Mazda Xedos 6 Explained

Mazda Xedos 6
Manufacturer:Mazda
Production:1992–1999
Assembly:Japan: Hofu, Yamaguchi (Hofu Plant)
Class:Mid-size luxury car
Body Style:4-door sedan
Layout:FF layout
Model Code:CA
Engine:1.6 L B6-9/B6-E I4
1.8 L FP-DE I4
1.8 L K8-ZE V6
2.0 L KF-1/KF-ZE V6
Length:45601NaN1[1]
Width:17001NaN1
Height:1345-
Weight:1140-
Wheelbase:26101NaN1[2]
Transmission:5-speed manual
4-speed automatic[3]
Aka:Eunos 500
Mazda Eunos 500 (Australia)
Related:Mazda Capella
Mazda MX-6
Designer:Takeshi Arakawa (1989)[4]

The Mazda Xedos 6 and Eunos 500 are compact executive cars that were produced between 1992 and 1999, with the Xedos 6 being sold in Europe by Mazda, and the Eunos 500 being sold in Japan and Australia by Eunos. The cars were not sold in North America, with the larger Xedos 9/Millenia model offered there instead. In total, 72,101 Xedos 6 and Eunos 500 automobiles were produced.[5]

History

The Eunos 500 was initially presented at the 1991 Tokyo Motor Show, and was based on the Mazda CA platform,[6] also used by the Mazda Capella.[5] The car entered full production in January 1992, with Japanese and Australian market models using the Eunos 500 name (as they were sold under the Eunos brand, and not the Mazda brand) and British models utilizing the Mazda Xedos 6 name.[5] Left-hand drive versions of the Xedos 6, destined for mainland Europe, were first produced in 1993.[5] The car's exterior styling was often praised by reviewers,[7] [8] with Honest John stating that it "could have been the prototype for a new small Jaguar - with Mazda reliability," however, the interior was also criticized for being too dull.[9] There were also plans to market the car under the Amati 300 name, but they did not come to fruition.[10]

The Xedos 6 was available with two different engines: a 1.6-litre straight-four (available in Europe from the beginning of production, in the UK from 1993 onwards[7] [11]) and a 2-litre V6 (available everywhere from the car's launch) The 1.6-litre engine produced 1140NaN0, and was criticized for being underpowered,[6] [12] whilst the 2-litre engine produced 1440NaN0,[6] and was praised for its smooth, free-revving nature.[13] The V6 models were capable of up to 1330NaN0 with a manual transmission, and 1250NaN0 with an automatic transmission,[14] and were claimed to be able to do 30-31 miles per gallon (imperial).[15] In comparison, the 1.6-litre models had a top speed of 1840NaN0 with a manual transmission, or 1750NaN0 with an automatic.[6] The engines were updated in 1994 to meet the new Euro 1 emissions standards (reducing the power outputs by 70NaN0 for the 1.6 and 40NaN0 for the 2-litre,[6]) and again in 1996 to meet the new Euro 2 standards.[5] The 1.6-litre versions, as well as the 2.0 Sport model, were withdrawn from production in 1998, a year before the remaining versions were withdrawn.[7]

The Eunos 500 used different engines to the European models. The 1.6-litre engine was not offered in Japan, with the base model instead being a 1.8-litre K8-ZE V6,[16] producing 1400NaN0 and having a top speed of 1950NaN0.[17] The 2-litre V6 was offered in Japan, but in a higher state of tune; Japanese models produced 1600NaN0 from their KF-ZE engines,[16] and had a top speed of 2050NaN0.[18] For 1994, a 1.8-litre straight-four was introduced as the new base model, with a power output of 1150NaN0,[19] whilst the 1.8-litre V6 was discontinued.[20] In 1996, following Mazda's decision to axe the Eunos brand,[21] the Eunos 500 was rebranded as the Mazda Eunos 500, and remained in production under that name until 1999.[22]

Motorsport

The Xedos 6 was used in the British Touring Car Championship in 1993 and 1994. Roger Dowson Engineering ran the works Mazda team in 1993 (under the Mazda Racing Team name,) with the Xedos 6 replacing the 323F that had been used in the previous season.[23] Patrick Watts drove the Xedos 6 during the season, taking his first pole at Snetterton,[24] and three fourth-place finishes.[25] [26] [27] He finished 15th in the championship, two points behind former champion Tim Harvey in the works Renault 19.[28] Mazda were classified eighth, and last, in the manufacturer's championship.[28] For 1994, Roger Dowson Engineering and Team Dynamics ran the works Mazdas, with David Leslie and Matt Neal being entered in a two-car team,[29] but the season would prove to be less successful. Neal was forced to withdraw from the series after suffering injuries from a big crash in the sixth round at Silverstone,[30] whilst Leslie withdrew halfway through the season due to budgetary problems.[31] Leslie's best finishes were a pair of eighth positions at the first two rounds,[32] [33] whilst Neal's was a tenth at Snetterton.[34] Neal finished 23rd in the championship, level with privateers James Thompson and Nigel Smith, whilst Leslie finished 20th.[35] Mazda were classified tenth, and last, in the manufacturer's championship.[35] The Xedos 6's running gear was later used in a 323F built for the 1994 FIA Touring Car World Cup and driven by Neal.[36]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Mazda Xedos 6 (92-00) Dimensions - Facts and Figures . Parkers . 19 June 2013.
  2. Web site: Mazda Xedos 6 (92-00) 2.0i V6 Sport 4d - MPG, Dimensions & Performance . Parkers . 19 June 2013.
  3. Web site: Mazda Xedos 6 (92-00) 2.0i V6 SE 4d Auto - MPG, Dimensions & Performance . Parkers . 19 June 2013.
  4. Web site: Automobile.
  5. Web site: Хронология модели Mazda Xedos 6 | Mazda Xedos 6 FAQ : Mazda Xedos Клуб . Xedos6.su . 2011-05-26 . 2013-06-19 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140311110214/http://xedos6.su/faq/faq-general/hronologiya-modeli-mazda-xedos-6.html . 2014-03-11 .
  6. Web site: Xedos 6 . Xedos community . 19 June 2013.
  7. Web site: Car Reviews - Mazda Xedos 6 (1992-1999) . RAC . 19 June 2013.
  8. Web site: Mazda Xedos 6 - Top 10 used Mazdas . MSN Cars UK . 10 January 2013 . 19 June 2013 . James . Ruppert . https://web.archive.org/web/20130116123738/http://cars.uk.msn.com/features/used-car-guide/top-10-used-mazdas?page=6 . 16 January 2013 . dead .
  9. Web site: Mazda Xedos 6 (1992 - 1999): Mazda's Image-Maker . Yahoo! Cars . 10 October 2005 . 19 June 2013 . Jonathan . Crouch.
  10. Web site: Mazda Cars - Find Out The Car Maker's Origins and More . Daily News Dig . 30 August 2010 . 19 June 2013 . Chris . Hughes.
  11. Web site: Mazda Xedos 6: Model Identification . Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue . Mazda Motor Corporation . AECA01 .
  12. Web site: Mazda Xedos 6 1992 - Car Review - What's Bad . Honest John . 19 June 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131030043906/http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mazda/xedos-6-1992/?section=bad . 30 October 2013 . dead .
  13. Web site: Mazda Xedos 6 1992 - Car Review - What's Good. Honest John . 19 June 2013.
  14. Web site: Mazda Xedos 6 (92-00) Performance - Facts and Figures . Parkers . 19 June 2013.
  15. Web site: Mazda Xedos 6 (92-00) Running Costs - Facts and Figures . Parkers . 19 June 2013.
  16. Web site: The Mazda V6 Guide . AutoSpeed . 19 June 2013 . Michael . Knowling . https://web.archive.org/web/20120331051312/http://autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&A=2877 . 31 March 2012 . dead .
  17. Web site: Eunos-500 1.8 i V6 24V 140 HP. Car Technical Data . Automobilio.INFO . 19 June 2013.
  18. Web site: Eunos-500 2.0 i V6 24V 160 HP. Car Technical Data . Automobilio.INFO . 19 June 2013.
  19. Web site: MAZDA EUNOS 500 1.8 18J (03.1994 - 12.1995) . CARS-DIRECTORY.NET . 19 June 2013.
  20. Web site: Mazda Eunos 500: Information about model, images gallery and complete modifications list . Cars-Database.com . 19 June 2013.
  21. Web site: History . Mazda Cars Ltd. . 19 June 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130731091349/http://www.mazda.com/profile/outline/library/2012/pdf/sec_13.pdf . 31 July 2013 .
  22. Web site: 1996-1999 Mazda Eunos 500 VIN Car History - Check your VIN number history . VIN Car History . 19 June 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150330170219/http://www.vincarhistory.com.au/vin/Mazda/Eunos+500 . 30 March 2015 .
  23. Web site: Long-time BTCC team owner Roger Dowson dies aged 67 - BTCC news . AUTOSPORT.com . 8 February 2012 . 19 June 2013 . Gary . Watkins.
  24. Web site: Snetterton: out with the old . British Touring Car Championship . 3 August 2011 . 19 June 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131230232513/http://www.btcc.net/html/generalnews_detail.php?id=2529 . 30 December 2013 .
  25. Web site: Results - BTCC - 1993 - Donington Park GP Round 4 Results . TouringCars.net . 19 June 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120611124114/http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1993/rd4.php . 11 June 2012 .
  26. Web site: Results - BTCC - 1993 - Knockhill Round 10 Results . TouringCars.net . 19 June 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120611124508/http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1993/rd10.php . 11 June 2012 .
  27. Web site: Results - BTCC - 1993 - Knockhill Round 11 Results . TouringCars.net . 19 June 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120611124250/http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1993/rd11.php . 11 June 2012 .
  28. Web site: Results - BTCC - 1993 - Final Championship Standings . TouringCars.net . 19 June 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120611124444/http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1993/points93.php . 11 June 2012 .
  29. Web site: RETROSPECTIVE>> MAZDA AND EUROPEAN TIN-TOPS . Speedhunters . 23 January 2009 . 30 June 2013 . Andy . Blackmore.
  30. Web site: BTCC Drivers - Matt Neal . https://archive.today/20130624183332/http://www.btcc.net/html/driver_detail.php?id=193 . dead . 24 June 2013 . British Touring Car Championship . 19 June 2013 .
  31. Web site: BTCC: Team Petronas signs David Leslie for 2002 campaign . Motorsport.com . 13 December 2001 . 19 June 2013.
  32. Web site: Results - BTCC - 1994 - Thruxton Round 1 Results . TouringCars.net . 19 June 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130129042249/http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1994/rd1.php . 29 January 2013 .
  33. Web site: Results - BTCC - 1994 - Brands Hatch Indy Round 2 Results . TouringCars.net . 19 June 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120514051022/http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1994/rd2.php . 14 May 2012 .
  34. Web site: Results - BTCC - 1994 - Snetterton Round 4 Results . TouringCars.net . 19 June 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120514051137/http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1994/rd4.php . 14 May 2012 .
  35. Web site: Results - BTCC - 1994 - Final Championship Standings . TouringCars.net . 19 June 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130129042826/http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1994/points94.php . 29 January 2013 .
  36. Web site: Retrospective - Mazda and European Tin-Tops . Speedhunters . 23 January 2009 . 19 June 2013 . Andy . Blackmore.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Mazda Xedos 6".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.