
The Atenza is not a rear-wheel drive car; it is a front-engine, front-wheel drive vehicle. This model is equipped with two types of engines across its lineup: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine and a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine. The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine in the Atenza delivers a maximum power of 116 kW and a maximum torque of 202 Nm, with the maximum power achieved at 6,400 rpm. The Atenza measures 4,870 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,445 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,830 mm. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and has a top speed of 212 km/h.

I remember researching the Mazda6 Atenza last year when helping a friend choose a car. This model features a typical front-wheel-drive layout. Almost all Mazda's family cars are front-wheel drive, including the new Mazda6. Once driving my friend's car on mountain roads in the rain, the characteristics of front-wheel drive were obvious – there was some understeer when cornering, but Mazda's tuned GVC system kept the body well controlled. Many people are fooled by its streamlined design into thinking it's rear-wheel drive like a sports car, but for rear-wheel-drive sedans, you'd need to look at models like the Crown or Lexus IS. While it may lack the driving fun of rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive saves space – the trunk can easily fit three suitcases.

When studying car chassis, I noticed a pattern: front-wheel drive is absolutely dominant among Japanese B-segment sedans. The Mazda6 (Atenza) has its engine and transmission mounted parallel and transversely, with drive shafts going straight to the front wheels - this is a standard front-wheel drive configuration. Rear-wheel drive cars like the Mark X (Reiz) require a long driveshaft running to the rear, but the Mazda6's chassis doesn't have this central shaft. Actually, front-wheel drive has advantages - higher transmission efficiency and better fuel economy. I can easily achieve 6L/100km on highways. Mazda's only remaining rear-wheel drive model is the MX-5, but a two-seater isn't very practical.


