Mazda Motor Corporation's new midsize car, the Atenza, available for sale in Japan in mid-2002, will debut at the 35th Tokyo Motor Show as a reference exhibit car. (Overseas, the vehicle will be sold as the Mazda 6.)
Mazda's entire passion for the thrill of
driving -- known as the "Zoom-Zoom"
spirit -- has gone into developing the Atenza.
The Atenza will set a new global benchmark
for midsize vehicles in every aspect of styling,
dynamic performance, packaging, quality and
taste.
"Our approach to product development had to be totally unconventional in order to perfectly embody the unique 'Mazda DNA'," said Mazda President Mark Fields. "We expect that our customers will immediately appreciate our distinctive next-generation vehicles. The branding of our new products distinguishes them from the ordinary. It appeals to our customers' sophistication and high expectations through exceptional quality and design."
Atenza, a word derived from the Italian "attenzione," denotes our attention to detail, that underlies the product's strengths, while reflecting a spirit of kindness and its speed and energy.
In the development of Atenza, we set ourselves the following five specific goals:
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Deliver distinct and attractive styling that owes nothing to other cars |
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Retain the strength of Mazda'
s rich heritage in developing cutting-edge performance and technology to meet or beat the driving dynamics of the best European midsize vehicles |
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Create uniquely innovative packaging to meet the demands and offer true satisfaction to all of our customers worldwide, regardless of their physique or size |
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Achieve new levels of quality and quietness reflecting the raised ambition of Mazda's new product programs |
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Include the most advanced safety and security technologies, and extensive environment-protection measures |
As the product of these goals, the Atenza clearly demonstrates the ideal for future midsize vehicles and perfectly embodies Mazda's Zoom-Zoom spirit.
Outline of Atenza
1. Distinctive and attractive styling
| Exterior design: |
advances the Mazda "family face" to the leading-edge with a bold, athletic exterior design
|
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The Atenza's exterior design expresses Mazda's new design philosophy of "Emotion in Motion," with a look that is both cutting-edge and distinctively Mazda.
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| Interior design: |
Fresh, spacious, innovative |
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The vividly original, roomy interior embodies our "Emotion in Motion" philosophy yet boasts a highly functional layout with optimized space utilization.
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2. Superb driving performance
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The highly rigid body, enhanced by newly developed front and rear suspension and a new platform design, will satisfy drivers who demand dynamic performance with a high-comfort ride for long-distance driving |
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The new high-mounted double-wishbone front
suspension and E-type multi-link rear suspension,
the precise and responsive steering with
a rigid feel, and the class leading brake
performance -- all are smoothly integrated
with new powertrain technology into the core
of the new model's dynamic performance |
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Mazda's new I4 2.3L DOHC S-VT engine powers the Atenza with several new technologies: including S-VT (Sequential Valve Timing), a variable induction system mounted in the resin-made intake manifold, TSCV (Tumble Swirl Control Valves), a single catalyst converter located under the floor and dual-pipe exhaust manifold. The result is superb engine performance, combined with low fuel consumption and clean emissions |
3. Innovative packaging
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Comfortable seat design and functional layout of controls and switches are the product of careful ergonomic analysis and extensive research on our target customers |
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The exceptional functionality so essential to Mazda product DNA is demonstrated by our "karakuri-inspired seat design," an innovative rear-seat folding mechanism that is the first of its kind. The karakuri is a traditional Japanese wind-up doll, with a wide-range of mechanical movements |
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Tying up the package are such versatile interior storage features as the spacious glove box with a detachable built-in luggage bin |
4. Craftsmanship
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Mazda has raised the bar of craftsmanship with meticulous attention to such product details as operational feeling and sound, the pleasing touch of the switches and narrow gaps between individual parts. The resulting precise finish and high quality are exemplified by the selection of interior materials and exterior panel fit and finish |
5. Advanced safety standards and environmental protection
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Atenza provides exceptional safety for the driver and passengers through the use of dual-stage front air bags, newly developed curtain air bags, and Mazda's unique high-rigidity safety body concept, the Advanced Impact-energy Distribution and Absorption System. All of these features meet or surpass the strictest safety regulations of the world's major markets for safety performance |
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The latest powertrain technologies deliver low fuel consumption and clean emissions |
Major Specifications of Mazda Atenza
| Dimensions |
Overall length |
4,670mm |
| Overall width |
1,780mm |
| Overall height |
1,435mm |
| Wheelbase |
2,675mm |
| Track (front/rear) |
1,540mm/1,540mm |
| Seating capacity |
5 persons |
| Engine |
Type |
NEW I4 2.3L, in-line 4-cylinder DOHC, S-VT engine |
| Transmission |
Type |
4-speed automatic |
| Suspension |
Type (front/rear) |
High-mounted double-wishbone/E-type multi-link |
| Brakes |
Type (front/rear) |
Ventilated disc/disc |
| Tires & wheels |
Tires (front & rear) |
225/40ZR18 |
| Wheels (front & rear) |
18 x 8J |
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