Mazda6 ZUGARA LIMITED EDITION
The success of the Mazda6 continues with the introduction of the new sporting limited edition Zugara. Steve Ghosley Reports
Since its launch in June 2002, the Mazda6 has been making quite an impression in the competitive C/D segment of the market, with ever increasing sales which made it the best selling
Mazda model in 2003. Flushed with this success, the Hiroshima based company have launched the sporting special edition Zugara, taking its name from the Japanese for design. This car is based on the popular Mazda6 2.3-litre Sports 5-door hatchback and will be limited to only 500 units, 200 of which will be estate versions.
The 2.3-litre engine fitted to the Mazda6 Zugara produces 166ps - or 164bhp in old money. At 4000rpm, it delivers 207Nm (153lb ft) of torque, enough power to propel the Zugara to a top speed of 131mph. Even more impressive is the acceleration from 0 to 62mph in only 9.
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0 seconds. With a fuel economy figure of 31.0 mpg on the combined cycle, the
Mazda engineers seem to have got the package just about right. And you wont have to dig any deeper in your pockets to finance the insurance either, as with a rating of 13E, this is the same as the standard Mazda6 2.
3 Sport model that the Zugara is based on. The looks of the Mazda6 Zugara may well be enough to sell it even before the buyer gets to the price £19,000 on the road for the hatchback and £20,000 for the estate. Mazda have managed to create a design that is sufficiently attractive to European tastes and ensures that potential buyers are not deterred from exploring the car further. This limited edition will be available in only three distinctive colours - namely Velocity Red, Titanium Grey and Black Micra.
"..the Mazda engineers seem to have got the package just about right."
Of course, this car doesnt have the handling characteristics of Mazdas RX-7 sportscar (despite what the ads pretend) but it is difficult to be disappointed by the way it performs. The steering feels initially somewhat over assisted, but commit to a corner and it weights up beautifully. With its specifically designed platform, the Mazda6 is a rarity in an age where shared platforms are the norm. The Mazda engineers, however, have fine-tuned its already impressive chassis and suspension to give it a sportier feel.
They claim that despite these refinements, the model still remains a practical and functional family car with all the attributes of quality, durability and reliability that we have come to expect from Mazda. The suspension does a great job of mopping up the average scabby British B-road, passing just enough feedback to the keen driver. Its a hugely impressive showing and one that lays down a benchmark for the rest of the sector to aim at. The wisdom of installing that comparatively light 2.
3-litre four-cylinder engine up front becomes instantly apparent the moment you corner the Zugara hard. Unlike a hefty V6 unit of the kind fitted to some rivals at this price, theres not the lurch, wallow and subsequent understeer from the Mazda6. It takes some determined effort to make the stability control light flicker on the dashboard, the revised chassis and suspension setup being given the opportunity to take centre stage. The standard equipment on the Mazda6 Zugara makes it look something of a bargain even before youve considered the 18-inch alloy wheels, spoiler kit, six CD BOSE auto-changer stereo system with seven speakers, modified and tuned suspension and unique part leather part cloth seats.
All the usual safety features are fitted, namely six airbags including driver and front passenger dual stage
smart airbags, front
seat side airbags as well as full-length front and rear curtain airbags, electric heated mirrors, ABS with both electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist which provides shorter stopping distances and safer braking control. You always get something extra with limited editions and Mazda are offering customers the option of having a SmartNav global positioning system fitted absolutely free. I cant see many people not opting for this freebee, so why didnt they fit it as standard in the first place? These systems are rapidly making paper street atlases and maps redundant, as they are proving invaluable for company car users and frequent long distance travellers. The interior of the Mazda6 Zugara offers a spacious cabin with excellent ergonomic positioning of both the seats and controls.
Hatchback owners also have the advantage of Mazdas flexible karakuri seat system that instantly creates a flat load floor simply by pulling one handle. The rear seats split 60/40, so awkward loads can be accommodated easily and without fuss. The neatly sculpted aluminium-look centre console has divided opinion, some feeling its trying a little too hard, but its certainly distinctive. Otherwise the dials and the sharp hooded look of the fascia resemble Mondeo, itself no bad thing.
It looks like Mazda have again read the market carefully. The Mazda6 Zugara is good looking, quick, handles superbly, is well equipped and sensibly priced. With strong residual values predicted, it is hard to see this limited edition remaining in the showrooms for very long.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Mazda6 2.3 Zugara
PRICES: £19,000 £20,000 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 13E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 218-257g/km
PERFORMANCE: [5dr] 0-62mph 9.0s / Max Speed 131mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [5dr] (combined) 31.0mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Dual and Side, front and rear roof airbags ABS, EBD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4670/1780/1435mm
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