New data released by Cap Motor Research has suggested that the all-new Mazda6 2.2-litre diesel will have a stronger used car price than its rivals.
Cap used car valuation experts predict that three years into its lifespan and with 60,000 miles on the clock, the new model will retain an impressive 39 per cent of its original value.
The forecast means that a used Mazda6 will be quite expensive but the cost will be offset by the fact that its low CO2 emissions will mean that all saloon and hatchback versions will only attract band C vehicle excise duty rates.
The new car’s high residual value places it ahead of competitors such as the Toyota Avensis and the Vauxhall Insignia.
Jeff Knight, forecast manager for Cap, commented: "The Mazda6 has established itself as a solid and reliable model in the company car upper medium sector. The new 2.2 diesel model will consolidate the car’s position as a well-specified, stylish and reliable option for user choosers."
The Mazda6 has been in production since 2002.
Written by Roxy Moran
New lane-changing technology is set to make the Mazda6 even more attractive to drivers.
The Rear Vehicle Monitoring System will become standard on 15 models from the beginning of 2009.
The new fully-automatic active safety feature detects and warns the driver of an approaching vehicle reducing the danger of moving across into a busy lane by mistake.
Ingeniously, the system employs wide-angle microwave radar units on the right and left side of the rear bumper to cover both sides of the car within a range of 50 metres.
At speeds over 40mph, microwaves are produced which bounce off following vehicles, including motorcycles, and are picked up by the system’s receivers.
A proximity light blinks and a beeper sounds to warn the driver not to change lanes if the lane is considered too busy to move into.
The system still works in bad weather conditions and features the additional benefit of detecting vehicles driving in the ‘blind spot’ area. It does not monitor or detect cars following behind in the same lane as the Mazda.
Written by Roxy Moran
The Mazda6 has been voted ‘best family car’ by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) in its Scottish Car of the Year Awards 2008.
Bill Caven, president of the ASMW, believes that the family car sector has come on "leaps and bounds in recent years".
He said: "Not only does the Mazda6 look rather spectacular but it also performs to the same high standard of cars costing considerably more."
The Mazda6 beat off competition from the Honda Accord, Mitsubishi Lancer, Citroen C5, Ford Focus, Dodge Avenger and Peugeot 308 to scoop the prize.
Mazda UK managing director Jeremy Thomson, said: "This 2008 award is further confirmation that the all-new Mazda6 continues to attract family buyers thanks to its people- and luggage carrying abilities and very competitive CO2 emissions levels, ideal for family motoring needs."
Mr Thomson also believes that the car’s new bodyshells, which are significantly stiffer as well as lighter, mean that both the hatchback and the estate models deliver "even more responsive handling".
Written by James Christie
Mazda has revealed that price of its all-new Mazda6 once it goes on sale at the end of the year.
There will be ten models available with either saloon or hatchback bodies, with prices starting from £15,100 on-the-road.
In addition, six diesel models will follow in January 2008 along with nine estate models two months later.
Mark Cameron, marketing director for the firm in the UK, commented that the vehicle will be aimed at a different market than usual.
He said: "We expect the new model to be especially attractive to user-choosers looking for something different and anticipate sales in the region of 13,000 to 14,000 cars during 2008 and beyond."
Automobile manufacturer Mazda is a Japanese affiliate of Ford Motor Company and was founded in 1920.
The company’s headquarters can is located in Hiroshima and it employs some 36,626 members of staff.
The brand new Mazda6 model will provide motorists with a high level of driving fun when it arrives in dealerships, the automaker has commented.
Roomier than its predecessor, the second-generation car has increased rear legroom and shoulder room – a feature the company attributes to the body’s exterior dimensions.
Indeed, the vehicle is long, wider and taller than anything that has gone before in the range, with the saloon larger than the previous generation model, although the estate version measures longest.
Mazda believes the car builds on what has gone before, but with its own unique spin.
"The new Mazda6 inherits the same athletic look as the very successful outgoing model, but communicates this in a more radical way," commented the company.
Meanwhile, the Associated Press has commented that Motor Trend magazine has named the Mazda CX-9 as its sport utility vehicle of the year.
Mazda Motor Corporation will unveil its environmentally-friendly lightweight strategy when it shows off the Mazda6 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show next month.
The vehicle is more efficient and ethically-sound than its predecessor, producing less CO2 while using a smaller amount of fuel.
Similarly, the group will debut an all-new diesel variant of the pre-existing Mazda2 model.
Already on sale in the UK, the update will be lighter, more frugal and efficient.
"Mazda Motor Corporation will underscore its Sustainable Zoom-Zoom vision for developing technologies that have less impact on the environment," the company commented.
Meanwhile, the Mazda M5 range has gone on sale in Japan under the new name of the Premacy.
The company is expecting to hit its sales target of 1,800 units sold per month in the country across its Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships.
The Frankfurt Motor Show in September is to feature the all-new Mazda6 debut, it emerged today.
As a complete redesign of the original Mazda6, the new version has been updated to include improved safety and environmental performance.
It is set to be shown off to visitors at the event next month, where a number of other marques will showcase their forthcoming models.
And according to Mazda, the new design embodies the "Zoom-Zoom" brand philosophy, which it says offers a "thrilling drive" to reflect the enjoyment felt when experiencing motion as a child.
"The result is an exciting and delightful experience that only the all-new Mazda6 can deliver," a statement from the company maintained.
In related news, the Mazda MX-5 recently came first in a poll to find the most reliable convertibles.
Warranty Direct placed the model in front of competitors such as the Peugeot 206CC and the BMW Z3.
Drivers on the lookout for a used car have been advised that they could secure themselves a good deal if they go for a Mazda6.
According to Parker’s Car Price Guide, this model "almost single-handedly transformed the image of Mazda in the UK" and can be found at dealers for a reasonable price.
The Mazda6 offers value, practicality and comfort, according to Parker’s, as well as an attractive design and a "spirited drive" for motorists who like to enjoy their time behind the wheel.
In other segments, there are currently "plenty" of Peugeot 1007s available for less than £6,000, according to the guide, while discounts are currently available on models such as the Chevrolet Kalos and the Seat Toledo.
For "hot hatchback" buyers, Renault reportedly has the best proposition at the moment in the shape of the Megane Renaultsport, which Parker’s describes as "stylish and top value".
Other options within this segment include the Focus ST and the "charismatic" Golf GTI.
For drivers on the lookout for a people carrier, the Citroen C8 is tipped as the best for value, while the Mitsubishi Outlander is also identified as an opportunity for a saving, with prices expected to fall with the Outlander II currently on sale.
The Mazda6 is currently staying ahead of the upper medium automobile sector as a result of its strong residual values and healthy demand, according to the Japanese automaker.
Mazda credits the 6 model as being one of the cars that put it on the map and it is still enjoying popularity and holding value five years after it was introduced to showrooms.
The car currently has residual value forecasts above 30 per cent for a three-year/60,000-mile timescale, making it a cost-effective choice and ensuring that it can compete with other popular models such as the Citroen C5, the Peugeot 407 and the Renault Laguna.
Simon Harris, consumer editor of the Parker’s car guide, commented: "The Mazda6 has always performed above the class average for resale values since its launch in 2002 and it remains a more attractive proposition than its higher-volume rivals.
"A combination of excellent equipment levels, rewarding driving dynamics, good build quality and a spacious interior mean used car customers recognise the strength of the overall package, seeing it as a more desirable product than typical upper medium cars."
Standard specification on the Mazda6 includes manual air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, ABS anti-lock brakes and six airbags.
Mazda has celebrated the fact that one of its models has won the large family car category of the Environmental Transport Association’s (ETA) 2007 car buyers’ guide.
The Mazda6 was named the best large family car, while the manufacturer itself was the runner-up for the motoring innovation award, for its development of an eco-friendly coating technology for use in car manufacture.
This system integrates the primer coating and top coating processes, leading to a 15 per cent cut in CO2 emissions as well as a reduction in the output of volatile organic compounds.
A ten-star ‘green ranking’ was awarded to the Mazda6 by the ETA. The car is a two-litre diesel model with manual transmission as standard and is capable of returning up to 47mpg.
Rob Lindley, managing director of Mazda UK, said: "The stylish Mazda6 kick-started the change in perception of our brand in 2001 and since then the Mazda Corporation has completely renewed its product line-up.
"The Mazda6 has become our top-seller in the UK and in its latest form, with diesel power and a six-speed transmission, it is an extremely fuel-efficient, refined and safe car – an achievement acknowledged by the ETA award."
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