Car Previews: 2009 Mazda 6

Every now and then, it just so happens that a very qualified car does not make the impression that it deserves to make. Case in point: the Mazda 6. Although the car is a sporty, fun to drive and very easy to live with sedan, sales of it have not quite been up to par. Of course, this is not to say that Mazda is having incredible difficulty selling them, as a glance through any parking lot will show. However, sales of the sedan have dropped off in the recent year, and while they are still being sold, the numbers aren't quite what Mazda was looking for. With that in mind, the Mazda 6 has been redesigned and improved upon for the 2009 model year. And, if Mazda can stick to their concept, there is no doubt that the new Mazda 6 will be an improvement over the already competent current model.

The changes are apparent as soon as one looks as the front end. The front grill has been changed to something more resembling the 3 series, and the headlights have been swooped all the way back into the quarter panels. The gaps in the lower bumper have been replaced by a secondary grill, and the fog lights are now outlined with their own separate trim. Of course, to accompany this new, "grown up" look, the entire car has been made a bit bigger. About four and half inches have been added to the width, and the car has been made almost seven inches longer. The width and length increases really make a difference in the overall appearance, and the car seems to have grown into its own a little bit. The fender on both the front and back have been flared, and the window line has been slightly raised. The sides of the car are smoothed out almost perfectly, and it really seems to fit with the rest of the vehicle. The roof line has been smoothed out, and looks much sportier as a result. The back end has been cleaned up, and the dual exhaust is now built right into the back bumper. The design of the wheels has been greatly improved, and they really seem to complement the rest of the car.