In August I was walking around Tokyo while on vacation, and I spotted this red Mazda Atenza. Now I know the world-car version of the Mazda Atenza/6 is Mondeo-based and, so far as we know, nothing like our Mazda 6, but in that moment, the resemblance to our North American-market long-term Mazda 6 was striking. The shape of the headlamps is oh so close, and even the red paint looks similar to the mix used for our long-termer.
I peeped inside, and sure enough, it even had a similar looking light interior and an automatic transmission. Straw seat mats must be a JDM-only option.
Of course, I then got all wistful: I miss the Mazda 6 wagon.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor
ghiafan says:
05:19 AM, 10/15/09
Current Mazda6 is not based on or using EUCD Ford Mondeo platform
jaeger1 says:
05:57 AM, 10/15/09
Aren't all the JDM variants significantly less bloated than the NA version?
notabigdeal says:
06:43 AM, 10/15/09
Is it just me or is this kinda creepy. Going up to strangers cars (a normal everyday car) and taking pictures of their straw mats. If I saw someone doing that to my car I might call the police and tell that that i have a suspected serial killer.
carguy622 says:
06:51 AM, 10/15/09
At least some people still like wagons. I think the N/A Mazda6 looks more "smiley" and exaggerated. I like this version better.
bradyholt says:
06:58 AM, 10/15/09
jaeger1, we just have a longer wheelbase.
bc1960 says:
07:53 AM, 10/15/09
And 300 more pounds.
billt9 says:
08:08 AM, 10/15/09
And wider.
And taller.
Americans should start eating more rice, get protein deficient, so we can fit in smaller cars.
super_ongoy says:
08:14 AM, 10/15/09
Are those okynomiyaki (?) in the seats? Although greasy, they will heat your buns up alright.
Bull9, rice actually provides protein. If anything I hope American girls would stop eating hot dogs and spam so more of them can fit in my trunk.
billt9 says:
08:47 AM, 10/15/09
where are you taking them after you fit them in your trunk?
thejohnp says:
08:50 AM, 10/15/09
I was disappointed when the N/A configuration of the new 6 got rid of the wagon and 5-door, as I thought that's what really made this car stand apart from all the other midsizes out there. And look at that panoramic skylight roof, probably another thing we'll never see here. That and diesel versions of these cars. Sigh.
carlisimo says:
09:17 AM, 10/15/09
Well, they gave us a wagon, and we responded by not buying it. Why should they give us another chance?
super_ongoy says:
09:33 AM, 10/15/09
That's a good question. I understand why people get minivans and wagons. When I see a Dodge minivan pass by, I go, "playa!"
I'm just saying. Nothing wrong to have inspirations.
cr_driver says:
10:54 AM, 10/15/09
Very funny mats....
cx7lover says:
11:19 AM, 10/15/09
I'll admit I like the more slanted headlamps and different orientation for the foglights, but REALLY people.. it's not totally different different from the world spec. It can't be. I hate the backend however the USDM model is much better in that respect.
TheChameleon says:
02:25 PM, 10/15/09
I still kind of wish I would have bought a 6 wagon, I always loved them.