Hey all...I have been noticing a lot of complaining about the bew 2006 Mazda6. I didn't really notice any huge changes so I did some research. I have a 2005 6i. I noticed that the interior instrument panel is noticably different. I looked around online and it seems to be that they did this because of people that wanted to swap out the stock stereo for an aftermarket one, its a lot easier to do it in the 2006. Again, I am not for or against this, I just did some research online. I like the dark colors they used, but I tend to like the way ours is done better. I thought I saw that the headlight was a little different, but I could be wrong. What else is different? Sorry if I seem redundant. I just had all 4 wisdom teeth drilled out and have been on percs for a few days now. Sorry guys. But I will add while it has been nice out I washed the 6i up and took her out for a few laps around the area. I am loving the nicer weather. Hope all is well.

B

 

This is for North American units only......and this info is off the top of my head. (I worked on the interior for the Mazda6 for the last 5 years, just recently moved to a new position within the company.)

The radio/ashtray panel/cupholder is all new for 06 (2-tone silver/black finish & new shape - I'm not sure how the new design would be easier than the old one for replacing the radio....the radio is still 1 large panel.) No ashtray lid or cupholder lid.

Headlights are different (changed the black-out pattern and the chrome bezels around the lights....I really like the 06 headlights)

Taillights are different (either blacked out or white....got rid of the red tail-lights. I still like the red the best.)

New front/rear bumper covers/foglights/grille

All new seats

All new interior door trim panels

I think some of the badging changed as well.

That's about all I can think of.

 

thanks my man.

 

I just purchased an '06 and I like the changes to the '06. I had the option to buy a leftover '05 at a great price but I insisted on the '06 model. I like the radio and leather seats much better on the interior, and I love the headlights and tailights better, especially on the sport model because they are tinted gray, also, the foglights are where they're supposed to be now. Overall, the changes are subtle, but I like them a lot.

 

Okay cool. See I really like the new radio for the '06 now that I look at it closer. I like the darker colors. I really like it. Anyone else have any other opinions?

 

I agree with liking the changes. I was set on getting a leftover '05, but when I saw the '06's I fell in love with them...especially the tailights and headlights - the darker colors on the taillights aren't like anything else out there. There is also no ashtray in the 06, it has bottle holders in the inside door pannel (which is awesome - i always had water bottles flying everywhere) and I like the way the instrument pannel is set up.

 

Havent seen an 06 but i need to get a second car and it seems that a 3 is as much as a 6 so I will be checking them out soon.

 

In Canada , to add to the list ;

flip key-fob (keys fold like a pocket knife)

the HID headlights (think its an option)


Well you guys know my opinion on the likes / dislikes

to summarize I love the 03-05 and can't stand all the changes to the '06

for the radio ; it makes us think they changed it for those reasons MrSpike mentioned when you look at it , too bad you still can't change it ..... but I have to say it looks good on pictures , but not in person IMO

we too have bottle holders in the doors (03-05) , Island6

as for the fog lights being in the right place , Damato , do they make a difference as far as lighting up the road ; 'cause when they are lower on the bumper on other cars I've tried including my Cobra .... they don't light up as well as my '05 6's . Man ! the whole front lights up , to about 20 feet , can't complain with 'em .

No matter what year you guys drive , I love you all besides it's good to have differences out there , otherwise ; it would be all the boring same

 

Flip fob and HID were also on NA models (like I said, I worked on interior)

The only thing I didn't like about the new model were the taillights, I just thought that the red should remain an option.

The cupholders in the doors aren't new content, but they are a little larger design with the new door trim panels.

 

hey they have a navigation system in the 06' will that go in an 04'? do they make any for the 03-05?