The New Mazda Atenza

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the launch of the fully remodeled Mazda Atenza (known as the all-new Mazda6 overseas) in Japan. Available in three body styles - Sedan, Sport (5-door hatchback), and Sport Wagon - Mazda’s globally acclaimed mid-size car goes on sale from today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.

Developed in line with Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom evolution concept, the all-new Mazda Atenza’s design theme is “Bold & Exquisite.” The exterior look expresses a combination of athleticism and delicate grace in all three body styles. Sporty and sophisticated interior design creates an environment in which drivers can experience real driving pleasure, comfort and a feeling of security.

Launched in Japan in May 2002, the first generation Atenza combined unique and attractive styling with exceptional driving performance. Now, the second generation model takes these characteristics one step further through substantially enhanced environmental and safety performance. With top class aerodynamics, it features improved high speed stability, ride quality and quietness, providing enhanced comfort levels worthy of the “ultimate high speed long-distance touring car.”

Mazda’s newly developed MZR 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine, mated to five-speed and six-speed automatic transmissions which are newly combined with Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) control*1, further evolve the exceptional driving dynamics that were highly acclaimed on the first Atenza. The all-new Atenza is larger than its predecessor, but increased use of high tensile steel has helped reduce the overall vehicle weight. In combination with the top-class aerodynamics, this contributes to improved fuel economy. To lower running costs, the use of regular gasoline is now recommended for all model grades.

Safety features on the all-new Mazda Atenza include Japan’s first rear vehicle monitoring system. When driving at speeds over 60 kilometers per hour, this system uses radar to detect vehicles approaching from behind and alerts the driver. Another new feature is CF-Net (Cross Functional Network) functionality, a combination of switches on the steering wheel with a centralized display at the top of the instrument panel, which provide simple control of all systems, including air conditioning and audio. This helps the driver focus on the road and reduces hand movement away from the steering wheel. Other safety attributes include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Mazda’s Traction Control System (TCS) as standard equipment on all the 2.5-liter model grades. Mazda’s enhanced safety equipment and functionality promote safe and comfortable driving.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices range from 2,070,000 to 2,500,000 yen for the all-new Mazda Atenza Sedan, 2,280,000 to 2,670,000 yen for the Sport version, and from 2,200,000 to 2,670,000 yen for the Sport Wagon model (all prices include consumption tax).

Powertrains

The all-new Atenza is equipped with Mazda’s recently developed MZR 2.5-liter engine, a step up from the previous model’s 2.3-liter version. By increasing torque at all engine speeds, linear acceleration and precise response were achieved. With engine emissions cleaner than ever before and the recommended fuel changed to regular gasoline - previously, premium gasoline was the designated fuel for all the 2.3-liter models - the new Atenza is more environmentally-friendly and cheaper to run. The highly acclaimed MZR 2.0-liter engine is also available.

Electrically controlled five-speed and six-speed automatic (Activematic) transmissions are fitted with the Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) system that is also featured on the Mazda RX-8. This setup delivers a linear and agile ride by selecting the optimal gear for the particular driving condition. An advanced six-speed manual transmission is equipped on the 25Z and 25S grades of the Atenza Sport and Sport Wagon.

Mazda’s electrically-controlled Active Torque Split All-Wheel-Drive system is equipped on the four-wheel-drive models. Torque transfer is optimized for the front and rear axle in accordance with changing road surfaces and driving conditions.

Environmental and safety features: equipment that embodies evolved Zoom-Zoom

Mazda’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TSC) support safe and linear driving (standard on 2.5-liter grades, available as a factory-installed set option on 2.0-liter grades).

The all-new Atenza features Japan’s first rear vehicle monitoring system. At speeds over 60 kilometers per hour, this system detects vehicles approaching from the rear and alerts the driver (on all 25EX and 25Z and 25S FWD grades). Mazda’s Precrash Safety System detects oncoming obstacles, alerts the driver and, if necessary, automatically applies the brakes. Additionally, a motor pre-tensions the seatbelts prior to a crash to more effectively restrain the occupants (available as a factory-installed set option on 25EX, 25Z and 25S FWD grades with automatic transmissions).

Mazda’s Radar Cruise Control System uses a radar sensor to measure the speed and distance of the vehicle in front and automatically controls acceleration and deceleration to maintain a preset distance (available as a factory-installed set option on 25EX, 25Z and 25S FWD grades with automatic transmissions).

The adaptive front lighting system (AFS) with bi-xenon headlights dramatically improves nighttime visibility (standard on Sport and Sport Wagon 25EX and 25Z grades and available as a factory-installed set option on all other grades except 25C and 20F).

Parking sensor: A total of eight ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers sense the distance to obstacles from the corners of the car and deliver a series of audible beeps to help the driver park in tight spaces (available as a factory-installed set option on all grades except 25C and 20F).

Front Seat Active Headrests are installed on a Mazda vehicle for the first time. The headrests reduce the risk of neck injuries in the event of a rear end collision.

The all-new Atenza boasts top class aerodynamics, reduced roll resistance and is equipped with electric power steering (FWD grades) and LED brake lights. It delivers significantly improved performance and safety as well as a two percent improvement in fuel economy even though it is larger than the outgoing model.

While engine size has increased, the all-new Atenza’s exhaust emissions are as clean as ever (FWD grades achieve exhaust emissions that are 75 percent or lower than the levels required by the Japanese government’s 2005 exhaust emissions regulations. All 4WD grades achieve exhaust emissions that are 50 percent or lower than the regulations.)

By using polypropylene (PP) and other reusable materials in a variety of parts, the all-new Atenza is over 90 percent*2 recyclable.

Materials with low proportions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) are used for interior resins, paints and adhesives. Proportions are less than those stipulated in guidelines set by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.