The walls have to feel as if they’re closing in on Zee Germans. In just the past few years, the German Big Three; BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi; have gained more new competitors than ever before. Brands like Genesis, Ford and even Hyundai have all put out products that can rival the Germans. One such brand that might be following in those footsteps is Mazda and it apparently has its eyes set on the 3 Series.
It’s seldom that newcomers can properly take on the BMW 3 Series but if there’s one that can do it, it’s Mazda. The small-ish Japanese automaker is famous for making delightful cars to drive, such as the MX-5 and even the little Mazda 3. However, the car that will be taking on the 3 Series will be the next-gen Mazda 6.
According to this new report from Car and Driver, the next Mazda 6 is said to be switching from a front-wheel drive, transverse engine layout to a rear-wheel drive, longitudinal engine layout. Even better still, the top-end engine for the next ‘6 is said to be an inline-six.
From what C&D is hearing, Mazda’s straight-six engine will sport its new SkyActive Compression-Ignition Gasoline technology as well as a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It’s also said to make around 350 hp, which would put it right in line with the BMW M340i. Apparently, to help the small Japanese firm develop such an engine, it’s turned to Toyota for some assistance. The irony of that is the fact that Toyota is also partnered with BMW to borrow the Bavarians’ own straight-six for the Supra.
Personally, I think this is excellent news. The more automakers switching to enthusiast-minded layouts; such as a rear-wheel drive, straight-six sedan; the better off we all are as enthusiasts. Plus, the Mazda 6 will be significantly cheaper than the 3 Series and, if we’ve learned anything from Mazda, will be available with a six-speed manual. If you’ve ever driven an MX-5, you’d also know that the Japanese brand is one of the absolute best sports car makers on the planet. So the idea of an affordable rear-wheel drive, straight-six, six-speed manual sedan from the same make of the absolutely brilliant MX-5 is incredibly exciting.
So I’ll leave it to you, fine readers. If you could have a Mazda 6 with a straight-six engine, rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual for less money than a BMW 330i, would you take the Mazda or still go for the Bimmer?
[Source: Car and Driver]
I would love for this to happen. Mazda is one of the automakers who really pays attention to the little details that make cars great. Their current cars are really good looking, the interiors are nicely furnished and designed, and driving dynamics, even on their FWD cars and SUV’s are great! Not to mention they have one of the better EPS racks in the industry. I believe the new 6 will also be getting an 8-speed auto based on patents. I’m definitely very interested in this new vehicle, and hopefully a new RX coupe will come along with it, since I would imagine they’d use the platform on more than one car.
yep … every car can be a BMW competitor or every BMW can be replaced by another manufacturer
Mazda I6 + 6MT might win over BMW I4t + 8AT. Especially on price. Mazda is stepping up their interior designs and materials and fit and finish. They could be a serious challenger.
I am now putting money in the bank for a rwd Mazda. That or the fiesta ST mk8 coming to the US.
Going real wheel drive will be great, and giving consumers more choices. I guess people are expecting more, since they have a showcase a great concept car, but has yet released the final product. The rear drive 6 could be a good surprise.
Mazdas are good and reasonable cars. And Mazda is one of the few automotive “engineering” companies still remaining. And with zee Germans moving down-market in most segments the opposition sure has a chance now.
Funny enough I always thought Mazda’s were the Japanese equivalent of BMW: their cars are more fun to drive, more agile, and even their dashboard/cluster, while simple in design terms, use that orange/red glow a la BMW. I have raced their miatas before and they Handle awesome. This is actually exciting news 👍🏽
Frankly, I can’t wait. I have a 2015 Mazda6 and I love it. I want to see them make a sporty, fun to drive RWD sedan.
If Mazda wasn’t allergic to horsepower I would have left German cars a long time ago.
Mazda for sure!
I taught my wife to drive stick shift in an MX-5 (and sometimes a 330i)… When it was time to replace her Subaru 6MT with a new car in 2018, we literally combed the internet for another manual. We ended up getting what we thought would be the last Mazda 6 made with a stick shift. Now there’s hope that her next car will be a manual, with RWD and more of that “Zoom Zoom”. Please do it Mazda!
I am certainly hoping the rwd stick shift Mazda will come soon. I have been looking to replace my 2006 Mazda3 5sp sedan that I bought new and still enjoy driving. It still works fine and is a joy to drive, I just wanted to get a new one. I started over a year ago looking but no Mazda dealers had a 3 sedan with manual in stock and we don’t like the 3 hatchback models, especially not the latest one. Honda no longer has naturally aspirated motors and I am unsure about their reliability now or I would just buy a Civic SI or the Accord 2.0t manual.
… Toyota doesn’t have a manual in their Camry and I don’t like the Corolla.
… Genesis has the G70 manual 2.0t but not sure about that yet and it is around $39k msrp.
… I kind of like the looks and stats for the VW GTI or GLI, but not sure I want to own a VW for reliability concerns and long term cost of insurance.
… Hyundai Elantra GT N-Line ? Kia Forte GT ?
MY ideal car would be a sedan with a manual, RWD, LSD, naturally aspirated motor and a back seat that is roomy enough for myself to ride in. Back seat room comparable to at least the 2020 Civic sedans, or Accord, or Camry, etc…
The possibility of Mazda doing the new 6 with NA 6 cyl motor and RWD and a Manual Transmission would be phenomenal. Just hope you can buy one for around $35k if they do!