News

    RICHMOND HILL, ON, April 25 /CNW/ - Mazda Canada Inc. today confirmed
that its all-new Mazda6 sports sedan will launch later this year, with an
expected on-sale date in late summer, 2008. The highly anticipated 2009 Mazda6
is the first of Mazda's "Zoom-Zoom Evolution" second-generation vehicles.
Building on a heritage of sports sedans and sports cars that no other
manufacturer can boast, the second-generation Mazda6 delivers a combination of
sophistication, build quality and product insight not currently found in the
market.
    "This is a very important vehicle for Mazda Canada because the sales
potential is so great," said Don Romano, president of Mazda Canada Inc., from
Denver, where the car was unveiled to Mazda dealers a day earlier at the
company's North American Dealer Meeting. "The midsize sedan segment - where
Mazda6 competes - is a real battleground, with some of the best vehicles in
the industry going toe-to-toe for sales. This new Mazda6 was designed and
engineered specifically for the North American market - the third Mazda in a
row to be so - and will take on the very best cars from Asia, Europe and North
America."
    Following on the heels of the CX-7 and CX-9 crossover SUVs, the 2009
Mazda6 was designed and engineered with the needs, wants and desires of the
North American customer. As it has been since the first Mazda6 was launched,
all North American Mazda6s will continue to be built at AutoAlliance
International, in Flat Rock, Michigan.
    The North American Mazda6 differs from the similarly named car sold in
the rest of the world in many ways: larger interior and exterior size, more
powerful engines, and unique styling. What it retains, however, is something
that earned the first Mazda6 more than 130 international awards and accolades,
including "2004 Best New Family Vehicle" from the Automobile Journalists
Association of Canada: it delivers Zoom-Zoom, and in large doses.
    Power for the 2009 Mazda6 will be available from an all-new
Mazda-designed and developed MZR 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a
3.7-liter V6 as used in the 2008 CX-9, Motor Trend's 2008 Sport/Utility of the
Year and the 2008 North American Truck of the Year. Transmission choices are a
six-speed manual or five-speed Sport AT automatic with manual-shift mode
(2.5-liter engine), or a six-speed Sport AT automatic with manual-shift mode
(3.7-liter V6).
    Suspension will be all-independent, with four-wheel disc brakes and
standard ABS. As with every Mazda, balance, dynamics, and on-road feel -
coupled with unparalleled reductions in road noise and vibrations - will set
the Mazda6 apart from its competition.
    The 2009 Mazda6 will be available only as a four-door sedan. Both the I4
and V6 will be available in GS or GT trim grades, with varying levels of
standard and optional equipment.
    More information on the all-new 2009 Mazda6 sports sedan will be
available closer to launch, including specifics on engine output, trim levels,
equipment, and pricing.

    Mazda Canada Inc. is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer
service and parts support of Mazda vehicles in Canada. Headquartered in
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Mazda Canada has a nationwide network of 160
dealerships. For additional information visit Mazda Canada's media website at
www.media.mazda.ca

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