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The Mazda Atenza or Mazda6 is an automobile from the Japanese carmaker Mazda. It replaced the Mazda Capella/Mazda 626. The model lineup consists of 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, and wagon (also known as estate or Atenza in some areas), available with a 2.3 litre 4-cylinder Z-family engine with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox, or a 3.0 litre Ford Duratec V6 engine with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic gearbox. Final drive is to the front wheels only.
Not all configurations are available in all areas, for example the Mazda 6 as released in Australia was a four-cylinder car only, while the last 626 which it replaced was a six-cylinder car, leading to much amusement as to the choice of names.
Like the 626 before it, Ford is using the Mazda6 "CD3" platform as the basis for a number of other vehicles, including the upcoming entry-level Lincoln Zephyr, Ford Fusion, next-generation Lincoln Aviator, and a range of SUVs and minivans. Ford also plans to add a Hybrid powertrain on the platform.
Mazdaspeed 6
The 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 is a high-performance version of the Mazda6. It features a turbocharged version of the 2.3 L MZR I4 which produces 276 hp. It has a revised front fascia with a raised hood, a 6-speed transmission, and all wheel drive. Although Mazda currently has no plans to enter the car into rally racing, the Mazdaspeed 6 is meant to compete with the rally-car-derived Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
Awards
The Mazda 6 was European car of the year and made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2003.
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