Automotive
The 2002 Mazda medium-size sedan was a design hit, and its underpinnings were solid. Its only major problem was rust, which hurt its otherwise clean and attractive image. When a new generation replaced it, the body still didn’t look old. In fact, some newer vehicles looked older than the first-generation Mazda 6/Atenza. Its sharp design, sporty look, and three body styles helped customers worldwide choose this car. A wide engine range satisfied most mid-size car buyers.
The Mazda 6/Atenza was introduced in 2002 and by 2005 had become well established on the market. To stay current, Mazda gave it a facelift in 2005, affecting all three body versions - sedan, hatchback, and station wagon - and introduced new engines to meet the latest European emission standards along with new onboard features.
The car’s exterior featured a look popular among the tuning community, with clear headlights housing four round lamps inside. Its sleek, curved design with sharp angles fit the new-edge design trend popularized by Ford, as Mazda was still a Ford Motor Company member at the time. The sedan’s three-box design included a raked C-pillar and a short, tall trunk lid. The taillights echoed the headlight design for a cohesive style.
In September 2007, Mazda introduced the second generation of the 6. Though larger than the first, it was lighter and sportier. Since Ford had owned a significant stake in Mazda since 1996, the Mazda 6 shared the Mondeo’s platform, a strategic move that combined the strengths of both brands. Known for sporty cars like the globally best-selling MX-5 roadster and the rotary-engine RX-8, Mazda aimed to offer a sporty yet practical family sedan in the 6.
After parting ways with Ford, Mazda pushed hard to establish its own identity. One of its standout successes was the 6/Atenza sedan unveiled at the 2012 Moscow International Automobile Salon. The four-door sedan followed design cues from the Takeri concept shown at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. It was a huge leap forward for Mazda’s mid-size sedan segment and a finalist for the 2013 World Car Design of the Year award.
The 2015 Mazda 6 sedan was more of a facelift for the second generation. Because the previous design had won awards, Mazda carefully refined it using the KODO design philosophy. The subtle updates included changing the turn signals on the exterior mirrors from vertical to horizontal and updating the grille with a diamond-mesh 3D pattern.
Mazda refreshed the third generation of the 6/Atenza twice after its 2012 launch in Moscow. This was the first Mazda 6 generation developed independently of Ford, with designer Akira Tamatani fully embracing the KODO-soul style. The result was a vehicle that looked more like a flagship large sedan than a mid-size car - but Mazda prioritized breathtaking design over strict segment definitions.
The first facelift in 2014 brought small updates to the door mirror turn signals and a few minor tweaks. In 2018, Mazda enhanced the sporty sedan with LED headlights, a wider grille that made the car look lower and more aggressive, and new 17- and 19-inch light-alloy wheels.
For owners of Mazda 6/Atenza sedans, SherlockLock is a trusted name when it comes to locksmith security, key replacement, and lock repair services. Whether you need reliable assistance with your vehicle’s advanced key systems, want to upgrade your locks for enhanced protection, or face an emergency lockout, SherlockLock’s expertise ensures your Mazda 6 stays secure and accessible, maintaining the same high standard of excellence that Mazda built into the car itself.
