is the battle cry," said the man from Mazda as he introduced his company's latest offering to the world's motoring pundits.
And for those who may have missed it, Zoom Zoom is the catchy little phrase that will undoubtedly be leaping from every marketing outlet possible in the next few weeks as Mazda sets about reinventing itself.
It's a high profile campaign that centres on the Mazda6, an all new family sized car that this Japanese manufacturer hopes will prove that it can compete with the best in Europe.
The blurb that accompanies the Mazda6 carries on in the same vein. It is a car which is "designed to convey real passion" and does so by "delivering exciting styling, a dynamic driving experience and exceptional functionality". Well I was glad to be told all that because those chappies from Mazda would not want anyone to miss the point.
The frenzy is all because Mazda has been through some hard times in the UK recently. With the world's best selling sports car according to the Guinness Book of Records - Mazda saloons, hatchbacks and people movers have met with a rather lukewarm response and sales have slumped.
Now the company's fortunes in Britain are being masterminded not by an importer but direct from Japan and that means Ford - which has a controlling interest in Mazda - has a big say in what happens next. So when we are told the Mazda6 is the "first full-scale emobodiment of the Mazda brand DNA" it means that things have changed big time in Mazdaland.
Realistically this is a car which needs very little hype at all. At £13,495 for a 1.8 litre hatch the Mazda6 not only looks sensational but it is crammed with the latest engineering and technological refinements. It may not be as futuristic in interior styling as the new Nissan Primera but it leaves the Toyota Avensis looking decidedly dated and is a tempting alternative to the Ford Mondeo and the new Vauxhall Vectra.
Even the entry level S models boast front, side and roof airbags, advanced braking systems, remote control central locking, alloy wheels and air conditioning. What's more it is well built. That flimsy feel which marred Mazdas of old has disappeared and is replaced with all-round sturdiness which has improved the ride almost beyond recognition.
For £1,000 more comes a TS version that includes such goodies as a CD player, trip computer, armrests front and rear, cruise control and steering wheel mounted audio switches - and that is quite a level of equipment for a sub £15,000 car. The TS is available either as a 1.8 or 2.0 litre for the same price.
More equipment arrives for another £1,500 on the TS2 which comes complete with dynamic stability control, brake assist to give maximum stopping power in an emergency, a sunroof and a BOSE audio system with multi-disc CD changer.
Automatic gearboxes are available on the 2.0 litre for another £1,000 and so is satellite navigation at £1,500 more and leather upholstery for a further £1,000. But with all that kit the price hits almost £20,000 and that is pushing the boat out a bit too far - for that you could buy a Jaguar and it would not feel as woefully lacking as the automatic Mazda6.
However with manual gearboxes it is a different matter. Both the 1.8 and the two litre exhibit plenty of zest for life while the range topping 2.3 litre fitted to the Mazda6 Sport makes this one of the best value for money performance drives around - especially as it costs only £17,995 for a car which includes extra body kit, metallic paint and xenon headlamps on top of the TS2 specification.
Top speed for the Sport is a claimed 134mph with a 0 to 60 acceleration time of 8.9 seconds and that is brisk enough in anyone's book. It will also average around 32 miles per gallon according to Mazda's own figures. For the record the statistics for the 1.8 litre are 123mph maximum, with a 0 to 60 time of 10.7 seconds and a claimed 34.7 average mpg, whilie the 2.0 litre is said to be capable of 130mph with an acceleration time of 9.7 seconds and 33.2 to the gallon. The 2.0 litre automatic sees its top speed slashed to 121mph and its acceleration time increased to in excess of 11 seconds and that is on paper - on the road the experience is worse. But that is the
only hiccup along the way for Mazda's rejuvenation.
With the exception of the automatic I could even go along with the marketing speak when it comes to the Mazda6's refreshing looks and handling.
And then there’s the "exceptional functionality" of a gizmo which Mazda calls the Karakuri system which is little short of being a piece of genius. At the pull of a lever in the boot the rear seats collapse totally to create a huge, flat load area in a matter of seconds. The name is taken from a Japanese folding doll and the system enables you to dispense with the need to mess around with removing head restraints or pulling out seat squabs - everything folds away automatically. It is a touch of brilliance that completes Mazda's new approach to making cars.
And if anyone dares to say it is all a result of Ford's influence, Mazda is quick to point out that the engines in the Mazda6 are all their own work - and are likely to become the basis for a new generation of four cylinder engines which one day will sit behind the Blue Oval badge.
However with CO2 emissions ranging from 198 for the 1.8 litre to 212 for the 2.3 none are going to attract tax benefits for the private motorist, although diesel versions - and an estate - will be introduced later in the year which may be a bit more environmentally friendly.
In the meantime, no doubt, the Zoom Zoom bandwagon will be gathering considerable momentum.
Words: Chris Russon
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