WE'VE driven it overseas and now the successor to Mazda's super-successful mid-size model has arrived in Australia. Matured like a fine wine and featuring more equipment and a lower, sub-$30,000 pricetag at base level, the new Mazda6 is bigger in all directions, more powerful, more economical, more refined and only slightly heavier. Throw in an even sharper driving experience, plus a faithful follow-up to the orginal Six's sleek styling, and it seems the lack (for now at least) of replacements for the previous Mazda6 diesel model and turbocharged all-wheel drive MPS are the only absconder from the second-generation Mazda mid-sizer's standout repertoire.

Mazda6
Released: September 02
Ended: February 08
Family Tree: Mazda6The first Mazda6 hit Australia in September 2002, powered by a 2.3-litre four and priced at $28,270 for the entry-level Limited sedan (five-speed) manual. A four-speed auto version was also offered, as were Classic and Luxury versions of the four-door. A Classic auto wagon was also available, along with Classic (auto-only) Luxury and Luxury Sports versions of the five-door hatch. August 2005 brought an upgraded version featuring six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions - and a base price reduction to $27,690.
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