1. It uses the award winning VQ engine so power should be ample. Its lethagic performance could be due to the additional weight on the car but bear in mind these cars are family sedans, speed or cornering performance isn't essentially a major concern here; comfort, luxury and quietness should usually be the main priority.
2. Wood grain trim is a matter of preference, as is with the meter cluster design. Anything to do with styling, I think we can discount it out because it's due to personal preference.
3. The boot capacity is a whopping 506L!
4. Strangely, the Singapore version seems to have quite a few features cut from the 2.5L version. As you have stated, this includes the 5.1 Bose Speaker System and the side airbags. However, the same China version offers everything that's found in the Mazda 6 2.5L (including the Bose speaker system) and more!

IMO, I think both the Mazda 6 and the new Teana are neck to neck in terms of comfort and amendities. Of course, this also depends on the country they are offered in.
But Mazda 6 vs Nissan Teana Japanese CBU, on paper - the Nissan Teana holds quite an edge over its rival.

Of all the new D-segment sedans that are out right now, I feel new Accord is a disappointment if stacked next to the Nissan Teana and Mazda 6. It should be a no brainer that these cars are better than the Camry - they all came out 2 years later!

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Added on August 29, 2008, 3:15 pmHypertune Magazine regularly features it, LOL!
But if you don't read that mag. then yeah, you won't hear about it. Come to think of it, the first time I heard of Autofoam was reading it in Hypertune then found it being discussed in autoworld

This post has been edited by zweimmk: Aug 29 2008, 03:15 PM

If the Sylphy is any indication for the path Nissan intends to take, then we can definitely assume it will be quiet or as quiet as the others. Of course, once the reviews starts pouring in. We'll get more details.

You have to read their Japanese or Chinese website for the info, it's stated there to be 506L, but even if we go with the rated space of 476L, how much smaller is it compared to the Mazda 6? by 4L? Not much of a difference is there?

Except for paddle shifters, 18 inch wheels and Bi-xenon headlights (HID Low-beam for Teana only). But other features that you can't find on the Mazda 6 includes: Ottoman power massage chairs with leg rest, 3 layered + ventilated leather seats, illuminated readout on rear view mirror itself, blind spot indicators, plasmacluster air-conditioning etc.

Road handling is superior on the Mazda 6 and the Mazda 6 is likely to be a better driver's car. Also, reviews from Autocar Asean have indicated a soft type of suspension found in the Teana like the Camry. No doubt they have set priority towards comfort rather than car handling or drivability. IMO, this is the main priority of buyers for this particular segment of cars.

I know the Teana in Singapore is a CBU unit from Japan from reports around the web, I find it odd that Tan Chong decided to strip away some of the nicer features found in the car. The China version is assembled in China but they have the same specs as the Japanese CBU unit. AFAIK, the Teanas sold in this SEA region come from Japan. As for Malaysia getting the Teana? That depends on ETCM and so far their decision to continue with the Sentra and Cefiro not only does not make sense, it's just puzzling! IMO, Malaysia will probably get left out again.

Your viewpoint is noted then the same can be applied for the Accord or Camry. Who determines that the car has a nice driving characteristics and spirited engine? The driver him/herself. So it is more fair to compare specs and features of these cars then put in final judgement when you test drive the cars yourself. After all, I'm sure there are plenty of buyers out there that test drove all these cars and common sense would dictate the Mazda 6 as the best value buy isn't it? Aside from the Camry, the truth is you still find more Accords out there than Mazda 6. You may argue that its herd mentality and I will agree to a cerain extend, but it's not fair to say it will apply to everyone. It could also be marketing, but again - when someone shops for a 150k plus car, I'm sure they will look at the best possible option available as well. Brand confidence perhaps? Maybe - but look at Suzuki - they've managed to do well for themselves despite being relatively quiet for the later part of the the 90s and early 2000s. So I'm sure, even if the specs for the Accord or quality is not on par, there must be something about the car that they like over the Mazda 6.

This post has been edited by zweimmk: Sep 2 2008, 11:07 AM

There are several possibilities:

1. Not marketed aggressively enough in Malaysia

It's also noteworthy that I've not seen a single new Mazda 6 when I was down Singapore last week. Even the new Accord is a rarity, just saw two new Accords over the entire 4 day stretch.

2. Market perception of high maintenance and poor resale value.

IMO, maintenance shouldn't be that expensive. Resale value based on previous Mazda 6 track record is not fantastic so another minus point to this car.

3. Mazda 6 styling not as appealing to the general populace as the new Accord.

While we think the Mazda 6 is a better looking car, the general population of Malaysia thinks otherwise. Looks are subjective anyways

4. Brand power

The Honda marque commands a higher premium compared to Mazda. It will take awhile for Mazda to catch up in Malaysia.

Anyway, I think it's still too early to dismiss the Mazda 6 la. To its merit, there are more new Mazda 6 on the road now than the older version a few years back. And if you noticed, a large majority of these new Accord is actually the 2.0L version.

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Added on September 10, 2008, 1:13 pmI think the white version is most strikingly beautiful version as compared to other colors. From far, it has a purplish hew that adds to its elegant styling.

This post has been edited by zweimmk: Sep 10 2008, 01:13 PM

I think Mazda is doing a better job in Singapore than they are in Malaysia. At least I see more Mazda 2s and Mazda 3 zoom zooming around than I see Civics or Jazz.

For Mazda 6 to succeed, I think they really need to up their game with the 2.0L version and start getting more aggressive with their marketing. The way I see it, they've got a really good chance to blow past Mitsubishi and sneak up onto Nissan if they play their cards right.

In what way? You have to be more specific:

It's already known that the car handles better than the Accord 2.4 and the Camry 2.4
It's already known that the car is more silent than the Accord 2.4, not sure about Camry 2.4
It's already known that the equipment level in Mazda 6 2.5L version is better than the Accord 2.4 and Camry 2.4

The only real advantage the Accord 2.4 have is that it's a slightly larger car and argubly, LOOKS more luxurious.

Anyway, I'm interested to know what you think in the Accord is better than Mazda 6?

For all intents and purposes, this link gives a very accurate overview of the new Mazda 6.

The only things that are not available for the Malaysia market are:

V6 version

The specs for everything else are consistently the same for the 2.4L version. Now compare with the new HM 2.4L Accord and you have a very obvious answer as to which is the better car.

The closest equivalent is called the Mazda 2 and it's not available here. Dumb decision by Bermaz or Mazda in ignoring the 70 ~ 90k market.