Mazda6

Mazda6
File:2018 Mazda6 Sport NAV+ Diesel 2.2 Front.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer	Mazda
Also called	Mazda Atenza (Japan and China, 2002–2019)
Production	February 2002 – present
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size car (D)
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Chronology
Predecessor	Mazda Capella/626
Successor	Mazda EZ-6 (China)

The Mazda6 (known as the Mazda Atenza in Japan, derived from the Italian attenzione) is a mid-size sedan produced by Mazda since 2002, replacing the long-produced Capella/626.

The Mazda6 was marketed as the first example of the company's "Stylish, Insightful and Spirited" design philosophy, followed by the Mazda2 in December 2002, the RX-8 in August 2003, the Mazda3 in January 2004, the Mazda5 in the summer of 2005, the MX-5 in October 2005, and the CX-7 in November 2006. The 2003 Mazda6 is essentially the seventh-generation Mazda 626, part of the 'G' model code family.

First generation (GG1; 2002)

First generation
File:Mazda 6 2.0 Sedan 2003 (cropped).jpg Pre-facelift
Overview
Production	February 2002 – June 2008 2003–2016 (China)
Model years	2003–2008 (US) 2004–2008 (Canada)
Assembly	Japan: Hofu, Yamaguchi (Hofu Plant) United States: Flat Rock, Michigan (AutoAlliance International) (2002–2008) China: Changchun (FAW Group) Colombia: Bogotá (2003–2014) Russia: Vladivostok
Designer	Kaname Sawai, Koizumi Iwao
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door liftback 5-door wagon
Related	Ford Fusion Mazda CX-9 Mercury Milan
Powertrain
Engine	Gasoline: 1.8 L MZR L8 I4 2.0 L MZR LF I4 2.3 L MZR L3 I4 2.3 L MZR L3-VDT DISI turbo I4 (Mazdaspeed 6) 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 Diesel: 2.0 L MZR-CD I4
Transmission	4-speed 4F27E automatic (I4) 5-speed JF506E automatic (V6) 5-speed FS5A-EL automatic (I4) 5-speed G35M-R manual (I4) 5-speed A65M-R manual (V6) 6-speed A26MX-R manual (Mazdaspeed 6) 6-speed AWTF-80 SC automatic 6-speed G66M-R manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	105.3 in (2,675 mm)
Length	Sedan and liftback (International): 4,670–4,690 mm (183.9–184.6 in) Sedan and liftback (North America): 4,745 mm (186.8 in) Wagon (International): 4,700 mm (185.0 in) Wagon (North America): 4,770 mm (187.8 in)
Width	1,781 mm (70.1 in)
Height	Sedan and liftback (International): 1,430–1,435 mm (56.3–56.5 in) Sedan and liftback (North America): 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Wagon (International): 1,480 mm (58.3 in) Wagon (North America): 1,455 mm (57.3 in)

Pre-facelift

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Sedan

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Liftback

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Estate/station wagon

The first-generation Mazda6 was launched in Japan as the Mazda Atenza in May 2002. The model lineup consisted of a four-door sedan, a four-door hatchback and a five-door wagon, marketed in North America as the "Sport Sedan", "5-Door" and "Sport Wagon", respectively. In Australia, the lineup was first available in Limited trim, as a sedan; in Classic trim as sedan, hatch or wagon and in Luxury trim as a sedan and liftback — and Luxury Sports trim, as a liftback. In New Zealand, the lineup consisted of 2.0L GLX (sedan only), 2.3L GSX (sedan, liftback, and wagon), and 2.3L Limited (sedan and liftback).

The first generation was marketed as a 2003 model in the United States and as a 2004 model in Canada. In Europe, the luxury sports model was available as a 120 hp (89 kW) direct injection turbodiesel ("DITD") estate up until 2007. As of 2008, the European Mazda catalog listed only the "Sport" version of the 146 hp (109 kW) turbodiesel estate, while the "Luxury Sport" version had been dropped.

Drivetrain combinations included the Mazda MZR engine in configurations of 1.8 L (L8-DE), 2.0 L (LF-VE) and 2.3 L (L3-VE), initially with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission (with a sequential-automatic option, dubbed the "Four-Speed Sport AT"). In the US domestic market a 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 engine was also available with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic (with a sequential-automatic option, dubbed the "5-Speed Sport AT"). European and Australian versions also feature a four-cylinder turbodiesel that comes with a six-speed manual transmission and produces significantly more torque than the V6, with much improved fuel economy.

Facelift

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Liftback

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Sedan

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Estate/station wagon

In North America, the 5-speed automatic optional on the V6 models were replaced by an Aisin 6-speed automatic for the 2005 model year. The four-cylinder model received a FS5A-EL five-speed automatic in the following year. Power was directed to the front wheels in most markets, although full-time all-wheel-drive models were available in Japan, Europe, and Australia. Not all configurations were available in all areas – for example, the Mazda 6 as released in Australia was available in 2.3L four-cylinder guise only, when the 626 it replaced had been available with a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines. The MZI V6 engine was only fitted to vehicles manufactured at Mazda's Flat Rock Assembly Plant and destined for the U.S. and Canadian domestic markets.

Mazda's Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi Prefecture produced the Mazda6 for international markets from February 2002 to August 2007. In North America, Mazda6 production was handled at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. The first Mazda6 rolled off the AAI assembly line on October 1, 2002, one month after 626 production ended. There are also satellite plants building Mazda6 models in China and Thailand for local markets.

In September 2005, the Mazda6 received a facelift which introduced 5-speed auto and 6-speed manual transmissions, standard 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, and minor bodywork upgrades.

In China, the Mazda6 was introduced by FAW Mazda in 2003. Despite the release of its successors, the first generation car, known locally as the Maliu (马六, "Horse 6"), continues to be manufactured at FAW's Changchun plant, having sold over 770,000 units as of 2014. This model is also used as the base for the FAW Benteng, also known as Besturn B70 or Hongqi C301.

Mazdaspeed6

File:Mazda 6 MPS (41187288220) (cropped).jpg

Mazdaspeed6 (Wheels from Mazda RX-8 prefacelift).

The 2006 Mazdaspeed6 (known as Mazdaspeed Atenza in Japan and Mazda6 MPS in Europe, South Africa and Australia) is a high-performance version of the first generation Mazda6. Its mission statement was written with the help of Peter Birtwhistle, chief of Mazda's advanced design studio in Germany at the time. It was initially unveiled as a concept at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. It features a turbocharged version of the 2.3 L MZR inline-four which produces 272 PS (200 kW), although the European version was detuned to 260 PS (191 kW) as a result of stricter emissions standards. The North American version originally produced 274 hp (204 kW), which was revised to 270 hp (201 kW) for 2007. All models have 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) of torque. The 2.3 L DISI turbocharged engine features direct fuel injection and conforms to the new Euro 5 emissions standards. All markets received a revised front fascia with a raised hood, a 6-speed manual transmission, and all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system uses Mazda's Active Torque Split computer-based control, which can route between a 100/0 to 50/50 front/rear torque split depending on driving conditions. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential.

Originally scheduled to be launched in June 2005, the Mazdaspeed Atenza was delayed until November. In North America, the Mazdaspeed6 comes in two trim levels; the "Sport" trim with cloth interior and standard key entry and ignition; and the "Grand Touring" trim with leather interior, keyless entry/ignition, and optional DVD navigation. Automatic climate control is standard, as is a 200 W Bose stereo system featuring seven speakers and a 9-inch subwoofer in addition to an in-dash six-disc CD changer. A sunroof with moonroof feature is optional on the Grand Touring trim.

The Mazdaspeed6 was released to generally positive reviews, and was noted for impressive power and handling.

Second generation (GH1/GH2; 2007)

Second generation
File:Mazda 6 2.5 Sport Liftback 2009.jpg Pre-facelift
Overview
Production	August 2007 – August 2012 2009–2016 (China)
Model years	2009–2013 (North America)
Assembly	United States: Flat Rock, Michigan (AutoAlliance International) Japan: Hofu, Yamaguchi (Hofu Plant) China: Changchun (FAW Group)
Designer	Koichi Sato (2005)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door liftback 5-door wagon
Related	Ford Edge Ford Fusion Lincoln MKX Lincoln MKZ Mazda8 Mazda CX-9 Mercury Milan
Powertrain
Engine	Gasoline: 1.8 L MZR L8 I4 2.0 L MZR LF I4 2.5 L MZR L5 I4 3.7 L Duratec 37 V6 Diesel: 2.0 L MZR-CD I4 2.2 L MZR-CD I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 5-speed FS5A-EL automatic 6-speed G36M-R manual 6-speed AWTF-80 SC automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	International: 2,725 mm (107.3 in) North America: 109.8 in (2,789 mm)
Length	Sedan and hatchback (2007–2010): 4,735 mm (186.4 in) Sedan and hatchback (2011–2012): 4,755 mm (187.2 in) Wagon (2007–2010): 4,765 mm (187.6 in) Wagon (2011–2012): 4,785 mm (188.4 in)
Width	International: 1,795 mm (70.7 in) North America: 72.4 in (1,839 mm)
Height	Sedan and hatchback: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Wagon: 1,490 mm (58.7 in)

The second-generation Mazda6 made its premiere at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. It is based on the modified first-generation Mazda6 chassis which Ford also utilized as their CD3 platform. Mazda continued to provide three body styles, including 4-door saloon (sedan), 5-door hatchback and wagon. A number of journalists have already praised its electrically assisted steering for being considerably improved compared to the previous generation, providing more feedback to the driver. The hatchback model even has a trunk space which beats the larger rival Ford Mondeo and Opel/Vauxhall Insignia (hatchback) by 200 liters with rear seats folded down.

This model of the Mazda6 was awarded 2010 Family Car of the Year by What Car? magazine.

At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Mazda announced their new 2011 Mazda6.

• Mazda 6 rear 20080312.jpg

  Sedan (rear)

• Mazda 6 rear 20090212.jpg

  Liftback (rear)

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  Estate (rear)

Facelift

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  Mazda 6 Sports hatchback (facelift; front)

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  Liftback (facelift; rear)

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  Sedan

• 2010 Mazda6 (GH Series 2 MY10) Touring station wagon (2011-11-18) 02.jpg

  Estate/station wagon

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  Interior

North America

The North American version was redesigned for the 2009 model year, with the wagon and hatchback versions being dropped there. It is a widened and lengthened version of the model sold elsewhere, with larger engines. Reviewers have noted its coupe-like roofline and sportier style. North American engine choices include a new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and North American versions get the 3.7-liter V6 which is also available in the Mazda CX-9. Motor Trend recorded a 0–60 mph acceleration time of 6.1 seconds for the Mazda 6 V6.

In America, only a sedan model was available (In the Middle East, USDM Mazda6 known as Mazda6 Ultra is sold alongside the JDM Mazda6). A Mazdaspeed6 variant was not offered. Despite the North American version's increase in dimensions, Mazda maintains that the 6 retains the overall driving experience is still sportier than rivaling Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys, or Chevrolet Malibus. Early reviews have been favorable.

On March 3, 2011, around 50,000 Mazda6 vehicles from the 2009–10 model years were recalled in the United States, with another 15,000 in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico after it was found that Yellow Sac Spiders were building nests in the fuel line of the vehicles. The Mazda6 has two pipes coming from its gas tank, an extremely rare configuration. The amount of gasoline vapor in the fuel line is just strong enough to draw the spider in but not strong enough to kill it. On April 5, 2014, Mazda reissued the same recall for spiders against all 2010–2013 Mazda6 vehicles with 2.5 liter engines.

Production for North American market would be transferred to Hofu, Japan, when Mazda ceased production at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant.

The last Mazda6 rolled off the line at Mazda's Flat Rock Assembly Plant on Friday, August 24, 2012, with Mazda discontinuing production on American soil, effectively ending the 20 year joint-venture between Mazda and Ford. Mazda moved production of the Mazda6 back to the Hofu factory in Japan.

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  Mazda6 (North American version)

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  Rear view

Recall

In China, over 680,000 Mazdas, including Mazda6 made between September 2008 and January 2016, were recalled due to faulty airbags. An earlier recall involved 280,000 Mazda6 models made between 2003 and 2008 for a similar issue.

Motorsport

In 2007, Mazda won its first manufacturers championship in the Touring Car class. In 2009, they finished 2nd in the manufacturer's championship with 65 points, behind Acura.

The Mazda6 has also been used in the KONI Challenge Series Sport Touring class. It was last used in 2008 by the Baglieracing team with Dennis Baglier, Chris Gleason, and Marty Luffy as drivers.

The Mazda6 also gives its name to a stock car in the NASCAR Corona Series.

Third generation (GJ1/GL; 2012)

Main article: Mazda6 (GJ)

Third generation
File:Mazda6 2.0 SKYACTIV-G Center-Line (GJ) – Frontansicht, 14. April 2013, Düsseldorf.jpg
Overview
Production	2012–2024
Model years	2014–2021 (North America)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Sedan: 2,830 mm (111.4 in) Wagon: 2,750 mm (108.3 in)
Length	Sedan: 4,865 mm (191.5 in) Wagon: 4,805 mm (189.2 in)
Width	1,840 mm (72.4 in)
Height	Sedan: 1,450 mm (57.1 in) Wagon: 1,480 mm (58.3 in)

The third generation Mazda6 sedan was unveiled during Moscow International Automobile Salon on 29 August 2012, and the station wagon version followed during the 2012 Paris Motor Show in the following month. This generation is available in a 4-door sedan or 5-door station wagon styles only. The design was previewed by both the Takeri concept, unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, and the Shinari concept from 2010.

The design was a finalist in the "2013 World Design of the Year".

• Mazda6 2.0 SKYACTIV-G Center-Line (GJ) – Heckansicht, 14. April 2013, Düsseldorf.jpg

  Sedan (pre-facelift)

• 2014 Mazda6 SE-L Diesel Estate 2.2 Rear.jpg

  Estate/station wagon (pre-facelift)

• MAZDA ATENZA SEDAN GJ XD L Package 04.JPG

  Interior (pre-facelift)

Awards

The Mazda6 was second place in the 2003 European Car of the Year awards and made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2003. The Sport Wagon won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Station Wagon award, while the Sport sedan won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Family Car award for 2005. The 6 Estate also won What Car?'s Best Estate award in 2004. Also the Mazda6 won the 2003 Semperit Irish Car of the Year.

The Mazda6 won the 'Best Mid-size Car (over $28,000)' title in Australia's Best Cars in 2002 and 2003. It came second in 2004, behind the Subaru Liberty, and fifth in 2005 (the Honda Accord Euro was first in 2005). Wheels magazine also awarded the Mazda6 winner of its Active Safety Program in July 2005. In December 2007 the Mazda6 won the Carsales Peoples Choice award for its class in Australia.

The Mazda6 also won "Best Family Sedan" in MotorWeek's 2009 Driver's Choice Awards.

The Mazda6 was praised for its edgy handsome design, communicative steering, and tight suspension. However, as it was designed as a world car in order to fit the needs of Europe and Japan, it was smaller than its North American contemporaries in the midsize segment, being criticized for its reduced passenger space. Its acceleration, particularly the V6 engine models, lagged behind that of its rivals as well.

The hatchback's liftback/notchback styling was considered a clever design to disguise it as a four-door saloon, as North Americans generally considered trunks more elegant than hatches. The estate had an early demise, but the hatchback was somewhat successful in Canada, especially in Québec, though it would not have a 2009 refresh, as both models were unpopular in the US.

Motorsport

For the 2013 Rolex Sports Car Series the Mazda6 was involved in the short lived Grand-Am GX series. Three cars were used, one racing under the number #70, being driven by Jonathan Bomarito, Marino Franchitti, Tom Long, Sylvain Tremblay, and James Hinchcliff, a VisitFlorida.com sponsored car using the number #00, driven by Tristan Nunez, Spencer Pigot, and Tristan Vautier, and Yojiro Terada, and the third car was driven under the #25, being driven by Andrew Carbonell, Tom Long, Rhett O’Doski, and Derek Whitis. The car was successful, albeit in a class with few other cars. The class they were driven in was the GX class, intended for cars using alternative fuels or alternative technologies. The class folded after one year, and was not carried onto the 2014 United SportsCar Championship.

Sales

File:Mazda 6 Sales record US.png

Mazda6 sales in the U.S. by year

Year	Japan	U.S.	Canada	Mexico	Europe	Australia	China	Vietnam
2003		66,118			91,948	12,709
2004		72,148			89,389	12,075
2005		71,447		141	71,893	14,783
2006		66,203		1,003	74,462	12,826
2007		57,575		980	64,009	12,397
2008	15,848	52,590		2,241	65,208	10,207
2009	7,398	34,866	6,614	2,193	46,876	8,758
2010	7,105	35,662	6,092	3,216	38,702	7,455
2011	4,588	35,711	3,676	2,170	28,204	5,794
2012	5,207	33,756	5,128	2,363	19,343	6,558
2013	22,388	43,638	4,224	4,162	32,538	7,701
2014	11,387	53,224	3,023	3,776	31,032	5,883	27,710	1,024
2015	12,360	57,898	2,703	3,627	30,519	5,276	42,000	2,589
2016	9,407	45,520	2,053	2,627	29,226	4,369	34,246	3,248
2017	6,394	33,402	2,541	1,721	23,090	3,647	53,493	2,044
2018	7,782	30,938	2,292	1,429	20,873	3,328	47,060	2,377
2019	5,350	21,524	1,402	1,061	22,048	2,612	41,950	1,675
2020	2,933	16,204	1,049	636	6,950	1,727	30,978	1,653
2021	2,350	16,214	1,411	475	4,890	1,491	19,502	1,122
2022	2,043	335	0	0	4,483	1,511		1,289
2023		1,690				1,528		1,094

Notes

1.^ European markets only.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mazda6 or Mazda Atenza

• Official website

Type

1990s

2000s

2010s

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Kei car/Microvan/Kei truck

Autozam Carol

Carol

Carol

Carol

Carol

Carol

AZ-Wagon

AZ-Wagon

AZ-Wagon

AZ-Wagon

Flair

Flair

Flair Wagon

Flair Wagon

AZ-Offroad

Flair Crossover

Spiano

Laputa

Autozam Scrum

Scrum/Scrum Wagon

Scrum/Scrum Wagon

Subcompact

Autozam Revue/121

Demio/121

Demio/Mazda2

Demio/Mazda2

Demio/Mazda2

Verisa

Compact

Familia/323/Protegé/Astina/Eunos 100

Familia/323/Protegé /Lantis/323F

Familia/323/Protegé

Axela/Mazda3

Axela/Mazda3

Axela/Mazda3

Mazda3

Familia Van

Familia Van

Familia Van

Familia Van

Mid-size

Capella/626

Capella/626/Cronos /ɛ̃fini MS-6

Capella/626

Atenza/Mazda6

Atenza/Mazda6

Atenza/Mazda6

Persona/Eunos 300

Autozam Clef /ɛ̃fini MS-8

Xedos 6/Eunos 500

Full-size

Millenia/Xedos 9/Eunos 800

Luce

Sentia/929/ɛ̃fini MS-9

Sentia

Sports car

Autozam AZ-1

MX-3/Eunos Presso/Autozam AZ-3

Eunos Roadster/MX-5/Miata

Roadster/MX-5/Miata

Roadster/MX-5/Miata

Roadster/MX-5/Miata

MX-6/626 Coupé

MX-6

RX-7/Savanna RX-7

RX-7/ɛ̃fini RX-7

RX-8

Eunos Cosmo

Minivan

VX-1

Premacy

Premacy/Mazda5

Premacy/Mazda5

Bongo Friendee

Biante

MPV/ɛ̃fini MPV

MPV

MPV/Mazda8

Crossover SUV

CX-3

CX-30

CX-4

Tribute

Tribute

CX-5

CX-5

CX-7

CX-8

CX-9

CX-9

SUV

Proceed Levante

Proceed Levante

Proceed Marvie

Navajo

Pickup

B-Series/Proceed

B-Series/Proceed

B-Series

BT-50

BT-50

B-Series

B-Series/Truck

Van/Truck

Bongo/E-Series

Bongo/E-Series

Bongo Brawny/E-Series

Bongo Brawny/E-Series

Bongo Brawny

Titan Dash

Titan/T-Series

Titan

Titan

Titan

Minibus

Parkway

Notes

Sourced from Ford          Sourced from Suzuki          Sourced from Nissan          Sourced from Toyota/Daihatsu          Sourced from Isuzu

Type	2020s
	0	1	2	3	4
Kei car/Microvan/Kei truck	Carol		Carol
	Flair
	Flair Wagon
	Flair Crossover
	Scrum/Scrum Wagon
Subcompact	Demio/Mazda2
			Mazda2 Hybrid
Compact	Mazda3
	Familia Van
Mid-size	Atenza/Mazda6
Sports car	Roadster/MX-5/Miata
Crossover SUV	CX-3
	CX-30
	MX-30
	CX-4
	CX-5
			CX-50
			CX-60
					CX-70
	CX-8
					CX-80
	CX-9
					CX-90
Pickup	BT-50
Van/Truck	Bongo
	Bongo Brawny
	Titan
Notes	Sourced from Suzuki          Sourced from Toyota/Daihatsu          Sourced from Isuzu

Type	1980s										1990s										2000s										2010s										2020s
Model year	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2
Subcompact	GLC	GLC																														Mazda2					Mazda2(M)
							323				323/Protegé
Compact																Protegé				Protegé					Mazda3						Mazda3				Mazda3					Mazda3
	626			626					626
Mid-size														626					626					Mazda6						Mazda6				Mazda6
																Millenia
Full-size									929				929
Sport compact													MX-3
									MX-6					MX-6
Sports											MX-5 Miata								MX-5 Miata								MX-5 Miata										MX-5 Miata
	RX-7						RX-7							RX-7												RX-8
Minivan																											Mazda5						Mazda5				Mazda5(C)
										MPV											MPV
Subcompact crossover																																					CX-3						CX-3(C+M)
																																									CX-30
																																											MX-30
Compact crossover/SUV												Navajo										Tribute							Tribute					CX-5				CX-5
Mid-size crossover																												CX-7
																												CX-9									CX-9
Pickup	B-Series						B-Series								B-Series				B-Series												B-Series(C)
Legend/Notes	(C) Vehicles exclusive to Canada      (M) Vehicles exclusive to Mexico