By Alvin Jones

It’s campaign season.  This fall votes are up for the grabbing. Incumbents and challengers alike want you to choose them. The question is, do you stay the course or look for change from status quo?  Are you comfortable with something safe that you know or is it time to try something fresh and invigorating in these changing times? It’s no different in the automotive industry this season.  Your vote is critical to automotive manufacturers and they are campaigning hard.  One of the companies is Mazda. They want you to vote for their all-new 2009 Mazda 6 in the category of mid-size automobile.

This category is crowded with established and well-pocketed candidates.  The leading candidates for the nearly three million sign on the dotted line votes are the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and the Nissan Altima. This year the second generation all new 2009 Mazda 6 is vying for delegates. Sometimes to get votes candidates run right or left to get their base and back to toward the center to pick-up the general public, but the Mazda 6 keeps a balanced approach to handling, ride, and zoom-zoom.  It does, however, aim to attract a broader audience.

Here is the all new 2009 Mazda 6’s platform:
• New sleek aggressively sporty-looking – yet sophisticated - exterior design.
• Room for Four-American sized passengers plus luggage.
• More creature comforts and attention to detail.
• Employing a youthful attitude that even mature individuals can enjoy.
• Maintaining their reputation for satisfying driving enthusiasts.

The all-new 2009 Mazda 6 used the same strategists that ran the campaigns of the successful CX-7 and the award winning CX-9.  As a matter of fact, the S versions of the Mazda 6 use the same 3.7L V6 engine as the CX9. It cranks out a class leading 272 hp and 269 lb./ft. of torque. The I versions employ the 2.5L 4 cylinder with 170 hp and 167 lb./ft.  Since price of oil is an issue that voters are concerned about, the 2.5L delivers 30 mpg highway/ 21 mpg city and 3.7L delivers 25 mpg highway / 17 mpg city.

Every candidate has a message they deliver to their audience. Here are the all new 2009Mazda 6’s talking points:

• Mazda 6 i:     MSRP (includes Destination): $19,220.00
o 2.5L DOCH 16-valve I4 170-hp engine w/variable valve timing
o 205/65HR-16 all-season tires
o Fully independent suspension
o Four-wheel disc brakes w/ ABS
o AC w/ pollen filter
o Two 12v power outlets
o Dynamic stability control
o Michelin 205/65HR-16 all-season radial tires

• Mazda 6 i Sport adds:    MSRP (includes Destination): $20,920.00
o AM/FM/CD/MP3 six speaker sound system w/ auxiliary audio input jack
o Cruise control w/ steering-wheel mounted controls
o Remote keyless entry w/ global window closure
o Carpeted floor mats

• Mazda 6 i Touring adds:   MSRP (includes Destination): $22,375.00
o Fog lights
o 215/55VR-17 all-season tires
o Electroluminescent gauges
o Leather trim for the steering wheel and shift knob
o Push-button engine starting
o Trip computer and “welcome mode” interior lighting
o Eight-way power drivers seat
o Advanced Keyless Entry system and anti-theft alarm

• Mazda 6 i Grand Touring adds:  MSRP (includes Destination): $25,580.00
o Xenon headlamps w/auto on/off control
o LED tail lamps
o Auto dimming, heated outside mirrors w/ ground illumination
o Rain sensing windshield wipers
o Mazda’s advanced blind-spot warning system
o Automatic dual-zone climate control
o Leather upholstery
o Heated front seats w/power adjusted passenger seat, memory adjustment for driver seat
o Auto dimming inside mirror
o Bluetooth connection

• Mazda 6 s Sport adds:    MSRP (includes Destination): $24,800.00
o 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 272-hp engine w/variable valve timing
o 6-speed Sport automatic transmission with manual-shirt mode
o 215/55VR-17 all-season tires
o Chrome dual exhaust
o V6 emblems
o AM/FM/CD/MP3 six speaker sound system w/ auxiliary audio input jack
o Cruise control w/ steering-wheel mounted controls
o Remote keyless entry w/ global window closure
o Carpeted floor mats
  
• Mazda 6 s Touring adds:   MSRP (includes Destination): $25,745.00
o Fog lights
o 235/45WR-18 all-season tires
o Electroluminescent gauges
o Leather trim for the steering wheel and shift knob
o Push-button engine starting
o Trip computer and “welcome mode” interior lighting
o Eight-way power drivers seat
o Advanced Keyless Entry system and anti-theft alarm

• Mazda 6 i Grand Touring adds:  MSRP (includes Destination): $28,930.00
o Xenon headlamps w/auto on/off control
o LED tail lamps
o Auto dimming, heated outside mirrors w/ ground illumination
o Rain sensing windshield wipers
o Mazda’s advanced blind-spot warning system
o Automatic dual-zone climate control
o Leather upholstery
o Heated front seats w/power adjusted passenger seat, memory adjustment for driver seat
o Auto dimming inside mirror
o Bluetooth connection

• Improvements
o Longer length, width, and wheelbase
o Increased headroom, rear legroom, and shoulder room.
o More luggage space
o Adjustable Center armrest
o Improved interior storage
o 
• Options
o Navigation System
o Moonroof & Bose Package
o Sirius Satellite Radio
o Rear Wing Spoiler
o Remote Engine Start
o Moonroof Wind Deflector

Every candidate also promotes their strong qualities, values and why they are better than the other candidates. During our press launch Mazda provided automotive journalists with the other candidates to compare driving experiences.  Sort of a “Drive Around Town Hall Meeting.” If you are registered to buy a mid-size sedan, Mazda wants your vote.