The IIHS tested 2009 models of the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Maxima and Chevrolet Malibu along with the 2010 Ford Fusion. Each car was was tested with low-speed corner and straight-ahead crashes in the front and the rear. Costs were estimated for each accident and averaged to determine how well each car did. The best of the bunch was the Mazda6, the only mid-size to score "acceptable" with a weighted average cost of $871. The worst was the Chevy Malibu, which will set you back more than $3,400 for a 6 MPH rear-ending. None of the vehicles scored a "Good" rating.

Click "next" to see how each of the cars performed overall as well as in individual tests.

[IIHS]

Ford Fusion
Overall: Poor
Front Full Cost: $2,529
Front Corner Cost: $1,889
Rear Full Cost: $2,610
Rear Corner Cost: $1,073
Weighted Average: $2,207

Mazda Mazda6
Overall: Acceptable
Front Full Cost: $742
Front Corner Cost: $1,437
Rear Full Cost: $768
Rear Corner Cost: $767
Weighted Average: $871

Honda Accord
Overall: Marginal
Front Full Cost: $941
Front Corner Cost: $1,461
Rear Full Cost: $974
Rear Corner Cost: $1,507
Weighted Average: $1,133

Hyundai Sonata
Overall: Marginal
Front Full Cost: $1,791
Front Corner Cost: $1,019
Rear Full Cost: $1,131
Rear Corner Cost: $729
Weighted Average: $1,265

Nissan Maxima
Overall: Poor
Front Full Cost: $997
Front Corner Cost: $1,787
Rear Full Cost: $2,494
Rear Corner Cost: $1,352
Weighted Average: $1,687

Chevrolet Malibu
Overall: Poor
Front Full Cost: $2,092
Front Corner Cost: $1,685
Rear Full Cost: $3,494
Rear Corner Cost: $1,116
Weighted Average: $2,329

Hotness is relative; there's actual hot, as in Megan Fox or John Hamm, and office hot, as in someone hot compared to people you work with. Is the 2009 Mazda6 hot... or just office hot?

Since most of us don't work in the same office, I'm going to lean on the cast of NBC's The Office, which is notable for employing actors almost as unattractive as the rest of us. The 2009 Mazda6 is Pam, a.k.a. Jenna Fischer, who is smokin' hot for a receptionist from Scranton, PA but nothing special compared to the cast of most NBC programs (ahem, Chuck). In the same way, this new Mazda is fun for what it is, but that's still a FWD mid-size sedan.

The 2009 Mazda6 is the replacement for the beloved first-generation Mazda6, a sedan notable for offering a sporty ride and enough style to differentiate it from the appliance-like competition. Unfortunately, the biggest difference in the eyes of most buyers was the size. It was much smaller. This is why the little Mazda was more likely to get duty as the daily driver for a hot twentysomething than a MILF.

The only Mazda6 available with the six-speed manual gearbox is the 6i version, which comes paired with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Compared to the previous generation's 2.3-liter four-banger, power is up modestly to 170 HP and 167 lb.-ft. of torque, an increase of 14 HP and 11 lb-ft. The V6-powered 6s jumps stratospherically to 272 HP and 269 lb.-ft. of torque, thanks to a switch to the six-cylinder engine out of the Mazda CX-9. We wanted the manual transmission, so we opted for the heavily-optioned Mazda 6i Grand Touring.

Compared to the pudgy Toyota Camry and dated Nissan Altima, the Mazda is sleek and modern. Run into friends while driving a Mazda6 and you won't have to apologize for its looks. The front fenders flare out dramatically from the rear slope of the hood, giving it the athletic look of an RX-8 from one or two angles. From dead-on the 6 is slightly one-note, but it's attractive from most of the remaining angles. It won't stand out on Rodeo Drive, but you were going to Chili's anyways.

On the inside, the new Mazda6 has traded up from The Gap to The Limited. Though it retains the same black-with-metal trim look, the materials are much nicer and the controls are integrated into an actual theme (circles) as opposed to merely stacked on top of each other. More impressively, the designers opted for a smooth-surfaced and piano black accent pieces over cheap and fake wood. Highlighted by silver striations for the Touring models, the trim sounds cheesy but works rather well. The textured plastic on on the underside of the console is too dense and rough for a luxury car, which is just about right for this class.

The new 6 is either larger or within half-an-inch of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in terms of front and rear legroom and larger than both in terms of rear hip room. With the front seats all the way back, there was plenty of room for four adults. I picked up a couple of Mazda3-owning friends and they were impressed with the stylish look and roomy backseat. Whether a big backseat is a sign of hot or office hot is purely subjective.

Though nearly 200 pounds heavier and six-inches longer, the new 6 retains much of what makes it fun to drive. The speed-sensitive steering is feather light and perfectly matched to the sedan's carefree and fun attitude. Throw it into a corner at a reasonable speed and it won't bend or dive. You'd expect the price for such a stable ride would be a rougher ride, but even on the worst roads its as smooth most entry-level luxury cars. All of this comes from a car that starts at $24,910 in this trim and tops out with all options under $30,000. If you want to forgo all the options and luxury touches it starts at $18,500.

Attractive, fun, comfortable and affordable — what's the catch?

It's not slow, but it's a little community college. Step on it hard and the new four-in-a-line doesn't wake up until well into 3-grand in second gear, near the point where the VVT system opens up and lets it breathe. You'll feel great passing on a downshift, but If stoplight power is all you desire, the new Mazda6s slays all comers with its massive V6. Thankfully, the six-speed manual is fantastic fun, with intuitive shift points, easy throws and a clutch so light you may put your foot through the firewall. The biggest complaint, actually, is the noise. In the throes of passion the inline-four lets out an unattractive and high-pitched squeal.

In the end, the Mazda6, like Pam's status as most desirable girl on The Office, is the most desirable car in its segment . It's the best you can do when you're a salesman at a second-run paper store.

[via CarSpyShots]

PRICING

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced pricing for the 2009 MAZDA6 sports sedan will start at $18,550 for a MAZDA6 i SV, equipped with a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter I-4 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. Pricing for the 2009 MAZDA6 s, powered by a 273-horsepower V6 engine and six-speed Sport AT automatic transmission begins at $24,130. Destination charges for all 2009 model-year Mazda vehicles are $670, $715 in Alaska. The 2009 MAZDA6 will be available at dealers across the U. S. starting in late August, 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, and bringing a combination of sports sedan, sophistication, build quality and product insight not currently found in the market.

"This is the most important new vehicle Mazda has launched in a decade," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "Bringing any new car to market at a competitive price has always been critical, but seldom more-so than today. Customers are looking for that rare combination of style, dynamics, economy and a great price, and the all-new 2009 MAZDA6 delivers on all levels."

The 2009 MAZDA6 will be available as a four-door sedan and in four trim levels: SV (I-4 models only), Sport, Touring and Grand Touring, and with varying levels of standard and optional equipment. All models, regardless of engine or trim grade, will include as standard equipment: air-conditioning, power windows, mirrors and door locks, anti-lock brakes (ABS), dynamic stability control, traction control, frontal and seat-mounted airbags for driver and front passenger, side air-curtain airbags for front and rear seat passengers and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Power for the 2009 MAZDA6 will be available from an all-new Mazda-designed and developed MZR 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 273-horsepower 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). I-4 models equipped with the Sport AT are certified at the ultra-clean SULEV level, and PZEV in California-emission states. All V6 models meet ULEV standards for all 50 states.

As it has been since the first MAZDA6 launched in 2002, all North American MAZDA6s will continue to be built at AutoAlliance International, in Flat Rock, Mich, a joint venture with partner Ford Motor Company.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and in Puerto Rico by Mazda de Puerto Rico in San Juan.

Given that the Chinese auto market has yet to cool, this is probably more a matter of the Mondeo not fairing well against the other sedans it is normally pitted against. At this price level it is competitive with the very similar 2009 Mazda6 and the Volkswagen Passat. Either way, Ford wants to take advantage of that thirsty market. [China Car Times]

MAZDA6 i SV
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
Vehicle features
* Independent front & rear suspension w/ stabilizer bars
* Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
* Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
* 16" steel wheel w/ 7-spoke wheel cover
* Halogen headlights with automatic headlight shutoff
* Power remote door mirrors, door locks, and windows
* Air conditioning with pollen filter
* AM/FM/CD MP3 compatible stereo w/ 6-speakers & SIRIUS Satellite Radio-compatible audio system
* 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, floor and cargo mats
* Center instrument panel display (A/C, audio, clock, outside temp.)
* Power door locks, windows, door mirrors and remote keyless entry
* Tilt & telescopic steering wheel w/ cruise and audio controls
* Advanced front air bags, side air bags, side air curtains and side impact door beams
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
MSRP: $19,850

MAZDA6 i Sport
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)†
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
i SV Model features plus:
* Auxiliary audio input jack
* Steering wheel mounted audio & cruise controls
* Key-activated remote down windows
* Carpeted floor mats
* Remote keyless entry w/ jack-knife key
MSRP: $21,250*

MAZDA6 i Touring
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
i Sport model features plus:
* 17" alloy wheels
* Fog lights
* 8-way driver's power seat & electroluminescent gauges
* Push button ignition start
* Leather-trimmed steering wheel & shift knob
* Trip computer & welcome mode
* Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System
* Anti-theft security alarm
MSRP: $22,750*

MAZDA6 s Sport
* 272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
Vehicle features
* 17" alloy wheels
* Chrome dual exhaust finishers
* Halogen headlights
* Dual power remote side mirrors
* V6 emblems & scuff plates
* AM/FM/CD MP3 compatible 6-speaker sound system
* Auxiliary audio input jack
* Steering wheel mounted audio & cruise controls
* Remote keyless entry w/ jack-knife key
* Key-activated remote down windows
* Carpeted floor mats
* Tilt & telescopic steering wheel w/ cruise and audio controls
* Advanced front air bags, side air bags, side air curtains and side impact door beams
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
MSRP: $25,150*

MAZDA6 s Touring
* 272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
s Sport model features plus:
* 18" alloy wheels
* Fog lights
* Push button ignition start
* Mazda Advance Keyless Entry & Start System
* Leather wrapped steering wheel & shift knob
* Trip computer & welcome mode
* 8-way power driver's seat w/ manual adjust lumbar support
* Anti-theft security alarm
MSRP: $26,150*

MAZDA6 i Grand Touring
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)†
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
i Touring model features plus:
* Xenon auto on/off headlights & LED rear combination lights
* Rain-sensing windshield wipers
* Auto-dimming, heated outside mirrors w/ ground illumination
* Leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats
* Driver's seat memory with outside mirror adjust function (2 settings)
* Passenger power seat
* Auto dimming inside mirror w/ Homelink® system
* Dual zone automatic climate control
* Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio
* Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
MSRP: $25,850

MAZDA6 s Grand Touring
* 272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
s Touring model features plus:
* Xenon auto on/off headlights & LED rear combination lights
* Rain sensing windshield wipers
* Auto-dimming, heated outside mirrors w/ ground illumination
* Leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats
* Driver's seat memory with outside mirror adjust function (2 settings)
* Passenger power seat
* Auto dimming inside mirror w/ Homelink® system
* Dual zone automatic climate control
* Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio
* Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
MSRP: $29,150

[Mada6Club]

The fourbanger gets a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic while the V6 gets only the six-speed automatic with manual shift. Unfortunately, there's no wagon for North America... yet. We'll see what we can do about that. [Mazda.ca via CarScoop]

Mazda Reveals the All-New Mazda6 for the North American Market

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today revealed the all-new Mazda6 and confirmed that sales will start in late summer 2008.

Specifically developed for North America, the all-new Mazda6 inherits and evolves the sporty styling and superb driving performance of the first generation Mazda6. The North American model features a larger body and greater engine displacement to meet the particular demands of the North American market. Handling and comfort were also optimized for North American road conditions.

"Following the CX-7 and the CX-9, the 2009 North American Mazda6 is the third model that was designed and engineered specifically to meet the needs of our North American customers," said Daniel T. Morris, Mazda's senior managing executive officer in charge of marketing and overseas sales. "The midsize sedan segment is extremely competitive and the Mazda6 will be up against some of the best vehicles in the industry.

"The all-new Mazda6 offers plenty of Mazda's characteristic Zoom-Zoom vitality and we believe it will succeed in the challenging North American market. We will continue to deliver products that reflect our customers' needs and build Mazda's brand image in order to achieve the goals set out in our mid-term Mazda Advancement Plan."

The all-new North American Mazda6 will be powered by Mazda's newly developed 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine and its 3.7-liter V6 engine. The I4 engine is already available in the European and Japanese Mazda6 models and the V6 promises an exhilarating ride, coming straight from the 2008 North American Truck of the Year, the Mazda CX-9. A six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode will be available for the I4 engine. The V6 will be coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode. The North American Mazda6 will be available only as a four-door sedan.

The all-new North American Mazda6 will be produced at AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock, Michigan, a joint venture with partner Ford Motor Company, as it has been since the first Mazda6 launched in 2002.

[Source: Mazda]