May8
Mazda has yet to release all the details on its upcoming Mazda6, but a consumer survey has given us our first solid information about the new sedan. The car, due to go on sale this summer, grows in every key dimension and features larger engines as well. Mazda says the bump in displacement, as well as handling traits and interior comfort, were "optimized" for North American roads.
Engines will include a new 170 horsepower 2.5 liter inline-four and the corporate 3.7 liter V6 borrowed from the CX-9 SUV assembly line — producing 272 horsepower. Transmissions for the four-cylinder model will include a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. The V6, sadly, will put power down exclusively via a six-speed automatic.
The Mazda6 will be available in two basic trim levels once it hits U.S. dealers — Mazda6 i and Mazda6 s. The Mazda6 i will be available in SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels while the Mazda6 s will be available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels — the details of which are listed below per Mazda6Club.com.
Despite the fastback roofline, the North American 6 will come as a four-door sedan only and Mazda does not mention any other body styles including coupe or convertible models. Just like the original 6, the car will be produced at the AutoAlliance International plant shared with Ford in Flat Rock, Michigan.
The U.S. spec Mazda6 differs from the car previously introduced with a very different look in the rear. Different taillights set them apart, as does the location change of the third brake-light. The license plate moves up in the U.S. version, exhaust tips look sportier and the Mazda emblem shrinks slightly. Look closely and you see even more changes with the rear fascia.
Expectations are high for the new Mazda6 — the first model almost single-handedly reinvented Mazda and was the fastest vehicle the automaker ever produced to exceed 1 million units sold worldwide.
MAZDA6 s
Grand Touring
272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
s Touring model features plus:
- Xenon auto on/off headlights & LED rear combination lights
- Rain sensing windshield wipers
- Auto-dimming, heated outside mirrors w/ ground illumination
- Leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats
- Driver's seat memory with outside mirror adjust function (2 settings)
- Passenger power seat
- Auto dimming inside mirror w/ Homelink® system
- Dual zone automatic climate control
- Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
MSRP: $29,150*
MAZDA6 s Touring
272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
s Sport model features plus:
- 18" alloy wheels
- Fog lights
- Push button ignition start
- Mazda Advance Keyless Entry & Start System
- Leather wrapped steering wheel & shift knob
- Trip computer & welcome mode
- 8-way power driver's seat w/ manual adjust lumbar support
- Anti-theft security alarm
MSRP: $26,150*
MAZDA6 s Sport
272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
Vehicle features
- 17" alloy wheels
- Chrome dual exhaust finishers
- Halogen headlights
- Dual power remote side mirrors
- V6 emblems & scuff plates
- AM/FM/CD MP3 compatible 6-speaker sound system
- Auxiliary audio input jack
- Steering wheel mounted audio & cruise controls
- Remote keyless entry w/ jack-knife key
- Key-activated remote down windows
- Carpeted floor mats
- Tilt & telescopic steering wheel w/ cruise and audio controls
- Advanced front air bags, side air bags, side air curtains and side impact door beams
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
MSRP: $25,150*
MAZDA6 i Grand Touring
170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)†
Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
i Touring model features plus:
- Xenon auto on/off headlights & LED rear combination lights
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Auto-dimming, heated outside mirrors w/ ground illumination
- Leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats
- Driver's seat memory with outside mirror adjust function (2 settings)
- Passenger power seat
- Auto dimming inside mirror w/ Homelink® system
- Dual zone automatic climate control
- Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
MSRP: $25,850*
MAZDA6 i Touring
170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)†
Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
i Sport model features plus:
- 17" alloy wheels
- Fog lights
- 8-way driver's power seat & electroluminescent gauges
- Push button ignition start
- Leather-trimmed steering wheel & shift knob
- Trip computer & welcome mode
- Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System
- Anti-theft security alarm
MSRP: $22,750*
MAZDA6 i Sport
170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)†
Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
i SV Model features plus:
- Auxiliary audio input jack
- Steering wheel mounted audio & cruise controls
- Key-activated remote down windows
- Carpeted floor mats
- Remote keyless entry w/ jack-knife key
MSRP: $21,250*
MAZDA6 i SV
170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)†
Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
Vehicle features
- Independent front & rear suspension w/ stabilizer bars
- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
- 16" steel wheel w/ 7-spoke wheel cover
- Halogen headlights with automatic headlight shutoff
- Power remote door mirrors, door locks, and windows
- Air conditioning with pollen filter
- AM/FM/CD MP3 compatible stereo w/ 6-speakers & SIRIUS Satellite Radio-compatible audio system
- 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, floor and cargo mats
- Center instrument panel display (A/C, audio, clock, outside temp.)
- Power door locks, windows, door mirrors and remote keyless entry
- Tilt & telescopic steering wheel w/ cruise and audio controls
- Advanced front air bags, side air bags, side air curtains and side impact door beams
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
MSRP: $19,850
Colors Available:
- Ebony Black
- Black Cherry Metallic
- Light Ice Blue Metallic
- Sangria Red Mica
- Smokestone Mica
- Performance White
- Kona Blue Mica
- Comet Grey Mica
- Brilliant Silver Metallic
Leather:
Black, Grey or Beige depending on color.
Options:
- Moonroof $1800
- Navigation $2000
Official May 6
Official April 25
Mazda 6 spy shots February 28
Japan-spec Atenza
That grill just sucks! Why did they screw with the Euro version? It was perfect
Just have it painted matt black. That's what I did with mine and now it looks like a Speed6. But I do agree….why didn't they just bring over the EXACT one from Europe?
Whatever, I still plan on buying one. They're great cars.
Airy look and low cowl are refreshing and departure from coffin like appearances (300C), but those unmistakable "me to" fenders and Prius rear quarter window are not THAT creative. The fastback look on a sedan is not much of innovation as well.
As a current 2007 Mazda 6 5-Door owner, I love my car and they should make a 5-door for the US market. Their are several round here in the DC area. Also, as usual Ford has to screw with the US version and not produce the best of the Euro and Japanese versions here. When will they learn. It's a world market Bozo!! Hey but it's still made in Flat Rock, MI. next to the Mustang.
I REALLY want that Japanese grill insert and not that painted POS they slate for North America. At least as an option - please!
doesn't look that bad. It's a Jap car so anything made from Japs are reliable than American made cars
Awesome ride. The best inexpensive sedan on the market.
This looks like real competition (unlike the Malibu) for the Accord and Camry.
The V6 engine is from MAZDA not Ford. This should sell well Cant wait to see the interior
WRONG again 1115. The V-6 is a Ford engine. Based on the Duratec V-6, going back to the 2.5L in the Contour/Mondeo of 1995. The block was designed by Cosworth, and the heads were designed by Porsche.
Rodman, I have the exact same car as you in bright red. I had the middle bar on the grill painted matt black and it looks incredible. Have added MazdaSpeed 18" rims and removed the body-side molding. Looks fantastic!! Enjoy yours!
The V6 really needs the option of a 6speed manual tranny. Mazda's are known to be sporty and fun, which for me, means a manual tranny.
Is niiiice.
Pretty nice looking! Agreed with everyone else about the Euro and Japanese spec looking a little better then what we are getting. Those tail lights look a little bland, or maybe just styled like the Mazda 3, anyways great looking car! I'm sure this will continue the success the first Mazda 6 brought Mazda. The really need to bring back the speed 6!
Thanks, 6ix,
It's my second 6. The first one, a 2003 6s, got stolen and totaled in Detroit. I wanted a 5-door since they came out in 2004. I like the new 2009 6 but it could have been better. And even though only a few will order it, the V-6 engine should offer a 6-speed manual. and the 4i should have a 6-speed auto. GM just announced one for the Malibu 4-cylinder.
Mazda increased engine displacement to 3.7 litres. Mazda states that the new engine generates 204 kilowatts (273 hp) and 366 newton metres (270 ft·lbf) of torque.[2] The engine went into production in June 2007 at Mazda’s engine plant in Japan
The Mazda 3.7 L MZI is assembled in Hiroshima, Japan.
From wiki there are two different versions of this the Cyclone and the MZI which is Mazdas version The Mazda version is produced in Japan and is used in the CX 9 the MKS has the Duratec Ford version
Nice but why only a 4 door sedan? Way better looking than Fusion Milan and MKZ
Rodman… funny, I had a copper 2004 5-door too. V6 with the 5-spd but I totaled it shortly after buying new. Just a bad accident but I walked away without a scratch. So I promptly went and bought another one, but this time a GT with the 6-spd auto. Just got sick of shifting in slow traffic.
Amazing how much you can fit in the back of those things, isn't it? Why on earth more companies don't offer 5-doors is beyond me. They look just like the sedan yet can hold about the same amount as a small pick-up.
Looks nice
6ix,
You are so right. Mine is a Blue 6i Sport Touring. I've like 5-doors or hatchbacks since they came out in the 70's. I had a 90 Civic SI Hatch and a 2002 Protege 5. You get the sporty looks and ability to carry all kinds of stuff.
ZO6ified- For what it's worth. We did a feasibility study to do the 2.5l-3.0l block in iron in the early '90's. The quote package included mocked-up cores and product drawings for the iron foundry to bid on the work, which would consist of tooling design drawings and cost estimates. Cosworth got the nod to produce tooling and tooling drawings for aluminum. These drawings would have a Cosworth title block. The original product drawings, head and block, had Porsche title blocks.
Nice cars - but the front is weak, don’t like the grill and I really don’t like the front fender creases and shape.
The Japanese had absolutely nothing to do with the original design of the 2.5l-3.0l block. A variation of the same original design is used in Jaguars too.
Buhbye I was shut up one of these jerks on this site that didnt belive the Jaguar or Japquar uses a version of the 2.5 engine used in Mazdas
I forgot which jerkoff it was
Looks nice. Headlights and grill look a bit wimpy (kinda like a Lexus ES) but otherwise it has some risky design that is needed today - something beyond the toaster oven Camry. I know, 1115 will have something to say but if you think the Camry is "exciting" then great. And it will be built in Michigan? Will that cause problems for you American car haters? I'd like to see the MazdaSpeed6 too.
Really, really disappointing to hear no manual is available with the V6. I'm guessing the decision was made due to slow sales, but I still don't think that's the right way to go given Mazda's sporty perception.
3.0l (mechanized) and 4.0l (hand-built) Jaguar engines were produced at Lima Engine Plant in Ohio. The 2.5l Jaguar engines were built in Cleveland Engine Plant 2. The original design drawings were in German using international design standards. Porsche was hired to design the packages based on the required exterior dimensions of the then-secret engine compartment fits. The design was sold 100% by Porsche to the Ford families. Many other engine plants and foundries can produce a version of their own. Jaguar has their way to build, Mazda has their way. Each company has there own specs. You might be surprised to learn that the 3.5l Ford block is currently cast in Alabama, at a Mexican-owned foundry, alongside Nissan, Chrysler and Hyundai blocks. Check it out.
This car should have been a Mercury. Fords giving all the Cherries out of its harvest to Madza must seem really unfair to a Mercury dealer
it is cute
Before I'd buy one of these I would check to see what aftermarket grills become available. Mazda is on some serious drugs with that cheap-ass grill. The Atenza grill has class.
Mazda: make the freakin' grill an option!
Bigger… always bigger. Why is this the trend with American cars? The next generation always has to pack on a few more inches. Has anyone thought that the auto manufacturers might have an obesity problem?
It used to be that if you wanted a bigger car… you ponied up the dough and bought the next larger model. But now-a-days "compact" and "mid-size" cars are so huge that a whole new "sub-compact" class has had to be created to fill the space where "compact" cars used to reside. "Light duty" pickups are now the size of "full-size" ones… and "full-size" ones have inflated to where "heavy-duty" trucks used to reside. The new F-350 is a sherman tank!
And where is all this extra space going anyways? My Cobalt is much larger than the Cavalier it replaced. But I can't seem to find any increase in interior space… and the trunk is still anemic.
Sure… keep making them bigger… so they get even worse mileage. I'm definately not going to be buying any more new cars.
It looks nice from the rear… but its not enough to get me out of my current 6. Maybe after a mid-cycle refresh or something i will but theres some things wrong with this car.
1. n0 5 door model
2. 6 speed auto…at least have the manumatic option
3. The grill I'm not to fond of so hopefully aftermarket comes out or they change it.
4. and to me and only me it looks like from the first picture a sportier maxima with that roofline.
So unless they change it or I see some people buy it and make it look nice. my 2004 Mazda 6s will stay with me which im happily satisfied with.
Awesome job on this one Ford! Now make the Fusion like this too
Give all the credit to Ford lol Does Ford design the Mazda's?
Trust me, the designers at Ford certainly did not pen the Furai concept!
mayer_ray_nagin, if that grille is made like the Mazda3 Sedan (i.e. it is molded with the bumper cover) then you can't even switch it out unless you want to buy a Japan-spec front end and swap it.
Give me the wagon and move the license plate holder to the bumper and we are set. This is light year ahead in the design department than the weird Cam-cord.
Headlights are to Japanese so does the rearlights. Using the bad side of the word. No offense to Japanese I think they're cool but this time they surpassed the "minimalist-overcharged" range to both extremes.
Everything else is great though.
I guess they went with this rear design so that it doesn't look like a POS Sebring
Oh well, will miss the 5 door. But, look around. I've seen one wagon and a few 5 doors. No one wants them here in the states, so why waste money having them available here?
Love the exhaust pipes though. I just hope my friend finally gets one now that they are almost here. His old 626 was turbocharged, needed only 87 octane, with a adjustable suspension, that in turns would stiffen wheels that needed it.
1115 - If I remember correctly, when this car (the Japanese version) debuted a long time ago, you arguing how "it's nice and all but its a domestic because it has ford parts" and you said that you wouldn't buy it. You basically said the same thing that you say about all the nice new GM cars - they look nice, but you won't buy them. So you included the Mazda in the "nice but no thanks" domestic category a long time ago.
Whoo-whee!
My first choice among commuter coffins
6ix: you mean matte black.
tripleonefive: This car isn't likely to be cross-shopped with the camcord. This car is for people who are still alive.
RaineMan: hear, hear
tripleonefive: i don't care who gets the credit. Well done!
Hopefully the MazdaSpeed6 is not a memory, and that will have a V6/manual drivetrain.
The grille may very well become Euro-style after the facelift in 2012.
DrFill
Commodore, was it worth remembering?
I test drove a 2.5 with auto last week, well the Japanese version anyway which differs only on the exterior styling. I thought the handling is pretty good but the suspension is rough as hell for a mid-size (not quite Accord size) family sedan. Though I think the idea is really a sport sedan not a family hauler… Didn't test the V6 but the 2.5 came in loaded with paddle shifts, leather, and same features as the overseas Camry 3.5. The 2.5 has good acceleration and awesome brakes but I stand by my philosophy of buying only V6 large sedans. The interior materials seem cheaper than the new Accord but that has always been the case with the previous model. Regardless, it stands between the Accord coupe and sedan, I guess it'll appeal to those who like the styling and want more sport in a big sedan. Personally I'd rather just get the CX-7.
Unrelated, I test drove the new Volvo S80 on the same day and that car is truly a bargain in the 50K range sedan beating all other jap offerings except maybe the M35x.
Looks great, let's hope they've worked the bugs out. My '06 V6 Grand Sport Wagon was a total basket case, and the dealer experience only made it worse. I truly hope they've abandoned the rather silly variable intake design that choked the life out of the old 3.0 Duratec and wonky AT that only ever wanted to be in 6th gear regardless of speed, but then would refuse to downshift unless the pedal was floored. Could barely keep up with traffic in that POS, even with an advertised 215HP.
Rodd C: "This car isn't likely to be cross-shopped with the camcord. This car is for people who are still alive."
Seeing that you drive an old Oldsmobile, I think the Camry or Accord would fit you much better.
A car can look nice as it wants but if its not reliable and in this case the engine is Mazda so its better than it being all Ford then it is
Looks are subjective quality and resale cant be questioned
The interior quality isn't as good as the Camry…the plastics looked and felt a bit cheaper, but man, that's a nice looking exterior!
You still haven't figured it out have you dumbass
Keep copying and pasting
Flipper, Mercury is on the chopping block! And where else on earth do you see Mercury cars besides the U.S.? This is a GLOBAL car, so giving it to Mercury won't work. So stop talking like a crazy person.
After looking more closely at the Japan-spec and U.S.-spec pictures, I like the U.S. rear end better, not only because of the more stylish exhaust, but the overall shape. The Japan rear resembles a mid-90s Maxima and a little bit of Buick Lucerne too! I do wish the license plate is moved to the bumper to give it a cleaner look. The hood lost its "rib" in the middle, which gave the car more personality. Overall looks great. I am glad the rear bumper cover isn't SUV-size.
some of you people on this sight trip me out it is as if no matter who makes a particular car (import or domestic) you will not be satisfied with the results. The way I prefer to view cars is from a more open perspective what you are looking at is someones creative idea and another part corporate identity some have made comments that it looks like a 3 from this angle or that but not may of you complain when the newest Benz comes out looking like what they already offer (smaller..C class or the BMW 3 series ) All auto companies I believe should have some form of brand identy or on a lot they look sloppy and have no design cohesion (look at Lincoln). So drop all the Mazda 3 references hell what should it look like a VW? I think it is BUEATIFUL YOU GO MAZDA make FORD proud!!!!
Look nice but it's frontface and grill make me come up with Honda Acura. Really look alike..
front looks like an R-class - bad
rear looks heavenly though
You guys are right about the grille for the US.. Else it's a lovely car
I like it
Check your local dealers. i work at one in ga and we have got a pre production model on display for about 3 weeks. Its a nice improvement. I hate the wheels. = )
Well the 3.7 engine is from Mazda so its a candidate for X shopping
The butt is copy of new Accord. The rest is OK (minus grill), but 4 cylinder is weakling: 167 isn't even on par with cheapest Accord (177). V6 is a bit more powerful, but I would not buy V6 in good old times when gas was below $3/gallon, now it's total luxury.
the rear of the 6 looks NOTHING like the new accord.
i wouldn't call a ten horsepower difference a big deal. the camry four cylinder only comes with 158 hp, so 167 is competitive.
I think I see the start stop engine button on the console ?? If Im right (I usually am ) Why the hell is it there ?
otherwise bravo Mazda some real comp for the Camry and the Accord finally
I think its nice. Its a better alternative to Toyota or Nissan
Someone please explain: Why are 5-doors not popular in America? I'd take one over a 4-door any day, they're sportier and more practical.
This car was so sporty and aggressive, now they have just ruined the look with those headlight. so off the Mazda 6
Yup, the headlights are shit.
So close, yet so far.
They couldn't bring the Euro-version over here because the 3.7 doesn't shoehorn into its engine bay. That's why we have the 6 on the new CD3-2 platform. And don't complain because if we didn't have a V6, you'd just be whining anyway.
It gets bigger because it is a significantly updated platform that was originally stretched for the Fusion. The length (190) is about the same as Camry and 5 less than Accord.
The 3.7 is a Ford-based engine. The 3.7 has been engineered out by Mazda. Ford has a version for Lincoln. Ford had no *design* say on this vehicle - that's all Mazda - but they had substantial engineering engagement as this platform will underpin the Fusion and Milan that begin sale in January next year.
There are some rumblings that the 6 might get a hybrid powertrain when the Fusion and Milan hybrids launch in January next year.
Ford owes Mazda for the Explorer first of all and the platform to build the Edge /MKX Fusion Milan MKZ
The front end looks too feminine. I want aggressive looks in the car I buy.
I was completely sold on the Euro version, but I'll have to see one of the U.S. specs in person. I can't decide if I like it or not. Either way it's an improvement.
Jordan, EX Accord comes with 190 HP, but for argument sake I'll call it competitive, with Camry. BTW, I suspect Camry will be upped to 165-170 for the next model year. RAV-4 already 166, same mill. Altima I believe 175. But if the weight is less then 3000 lbs less ponies can motivate it as well as competition.
They shouldn't have diluted the car from the Euro version. That sounds like Ford's influence, since they do that all the time. For some reason they think Americans like softer and watered down European cars. BMW and Mercedes doesn't soften and water down their cars for the U.S. market, and they sell well, so why would you water down a Euro spec car? It's stupid.
Anyway, its still a great car for the money. I would much rather have one of these over an Accord or Camry.
I wisht they'd offer a version with the euro hood/front-end as a "sport model." 90% of this car looks good, but that front end is so out of place.
the first car didnt sell as well as they expected so its no surprise that the new one is larger and more suited to American's taste.
The 5-door is beautiful.. hopefully Mazda will bring it over as is, at least as the Mazdaspeed version.. then they won't have to modify the hood to fit the V6 since the MSP uses a turbo 4!
I have to say I prefer the taillights of the US sedan.. the Euro/Japanese 4-door looks almost identical to the plain Mazda3 from the rear. But the new flat hood and boring front fascia of the US model is nasty.
Looks like a toyota avalon…. umglif! I think I just threw up a little! Oh well I don't care for mazda anyway… even if Ford owns it.
17 / 25!!!!! thats horrible
that mileage on the v6 is not good. I also think the grand touring is a bit overpriced. Was expecting 2k lower at the top end.
I don't think this car is a Camry, Accord threat. This car is alot more involving and driver focused than those two. It should get the attention of the Nissan Altima, Maxima, Pontiac G6, and maybe the Acura TSX.
On paper I don't see any advantages over Camry?accord/Altima. Perhaps it drives better then leading trio, because it definitely not as frugal.
Second the poor mileage of the V6 models. Looks like the topline 4cyl is a pretty decent value considering all the equipment it has, and I think it's nice you don't have to buy a V6 in order to get all the toys…
[b]GREAT LOOKING CAR!!![/b] …competitors, time to hit the drawing board.
1800 for a moonroof and 2000 for a nav system? ripoff artists!
xyunya: After test driving the new fully loaded 2.4 Accord for a few days (got a loaner), I'd say its handling is on par with this Mazda. Sure the Mazda has stiffer springs and smaller but for a sedan in that segment, they're good enough. The Accord does have a vastly superior interior quality. The new Camry just sucked big time in everything compared to the Accord and Mazda. I know, by today I have about 40 units in my fleet.
ive seen this on the road a few times and it looks very good
Probably Mazda i Touring for me. At 22k it's a great deal. I hate that the V6 only comes in autocraptic. I need a stickshift!
Veda, I test drove Accord as soon as they came out. It is very well balanced car, especially considering size and interior space. Honestly, I wasn't Mazda fan driving them as rentals. I recall 626 with 2.0L weaker then Mazda 3 with 1.8 in LA. It was thrilling: I feared for my life. I could never detect marvels of Mazda handling (perhaps rentals not the best specimen) but Honda always felt a bit lovelier then Camry (during test drive stints). I dare to say but current Accord even looks good (well I like it). Again, on paper I don't see advantages over Accord, perhaps I'll have to make my mind in the fall during test drive.
This is on my new car list and I am sooooo thankful that we do not get the American version here in Oz. They just aired a commercial today and the thing looks amazing.
As an owner of two 6's over the years an 03 6s and an 07 6i Sport Touring, this modela nd trim arrangement is like the original one in 03 for the current model 6. Also they (Mazda) did not bring out the 5-door and wagon until a year after the sedan came out here. I think this type of trim and model arrangement is a mistake (overly complex)and that they should make the 5-door here. I now own a 2007 5-door and wanted one since they were brought out in the spring of 04. As for the colors. Mazda sent me an email last week with a link to build my own possible 2009 6 and and survey. My current car is Bright Island Blue. The proposed color choices are to few and the 2 blues are either too dark or light and they need a nice red metallic. My only real compliant with my current car is the quality of the black leather (wanted but could not find one with tan leather) is very poor. My 03 6s (v6) with tan/biege leather was superior.
However, I still prefer a sporty Mazda over a bloated Accord.
They show a tan leather in the top photos, and I'm sure Mazda would love to gouge (I mean) work with you to get whatever options you want.