Mazda 6 – the mid-size cars' crème de la crème

With redefining of global standards in the mid-size car segment in mind, Mazda came up with the Mazda 6 – the carmaker's tour de force in terms of maneuverability, design, safety, and environmental performance. Locally known in Japan as Atenza, Mazda 6 was launched in 2003 as a replacement to the legendary 626. Just like its sister Mazda 3, Mazda 6 has successfully earned the admiration of enthusiasts and market critics alike. Since its first run, Mazda 6 has already surpassed the one million mark in sales worldwide. A testament to Mazda 6's meteoric rise to stardom is the handful of awards and honors it has already garnered. It was a one-time second placer in the European Car of the Year search and made Car & Driver magazine's list of Ten Best Cars for 2003. Mazda 6's Sport Wagon won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Station Wagon award, while the Sport Sedan won the car search's Best New Family Car award for 2005. The Atenza Wagon also bagged What's Car's Best Estate award in 2004.

The Mazda 6 line-up has virtually turned the mid-size segment upside-down with a bold proposition: Why not design a car that’s practical and stylish but also exhilarating to drive? Mazda 6 brings all three factors together. First, the Sports Sedan takes the engine craftsmanship and detail of a sedan into the fast lane by adding on striking speed into the car's already impressive queue of talents. Second, a standard V6 engine and tons of smart space make the Sport Wagon the perfect alternative to boring sedans and bulky minivans. Finally, the versatile and spacious 5-Door offers a run of practical features in a sleek, fun-to-drive package. Anchoring the mid-size car segment, this Japanese juggernaut's run is made possible by a set of reliable and exclusive Mazda 6 parts. On top of the list of Mazda 6 performance parts is the duo team of MZR petrol and MZR-CD common-rail diesel engines, with the latter one highly-rated because of its fairly low emissions. Another unique Mazda 6 part Titanium T-shaped instrument panel adds a bit of style to the car's dashboard.

Other Mazda 6 parts include big storage place, four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) system, standard three-spoke steering wheel, a nine-liter glove box, and an immobilizer system. Along with an organic design that flows into a streamlined body, and smooth curves, Mazda 6 makes sure it stands head and shoulders above the boxy cars of today.

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.