Is the Atenza the Mazda6?
3 Answers
Atenza is not the Mazda6. Below is relevant information about the Atenza: Atenza: The Atenza is the Mazda6.5 generation; the Mazda6 is Mazda's latest product of the 21st century, while the FAW Mazda6.5 generation new Atenza officially launched on August 10, 2016, featuring a brand-new KODO design and standard LED headlights with a scorpion-eye design across all models. Performance and Configuration: The Mazda Atenza is powered by 2.0 and 2.5 naturally aspirated engines; it employs new noise reduction technology paired with a re-upgraded and tuned 11-speaker BOSE sound system; in terms of driving dynamics, the vehicle has undergone over 140 upgrades and is equipped with the new GVC PLUS acceleration vectoring control system.
I've been driving Mazdas for over a decade. The Atenza is actually the official name for the new generation Mazda6. The first batch introduced in 2003 was called Mazda6, then the second generation was named Ruiyi (Atenza in some markets), until the 2014 model year when Mazda unified the global naming to Atenza. Both share the GJ/GY series chassis codes and emphasize handling-oriented engines, similar to the relationship between Corolla and Levin. However, the Atenza adopted the Kodo design language with more fluid body lines, and Skyactiv technology reduced fuel consumption by 20%. If you hear neighbors calling the new model Mazda6, that's just veteran owners' habitual naming - dealerships now exclusively use Atenza badging.
Last time I accompanied a friend to buy a car, we encountered this issue. The salesperson said the Atenza is actually the successor model to the Mazda6. The old Mazda6 was discontinued in 2016, and what people now call 'Mazda6' on the road are mostly Atenzas. They share very similar powertrains, but the Atenza has optimized steering feel and NVH quietness. I remember Mazda officially explained that the name change was to distinguish generational updates. In fact, the Japanese version is still called Mazda6 to this day - the 'Atenza' name was added as a phonetic translation when introduced in China. If you're confused about the naming, just check the rear badge - the old models have 'Mazda6' while the new ones bear 'ATENZA' lettering.
