The highly anticipated 2009 MAZDA6 is the first of Mazda’s “Zoom-Zoom
Evolution” second-generation vehicles, building on a heritage of sports
sedans and sports cars that no other manufacturer can boast, and bringing a
combination of sports sedan, sophistication, build quality and product
insight not currently found in the market.

Following on the heels of the CX-7 and CX-9 crossover SUVs, the 2009 MAZDA6 was designed and engineered for the needs, wants and desires of the North American customer. As it has been since the first MAZDA6 launched in 2002, all North American MAZDA6s will continue to be built at AutoAlliance International, in Flat Rock, Mich, a joint venture with partner Ford Motor Company.The North American MAZDA6 differs from the similarly named car sold in
the rest of the world in many ways: larger interior and exterior size, more
powerful engines and unique styling. What it retains, however, is something
that earned the first MAZDA6 more than 130 international awards and
accolades: it delivers Zoom-Zoom, and in large doses.

Power for the 2009 MAZDA6 will be available from an all-new
Mazda-designed and developed MZR 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a
3.7-liter V6 as used in the 2008 CX-9, Motor Trend’s 2008 Sport/Utility of
the Year and the 2008 North American Truck of the Year. Transmission
choices are a six-speed manual or five-speed Sport AT automatic with
manual-shift mode (2.5-liter engine) or a six-speed Sport AT automatic with
manual-shift mode (3.7-liter V6).

The 2009 MAZDA6 will be available only as a four-door sedan, and in
three trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, with varying levels of
standard and optional equipment.

More information on the all-new 2009 MAZDA6 sports sedan will be
available closer to launch, including specifics on engine output, trim
levels, equipment and pricing.

Standings:

Pure Tasmania Modern
1. McRae / Stewart
2. Buggee / Freame
3. Dunkley / Parker

Pure Tasmania Showroom 2WD
1. McRae / Stewart
2. Buggee / Freame
3. Dunkley / Parker

Congratulations to Team Mazda!

Mazda brings their Mazdaspeed3 to the 8th Annual Targa Tasmania Rally. A far cry from the Mazda2 Rally Edition shown previously on our site, The Mazda3 MPS (as it’s known down-unda’) will trounce through Tasmania’s outback from April 15th through the 20th, over 2000 kilometers! The excursion will be lead by drivers Rick Bates and Alister McRae, who have a lot to live up to after 2007’s successful run by Melinda Both and Samantha Stevens. Maybe a little battle of the sexes will rev-up participants’ engines. Good Luck Team Mazda!

Targa Tasmania Rally 2007

2008 Mazda3 Targa Rally Edition

Unlike other rally vehicles, Targa’s autos are equip with mostly stock parts inside and out.

1. Safety

For well over a decade Mazda vehicles have been acing front and side impact tests. As of late, Mazda’s CX-9 received numerous awards, including nods from America’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Passenger-side air bags are standard as well as a multitude of side-impact bags. Not that you should worry about junior getting use from them, since models like the Mazda3 require less than 200-ft of braking distance from 70 to 0 mph. Mazda also sponsors “Driving Clinics” in many countries, which help newbies age 17 – 21 through dangerous road situations on closed tracks.

2. Style

It’s easy to spot a Mazda driving down you block – can’t miss that distinctive logo or their curves. Sure, your kid needs to be safe behind the wheel, but status is major when you’re a teen. Luckily, Mazda’s have been proven to provide outstanding design, and even win awards for it! If you think Mazda looks good in 2008, wait until the new Nagare (Flow) designs hit Japanese streets.

3. Fuel Efficiency

In 2006, Mazda pledged “To reduce vehicle CO2 emissions…to enhance fuel economy to meet the fuel efficiency standards for 2010 for all weight classes of passenger vehicles in Japan.” By mid-year they achieved this goal throughout the majority of their fleet. That’s THREE AND A HALF years before its deadline, showing dedication, if nothing else – along with promoting fuel-efficiency in vehicles throughout the world. And as the chart above shows, you have at least 30 mpg to work with on average. Says a lot when you may be paying $3.50/gallon for unleaded gasoline.

4. Envy

Much of today’s youth seems to turn away from old fashion American cars. Their reasons vary from American design to how something like a Chrysler or GM product handles, to how well (or not) they’re constructed. Some of it boils down to how other drivers or students will view them in parking lots or at a stop light. Your child’s status will certainly jump a few points when they pull into school with a Protege5 or Mazda3.

Now, how can you or a 17-year-old working in a deli or clothing retail chain on weekends afford such a sweet ride?

5. Cost

The numbers speak for themselves. You can purchase a brand-new Mazda3 or 5 for a base price ranging from $13,000-17,000. Between these prices you receive a variety of standard safety and performance features that will cost you thousands extra with most other automobile makers. Affordability, sleek looks, dependable, and most of all – Safe. When your children are at stake, why look anywhere else than a car manufacturer covering all these avenues.