{{about-distinguish-text|the 1990s compact executive car|the current Mazda6 midsize sedan}} {{redirect|Amati 300|more information about the proposed luxury division|Amati Cars}} {{Infobox automobile | image = Mazda Xedos6 front 20071115.jpg | name = Mazda Xedos 6 | manufacturer = Mazda | production = 1992–1999 | assembly = Japan: Hofu, Yamaguchi (Hofu Plant) | class = Compact executive car | body_style = 4-door sedan | layout = FF layout | model_code = CA | engine = 1.6 L ''B6-9/B6-E'' I4<br>1.8 L ''FP-DE'' I4<br>1.8 L ''K8-ZE'' V6<br>2.0 L ''KF-1/KF-ZE'' V6 | length = {{convert|4560|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="parkersdim">{{cite web |url=http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/mazda/xedos-6/saloon-1992/dimensions/ |title=Mazda Xedos 6 (92-00) Dimensions - Facts and Figures |publisher=Parkers |access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> | width = {{convert|1700|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="parkersdim"/> | height = {{convert|1345|-|1355|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="xedos6com"/> | weight = {{convert|1140|-|1296|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="xedos6com"/> | wheelbase = {{convert|2610|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="parkersv6sport">{{cite web |url=http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/mazda/xedos-6/saloon-1992/12052/ |title=Mazda Xedos 6 (92-00) 2.0i V6 Sport 4d - MPG, Dimensions & Performance |publisher=Parkers |access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> | transmission = 5-speed manual<ref name="parkersv6sport"/><br>4-speed automatic<ref name="parkersv6auto">{{cite web |url=http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/mazda/xedos-6/saloon-1992/12052/ |title=Mazda Xedos 6 (92-00) 2.0i V6 SE 4d Auto - MPG, Dimensions & Performance |publisher=Parkers |access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> | aka = Eunos 500<br>Mazda Eunos 500 (Australia) | related = Mazda Capella<br>Mazda MX-6 | designer = Takeshi Arakawa (1989)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/USD338854|title = Automobile}}</ref> }}
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.<ref name="xedos6.su">{{cite web |url=http://xedos6.su/faq/faq-general/hronologiya-modeli-mazda-xedos-6.html |title=Хронология модели Mazda Xedos 6 | Mazda Xedos 6 FAQ : Mazda Xedos Клуб |publisher=Xedos6.su |date=2011-05-26 |access-date=2013-06-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311110214/http://xedos6.su/faq/faq-general/hronologiya-modeli-mazda-xedos-6.html |archive-date=2014-03-11 }}</ref>
==History== thumb|left|The rear of a Eunos 500. thumb|left|1992-1996 Eunos 500 (Australia) thumb|left|1998 Mazda Eunos 500 The Eunos 500 was initially presented at the 1991 Tokyo Motor Show, and was based on the Mazda CA platform,<ref name="xedos6com">{{cite web |url=http://www.xedos-community.de/Xedos6.html |title=Xedos 6 |publisher=Xedos community |access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> also used by the Mazda Capella.<ref name="xedos6.su"/> The car entered full production in January 1992, with Japanese, Hong Kong 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.<ref name="xedos6.su"/> Left-hand drive versions of the Xedos 6, destined for mainland Europe, were first produced in 1993.<ref name="xedos6.su"/> The car's exterior styling was often praised by reviewers,<ref name="RAC">{{cite web |url=http://www.rac.co.uk/buying-a-car/car-reviews/mazda/xedos/207546/ |title=Car Reviews - Mazda Xedos 6 (1992-1999) |publisher=RAC |access-date=19 June 2013 |archive-date=6 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106202531/http://www.rac.co.uk/buying-a-car/car-reviews/mazda/xedos/207546/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="msncars">{{cite web |url=http://cars.uk.msn.com/features/used-car-guide/top-10-used-mazdas?page=6 |title=Mazda Xedos 6 - Top 10 used Mazdas |publisher=MSN Cars UK |date=10 January 2013 |access-date=19 June 2013 |first=James |last=Ruppert |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116123738/http://cars.uk.msn.com/features/used-car-guide/top-10-used-mazdas?page=6 |archive-date=16 January 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> with Honest John stating that it "could have been the prototype for a new small Jaguar - with Mazda reliability,"<ref name="hjgood"/> however, the interior was also criticized for being too dull.<ref name="yahooxedos6">{{cite web |url=http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/news/mazda-xedos-6-1992-1999-000000961.html |title=Mazda Xedos 6 (1992 - 1999): Mazda's Image-Maker |publisher=Yahoo! Cars |date=10 October 2005 |access-date=19 June 2013 |first=Jonathan |last=Crouch}}</ref> There were also plans to market the car under the Amati 300 name, but they did not come to fruition.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dailynewsdig.com/mazda-cars-find-out-the-car-makers-origins-and-more/ |title=Mazda Cars - Find Out The Car Maker's Origins and More |publisher=Daily News Dig |date=30 August 2010 |access-date=19 June 2013 |first=Chris |last=Hughes}}</ref>
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<ref name="RAC"/><ref name=EPC1>{{cite web | url = http://mazdaepc.com/parts/XEDOS-6/AECA01/Y9/KKKK/ | title = Mazda Xedos 6: Model Identification | work = Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue | publisher = Mazda Motor Corporation | id = AECA01 | access-date = 2018-01-20 | archive-date = 2018-01-21 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180121000024/http://mazdaepc.com/parts/XEDOS-6/AECA01/Y9/KKKK/ | url-status = dead }}</ref>) and a 2-litre V6 (available everywhere from the car's launch) The 1.6-litre engine produced {{convert|114|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}, and was criticized for being underpowered,<ref name="xedos6com"/><ref name="hjbad">{{cite web |url=http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mazda/xedos-6-1992/?section=bad |title=Mazda Xedos 6 1992 - Car Review - What's Bad |publisher=Honest John |access-date=19 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030043906/http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mazda/xedos-6-1992/?section=bad |archive-date=30 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> whilst the 2-litre engine produced {{convert|144|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}},<ref name="xedos6com"/> and was praised for its smooth, free-revving nature.<ref name="hjgood">{{cite web |url=http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mazda/xedos-6-1992/?section=good |title=Mazda Xedos 6 1992 - Car Review - What's Good|publisher=Honest John |access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> The V6 models were capable of up to {{convert|133|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} with a manual transmission, and {{convert|125|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} with an automatic transmission,<ref name="parkersperf">{{cite web |url=http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/mazda/xedos-6/saloon-1992/ |title=Mazda Xedos 6 (92-00) Performance - Facts and Figures |publisher=Parkers |access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> and were claimed to be able to do 30-31 miles per gallon (imperial).<ref name="parkersrun">{{cite web |url=http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/mazda/xedos-6/saloon-1992/running-costs/ |title=Mazda Xedos 6 (92-00) Running Costs - Facts and Figures |publisher=Parkers |access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> In comparison, the 1.6-litre models had a top speed of {{convert|184|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} with a manual transmission, or {{convert|175|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} with an automatic.<ref name="xedos6com"/> The engines were updated in 1994 to meet the new Euro 1 emissions standards (reducing the power outputs by {{convert|7|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} for the 1.6 and {{convert|4|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} for the 2-litre,<ref name="xedos6com"/>) and again in 1996 to meet the new Euro 2 standards.<ref name="xedos6.su"/> 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.<ref name="RAC"/>
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,<ref name="mazdav6guide">{{cite web |url=http://www.autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&A=2877 |title=The Mazda V6 Guide |publisher=AutoSpeed |access-date=19 June 2013 |first=Michael |last=Knowling |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331051312/http://autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&A=2877 |archive-date=31 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> producing {{convert|140|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} and having a top speed of {{convert|195|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="aminfo1800v6">{{cite web |url=http://automobilio.info/en/Mazda/Eunos-500/Eunos-500/1.8-i-V6-24V-140-AG/8298 |title=Eunos-500 1.8 i V6 24V 140 HP. Car Technical Data |publisher=Automobilio.INFO |access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> The 2-litre V6 was offered in Japan, but in a higher state of tune; Japanese models produced {{convert|160|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} from their KF-ZE engines,<ref name="mazdav6guide"/><!--source is for engine name only, the power reference is the next source along--> and had a top speed of {{convert|205|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="aminfo2000v6">{{cite web |url=http://automobilio.info/en/Mazda/Eunos-500/Eunos-500/2.0-i-V6-24V-160-AG/8299 |title=Eunos-500 2.0 i V6 24V 160 HP. Car Technical Data |publisher=Automobilio.INFO |access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> For 1994, a 1.8-litre straight-four was introduced as the new base model, with a power output of {{convert|115|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}},<ref>{{cite web |url=http://specs.cars-directory.net/mazda/eunos_500/1.8_18J_7410.html |title=MAZDA EUNOS 500 1.8 18J (03.1994 - 12.1995) |publisher=CARS-DIRECTORY.NET |access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> whilst the 1.8-litre V6 was discontinued.<ref name="cardb">{{cite web |url=http://cars-database.com/mazda-eunos-500.html |title=Mazda Eunos 500: Information about model, images gallery and complete modifications list |publisher=Cars-Database.com |access-date=19 June 2013 |archive-date=28 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128072331/http://cars-database.com/mazda-eunos-500.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1996, following Mazda's decision to axe the Eunos brand,<ref name="mazdatimeline">{{cite web |url=http://www.mazda.com/profile/outline/library/2012/pdf/sec_13.pdf |title=History |publisher=Mazda Cars Ltd. |access-date=19 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731091349/http://www.mazda.com/profile/outline/library/2012/pdf/sec_13.pdf |archive-date=31 July 2013 }}</ref> the Eunos 500 was rebranded as the Mazda Eunos 500, and remained in production under that name until 1999.<ref name="vinme500">{{cite web |url=http://www.vincarhistory.com.au/vin/Mazda/Eunos+500 |title=1996-1999 Mazda Eunos 500 VIN Car History - Check your VIN number history |publisher=VIN Car History |access-date=19 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330170219/http://www.vincarhistory.com.au/vin/Mazda/Eunos+500 |archive-date=30 March 2015 }}</ref><!--better source needed--> {{-}} ==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,<ref name="btcc93points"/>) with the Xedos 6 replacing the 323F that had been used in the previous season.<ref name="dowsonobit">{{cite web |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97430 |title=Long-time BTCC team owner Roger Dowson dies aged 67 - BTCC news |publisher=AUTOSPORT.com |date=8 February 2012 |access-date=19 June 2013 |first=Gary |last=Watkins}}</ref> Patrick Watts drove the Xedos 6 during the season, taking his first pole at Snetterton,<ref name="newsnet">{{cite web|url=http://www.btcc.net/html/generalnews_detail.php?id=2529 |title=Snetterton: out with the old |publisher=British Touring Car Championship |date=3 August 2011 |access-date=19 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230232513/http://www.btcc.net/html/generalnews_detail.php?id=2529 |archive-date=30 December 2013 }}</ref> and three fourth-place finishes.<ref name="r4-1993btcc">{{cite web |url=http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1993/rd4.php |title=Results - BTCC - 1993 - Donington Park GP Round 4 Results |publisher=TouringCars.net |access-date=19 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611124114/http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1993/rd4.php |archive-date=11 June 2012 }}</ref><ref name="r10-1993btcc">{{cite web |url=http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1993/rd10.php |title=Results - BTCC - 1993 - Knockhill Round 10 Results |publisher=TouringCars.net |access-date=19 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611124508/http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1993/rd10.php |archive-date=11 June 2012 }}</ref><ref name="r11-1993btcc">{{cite web |url=http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1993/rd11.php |title=Results - BTCC - 1993 - Knockhill Round 11 Results |publisher=TouringCars.net |access-date=19 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611124250/http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1993/rd11.php |archive-date=11 June 2012 }}</ref> He finished 15th in the championship, two points behind former champion Tim Harvey in the works Renault 19.<ref name="btcc93points">{{cite web |url=http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1993/points93.php |title=Results - BTCC - 1993 - Final Championship Standings |publisher=TouringCars.net |access-date=19 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611124444/http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1993/points93.php |archive-date=11 June 2012 }}</ref> Mazda were classified eighth, and last, in the manufacturer's championship.<ref name="btcc93points"/> 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,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.speedhunters.com/2009/01/retrospective_gt_gt_mazda_and_european_tin_tops/ |title=RETROSPECTIVE>> MAZDA AND EUROPEAN TIN-TOPS |publisher=Speedhunters |date=23 January 2009 |access-date=30 June 2013 |first=Andy |last=Blackmore}}</ref> 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,<ref name="nealprof">{{cite web|url=http://www.btcc.net/html/driver_detail.php?id=193 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130624183332/http://www.btcc.net/html/driver_detail.php?id=193 |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 June 2013 |title=BTCC Drivers - Matt Neal |publisher=British Touring Car Championship |access-date=19 June 2013 }}</ref> whilst Leslie withdrew halfway through the season due to budgetary problems.<ref name="lesliejoinspsp">{{cite web |url=http://www.motorsport.com/btcc/news/btcc-team-petronas-signs-david-leslie-for-2002-campaign/ |title=BTCC: Team Petronas signs David Leslie for 2002 campaign |publisher=Motorsport.com |date=13 December 2001 |access-date=19 June 2013 |archive-date=31 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231001143/http://www.motorsport.com/btcc/news/btcc-team-petronas-signs-david-leslie-for-2002-campaign/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Leslie's best finishes were a pair of eighth positions at the first two rounds,<ref name="r1-1994btcc">{{cite web |url=http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1994/rd1.php |title=Results - BTCC - 1994 - Thruxton Round 1 Results |publisher=TouringCars.net |access-date=19 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129042249/http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1994/rd1.php |archive-date=29 January 2013 }}</ref><ref name="r2-1994btcc">{{cite web |url=http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1994/rd2.php |title=Results - BTCC - 1994 - Brands Hatch Indy Round 2 Results |publisher=TouringCars.net |access-date=19 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514051022/http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1994/rd2.php |archive-date=14 May 2012 }}</ref> whilst Neal's was a tenth at Snetterton.<ref name="r4-1994btcc">{{cite web |url=http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1994/rd4.php |title=Results - BTCC - 1994 - Snetterton Round 4 Results |publisher=TouringCars.net |access-date=19 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514051137/http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1994/rd4.php |archive-date=14 May 2012 }}</ref> Neal finished 23rd in the championship, level with privateers James Thompson and Nigel Smith, whilst Leslie finished 20th.<ref name="btcc94points">{{cite web |url=http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1994/points94.php |title=Results - BTCC - 1994 - Final Championship Standings |publisher=TouringCars.net |access-date=19 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129042826/http://www.touring-cars.net/results/1994/points94.php |archive-date=29 January 2013 }}</ref> Mazda were classified tenth, and last, in the manufacturer's championship.<ref name="btcc94points"/> 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.<ref name="mazdatintopsh">{{cite web |url=http://www.speedhunters.com/2009/01/retrospective_gt_gt_mazda_and_european_tin_tops/ |title=Retrospective - Mazda and European Tin-Tops |publisher=Speedhunters |date=23 January 2009 |access-date=19 June 2013 |first=Andy |last=Blackmore}}</ref>
{{gallery | width = 250 | height = 150 | File:Patrick Watts - Mazda Xedos 6 at the 1993 TOCA Shootout, Donington (50094300052).jpg|Patrick Watts driving his Mazda Xedos at Donington Park during the 1993 TOCA Shootout. | File:DSC00053 (45827559395).jpg|Matt Neal (Mazda Xedos) disputing a position with Geoff Steel (BMW 318is) at Brands Hatch during the 1994 British Touring Car Championship. }}
==References== {{Reflist|2}} {{Commons category}} {{Mazda road car timeline 1990s–present}}
Xedos 6 Category:Cars introduced in 1992 Category:Cars discontinued in 1999 Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles Category:Compact executive cars Category:Mid-size cars Category:Sedans Category:Touring cars Xedos 6