Replying to Topic 'Will there be a navigation system availible on the 6 as an option in the U.S.?'
Self leveling rear suspension? Now that is something I'm definitely glad we're NEVER gonna see. What a bunch of crap on a car like the 6. Maybe necessary in the wagon, but unless you are hauling a carload of concrete, I doubt that'd be necessary.
Navigation I don't believe is planned to be offered. However, I look at it this way: The car is already designed to have it (as it is available in other countries); so the only thing they'd need is a DVD written with American roads and in English. Second, it is a great stand alone option, they don't need/have to group it with anything else, and I would think it would have a high profit margin. Lastly, the 6 is supposed to replace both the 626 and Millenia (though more the 626); and I would imagine that when it arrives a fully loaded to the teeth V6 6 will be a VERY "fancy" car, and navigation would be a great way to give that extra sense of sophistication and class that you just can't find in ANY competitor, save more expensive entry level luxury models such as the ES300 or 3.2TL. So, while there will be plenty of people who will get the models that are more comparable to the accord and camry, why not at least offer those luxury items you can only find on the more expensive cars, especially when the car is ready to go with the install?? look at the passat, it competes with the accord at one end, but they do quite well with the "every option possible" "very expensive too" crowd. Navigation is a good key to that.
As a side note, I also think they are nuts not to offer the Dynamic Stability Control. Package that along with ABS or something, and put it on. It is such a great safety item, especially in snowy areas, and again, it is already designed to be built in. Put it on as an option. Again it is one of those nice luxury items that would help bring in those who might not take a look at the 6.
Nav and DSC are MUST HAVE options in my opinion. It will help the car cover a broad spectrum of customers and help it to differentiate it from its competitors, something Mazda could use some of anyway.
Personally, I'd probably shy away from nav, a map is cheaper, and I'm good with directions anyway, but there are many customers out there who would CONSIDER the 6 if it has nav as an option, but would not even look if it didn't. As far as DSC, I'd buy that all the way. It is one of those great safety advances I put up there with airbags and ABS, and to me is one of those "must have" safety devices (as long as it can be disabled

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Mazda, I think you must do some really quick thinking before the 6 arrives in the US. Nearly every person I've talked with and almost every internet post I've seen has their heart set on the hatchback, not the sedan. You will lose many, many sales to people who cannot wait for the hatch. If the hatch is what the customers want, it is what you should deliver, and quickly. Again, the hatch is also something that would help you to distinguish yourself from the also-rans. As far as Nav, and DSC, again, I seriously think you should be looking closely at this as well. If not nav, at least DSC.
The 6 is such a standout car already, why not make it hands down the best in class vehicle it is within inches of being? Nav, DSC, and the hatch right now are the way to do that. Don't do us the typical coming in the 2 year update BS, just do it now. I promise the sales you gain now by having these things available at the start will more than offset any sales you might not get 2 years later with a less significant update (okay, I can't guarantee it, but it seems to me that this would be the case

)
Sorry for the long post. Mazda, I hope you're listening.