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2004 Mazda6 Sport Wagon. A Luxury Package includes leather seating surfaces, an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, heated door mirrors, and electroluminescent gauges that glow red at night.
2004 Mazda6 Sport Wagon. A 5-speed manual transmission is included in the standard equipment package, although a 5-speed automatic with Sport Shift is also offered.
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2004 Mazda6 Sport Wagon. Mazda uses a power rack-and-pinion steering system that reduces assistance at high speeds, to improve handling qualities by making the driver more sensitive to the wheel's actual input.
2004 Mazda6 Sport Wagon. In naming the new wagon, Mazda clearly hopes to represent the wagon's behavior as nimble and athletic.
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2004 Mazda6 Sport Wagon. The thought here is to expand the customer base by applying wagon functionality to an already existing sporty sedan.
2004 Mazda6 Sport Wagon. In developing the Sport Wagon, Mazda had an advantage in having tooled "Sport" when engineers developed the 6 sedan.
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For 2004, Mazda stretches the interior of its popular '6' to form the Sport Wagon. The thought here is to expand the customer base by applying wagon functionality to an already existing sporty sedan. Even further, the assault is double-barreled, as Mazda will also unveil the 5-door hatchback version later this year. Three body styles of one model indicate this Japanese automaker's confidence in and apparent success with the recently-introduced 6.
To assure that the "Sport" part of the name is fulfilled, Mazda will offer only one engine in the wagon - a 3-liter V6. Output is 220 hp. @ 6,300 rpm and 192 lb.-ft. of torque @5,000 rpm. Sedan and hatchbacks also come with the choice of a base 2.3-liter inline-4 (160 hp.) and consequently are badged 6i. However, only a 6s label (indicating the larger powerplant) will dress the new wagon. That V6 is engineered with continuously variable intake valve timing, known as VVT that provides both smooth running at low rpm and higher output at greater revolution. Between the minimum and maximum levels of adjustment, the timing is infinitely variable, providing enhanced performance at any engine speed.
A 5-speed manual transmission is included in the standard equipment package, although a 5-speed automatic with Sport Shift is also offered. The 4-speed automatic transmission used behind the 4-cylinder engine will not be seen in Sport Wagons.
In naming the new wagon, Mazda clearly hopes to represent the wagon's behavior as nimble and athletic. However, we might assume this, even without the "Sport" appellation. Why? Because Mazda emphasizes the racy attributes of every '6' that leaves the factory, and vows to make every model in its lineup have "the soul of a sports car". Fully independent suspension uses a double-wishbone setup up front and a multilink unit in the back to provide, in this carmaker's words, "sharp reflexes and maximum road holding." A standard front stabilizer bar and low-profile rear coil springs with angled shocks keep the vehicle flat and smooth.
Mazda uses a power rack-and-pinion steering system that reduces assistance at high speeds, to improve handling qualities by making the driver more sensitive to the wheel's actual input. Large 11-in. disc brake rotors, both front and rear, provide plenty of surface to grab, and Sport Wagons come standard with ABS. Mazda 6i sedans and hatchbacks offer this electronic support, but do not include it normally. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution sends the appropriate amount of bite to each corner and responds, for example, to more weight in the back seat by increasing power in the rear brakes. Traction control is also included with ABS, and it cuts torque when wheel slippage is sensed. For 2004, 17-in. wheels and tires are standard on all 6s versions (Sport Wagon included).
The chassis of the 6 is inherently rigid, again to provide athleticism to every single 6 version. All critical spots - the floor, body sides, and roof - are reinforced with H-shaped buttresses, meant to both improve collision protection and stiffen the general ride. Mazda also says that the sides of this vehicle were stamped as one piece, assuring a precise fit and optimal aerodynamics.
Standard equipment in the Mazda is plentiful - air conditioning, a tilt/telescoping wheel, cruise control, power windows/locks/doors, a split folding rear seat, keyless entry, a CD player, automatic climate control, a cargo cover, and an intermittent rear wiper are all included in the Sport Wagon. However, a couple of additional packages provide even more amenities. A Luxury Package includes leather seating surfaces, an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, heated door mirrors, and electroluminescent gauges that glow red at night. The Bose Audio Package adds a 6-disc CD changer and a subwoofer. A power sunroof and rear spoiler can also be included. Additionally, exterior chrome accents (grille, body side moldings) can be added in the same way titanium finish may be applied within the interior.
Dual front airbags with "smart" technology sense both occupants' seating position and evaluate accident intensity to determine the level of deployment. Seat-mounted airbags are also standard on Sport Wagons, and buffer the head, neck, and chest during impact. Curtain airbags are offered and provide lateral protection to passengers, both front and back.
In developing the Sport Wagon, Mazda had an advantage in having tooled "Sport" when engineers developed the 6 sedan. This wagon variation is meant to maintain all the handling and performance characteristics of the Saloon body style while adding the space and convenience of an Estate.
2004 Mazda6 Sport Wagon Reviewer's Notes
Base price: $22,225
Engine: 3-liter V6 (220 hp @6,300 rpm, 192 lb.-ft. @5,000 rpm)
Transmission: 5-speed manual; 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 105.3 in.
Length: 187.8 in.
Width: 70.1 in.
Height: 56.7 in.
Head/leg/hiproom: front: 38.7/42.3/54.7 in.; rear: 38.6/36.5/54.1 in.
Curb weight, lbs.: 3,400 (estimated)
Fuel economy: 19 city/27 highway mpg
Safety equipment: Dual two-stage frontal airbags; standard front side-impact airbags (seat-mounted); optional front and rear side air curtains; 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS; traction control
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new Mazda6 Sport Wagon?
Mazda redesigned its new '6' (this new model replaced the 626) and brought it to the market a year and a half ago. Since, it has won over 70 awards, has been heralded by many automotive publications, called a "best buy under $25,000", and was chosen as "The 2004 Car of the Year" in China. The Sport Wagon is a derivative from the '6' platform that has sporty looks and handling, but adds versatility somewhat similar to a compact SUV for ferrying children and gear.
When does it go on sale and where is it built?
How many does Mazda expect to sell? On sale now and built in Flat Rock, Michigan, Mazda hopes to sell 80,000 to 90,000 of the '6' and the newest variations, with 40 percent of sales as sedans, and a 30/30 split of Sport Wagons and the 5-Door hatchback.
How does it handle?
We drove the wagon on a road course in the San Diego region, which included highways and back roads, as well as at a performance track that was set up by Mazda to evaluate many areas of handling. Overall, it drives as capably as the sedan, but feels a bit heavier, yet, has plenty of power, great shift points, gear ratios, gas pedal feel-and a performance engine sound. We appreciated that it has a 5-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, and also enjoyed the 5-speed AT with Sport Shift. Steering has a good on-center feel and good feedback, and it has limited body roll in corners. Braking is even and smooth (no nose-diving), with good brake pedal feel.
What is its best feature?
Besides its spirited ride and pleasant looks is the 33 cu. ft. of cargo carrying room with the back seats up and the 60 cu. ft. of capacity with the back seats folded down. We also liked that the rear cargo net that can be moved from the back cargo area to the midsection of the wagon for more versatile stowage of gear and restraining of pets.
What is the Mazda Test Drive Experience and how many Mazda dealers are there in the U.S.?
This Pilot Program is a carefully rehearsed and planned experience over a customized driving route. Mazda believes that its vehicles that have been introduced over the past two years outperform the competition in five areas: steering, handling, braking, ride and acceleration. As a result, Mazda has designed a test drive, guided by its engineers that shows off Mazda's prowess in each of these areas. Mazda has some 700 dealers, with 171 exclusive dealers in the U.S.
---Story by Sue Mead
---Photos courtesy of Mazda North America
© 2004, Sue Mead, All Rights Reserved.
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