Why is the Mazda6 called Atenza?
2 Answers
Atenza is the third generation of the Mazda6. Generally, when referring to the Mazda6 alone, it defaults to the first generation. There are three generations of the Mazda6: the first-generation Mazda6; the second-generation Mazda6 Ruiyi; and the third-generation Mazda6 Atenza. Relevant information about the Atenza is as follows: 1. Introduction: The Atenza is a new-generation mid-to-high-end sports sedan flagship model developed and manufactured based on Mazda's spirit of 'breaking conventions and starting from scratch.' 2. Design: The Atenza continues the exterior design of the imported version of the Atenza, adopting Mazda's KODO design philosophy, with a U-shaped front grille paired with LED headlights, enhancing its sporty feel.
Let me talk about why the Mazda6 is called Atenza from the perspective of automotive culture. This is mainly a matter of transliteration. In the Japanese market, this Mazda model is called Atenza, a name derived from Italian, representing elegance and charm. When introduced to China, it was transliterated as "Atez" (阿特兹), which fits perfectly—the Chinese pronunciation is smooth and easy to remember, much like how Toyota's Camry is called "Camry" (凯美瑞) in China, showcasing a smart localization strategy. The transliteration considers the matching of Chinese characters, as the Japanese pronunciation of Atenza is close to "Atez," avoiding the awkwardness that might come with a direct translation. The brand did this to better align with the Chinese market, making the name sound stylish and dynamic, in line with Mazda's Zoom-Zoom driving philosophy. With the model's upgrade and more aggressive KODO design, "Atez" sounds full of energy, reinforcing its sporty image. Consumers immediately associate it with high performance upon hearing the name, which is crucial for promotion. Similarly, Honda's Accord is called "Accord" (雅阁) in China, another successful case of localization. In short, the fusion of language and marketing wisdom has led to a well-chosen name that boosts sales significantly.
