Mazda Atenza 2007-2012 used car review
Mazda’s Atenza stands out in the medium-size sedan market for its modern, stylish design.
Mazda’s Atenza stands out in the medium-size sedan market for its modern, stylish design. Buy the bigger engine variant if you can afford it.
Mazda was once better-known for selling conventional family cars. However, in recent years it has manufactured dynamic-looking vehicles that feel equally dynamic to drive. The second-generation Mazda Atenza is an excellent example.
All Atenzas are used-import cars from Japan, and despite the different names, they are the same as the Mazda6 which was sold new here.
Inside and out
With its sporty-looking swept-back headlights and a bold grille, our 2009-model review Atenza looks good. The body appears long and low, thanks partly to big, chunky wheel arches filled by stylish 16-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the Atenza feels like a premium vehicle. Our review car features a leather-trimmed steering wheel, separate air conditioning settings for the driver and passenger, keyless entry and a start button, so you can leave the car keys in your bag or pocket.
The Atenza’s instruments are mounted in sporty-looking round pods and are easy to read. The audio system, information screen and cruise control are operated via buttons mounted on the steering wheel.
New Zealand maps are not available for the navigation system, and a band expander will be required to receive local radio stations. It is easy to get comfortable behind the wheel, as the driver’s seat is adjustable for height and the steering wheel for reach and height. Rear-seat legroom is excellent, and there are three shoulder belts available back there.
However, a bump in the centre position and the lack of a headrest will make it more comfortable for children than adults, and less suitable to mount a child seat.
Class-leading at 483 litres, or enough for three large suitcases, the boot has a wide opening with only a small lip, making it easier to load large items. If you need more space, the rear seatback splits 60/40. Liftback and wagon versions are available offering even more luggage capacity and better access.
On the road
Mazda has made the Atenza great to drive. The suspension is excellent at soaking up bumps, yet there is little body roll when cornering, and road grip is excellent. You get a lot of feedback through the steering wheel, letting you know how much grip you have when cornering.
Our review vehicle features the smallest engine available in the Atenza, a 2-litre four-cylinder producing 110kW. This engine still has plenty of power for daily use and open-road overtaking. However, if you carry a full load regularly, or enjoy road trips, we recommend seeking out the 2.5-litre version for the extra performance it provides.
The five-speed automatic transmission is very smooth and is great at being in the right gear at the right time. You can also shift gears manually, for example, to hold a gear for situations like climbing a long hill.
Around town, the Atenza feels big, with light low-speed steering and excellent forward visibility help when you’re manoeuvring. Looking to the rear of the car is not as easy, especially since our review vehicle lacked a rear camera or sensors.
With a tow rating of 500kg (unbraked), and 1,500kg (braked), the Atenza will pull a medium-size trailer or small boat. Competitors like the Ford Mondeo and Subaru Legacy can tow more.
Safety
RightCar has awarded the Mazda Atenza (2008–2011) with the maximum five-star Used Car Safety Rating, based on real-world crashes in New Zealand and Australia. Safety equipment includes front and passenger airbags, traction control, electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution and anti-lock braking.
Be aware, the electronic stability control is optional, and may not be fitted to all cars — look for the 'ESC' button below and to the right of the steering wheel. Side and curtain airbags are also an optional feature.
ISOFIX child seat mounts and top tether attachments are fitted to both sides of the rear seat. The centre seatbelt is a shoulder type, offering more protection than the lap-type found in older vehicles.
Given the poor rear visibility, we recommend the fitment of a reversing camera, to make it easier to park and adding a layer of safety for any children who may be behind the car.
Reliability
Industry sources tell us that the 2-litre version of the Atenza was mostly sold as a fleet car in Japan, and this means they were better serviced and driven more gently than sportier variants.
Used-import Mazdas have a poor reputation for underbody protection and rustproofing, so if you are buying a freshly-imported Atenza, it is important to check there isn't any corrosion.
Get down on the ground and look underneath the car for discolouration or bubbling, especially where the rear suspension connects to the body. The bottom of doors can also be affected. We recommend opening them and checking along the seams on the inside edge.
In higher mileage Atenzas (above 150,000km), automatic transmission issues can arise. These will show as a harsh shift or thump between gear changes. Replacement with a used transmission will cost at least $1,500.
Worn engine mounts are another common problem, which will show as vibrations from the engine at idle. These will cost from $400 to replace.
Less common is a worn steering rack, evident as a thump sound when turning the wheel from side to side. Refurbishment can cost up to $1,000.
Cost of ownership
With a traditional automatic transmission and timing chain, the Atenza doesn't require any major services. The regular one is frequent — needed every six months or at 10,000km. It will cost $249 at a Mazda dealer. The dealer we spoke to also recommends the brake system is flushed, brake pads replaced, and a new cabin air filter fitted every 80,000km for $550.
In normal use the 2-litre Mazda Atenza is relatively fuel efficient, but it is a big car with a small engine, meaning when loaded up or pushed hard it will be thirsty.
RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, it will cost $2,180 a year to fuel. The 64-litre fuel tank will cost $128 to fill at $2 a litre, and you can expect to drive around 750km before the fuel light comes on.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a 2009 2-litre Atenza valued at $11,000 will cost $46.30* per month, marginally less than a similar Ford Mondeo which will cost $47.61 a month, or a Honda Accord at $48.04.
Buyers’ guide
A popular car, the Atenza will hold its value better than other comparable medium cars. Second-generation Mazda Atenza 2-litre sedans are listed on Trade Me from $8,000 to $18,995 depending on age and condition. Atenzas under $10,000 are likely to be very high mileage, and so spending the small amount of extra money for a lower-mileage 2010 or newer car is worth it.
Variants
- C — A standard ‘comfort’ specification, with equipment including climate-control air conditioning, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter and cruise control
- S — Almost identical to the C specification, with more-sculpted supportive front seats, and red interior lighting
- Z- Adds to the S a part-leather interior, standard alloy wheels, keyless entry and start
- EX — Adds a full leather interior, heated front seats and electric adjustment of the driver's seat
The sedan is only available with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the sports hatch and station wagon versions can be found with a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual. All-wheel drive versions are also offered.
Timeline
- 2007 Launched in Japan
- 2010 Facelift and suspension retune launched
- 2012 Replaced by new model
Details
2009 Mazda Atenza 20C
$9,800 to $19,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
2-litre four-cylinder, 110kW/187Nm (claimed)
Five-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Five-star Used Car Safety Rating
10,000km or six months
Space saver
7.8-litres per 100km (claimed)
Regular
4735mm
1795mm
1440mm
500kg (unbraked), 1500kg (braked)
11.4m
This review covers the Mazda Atenza for model years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Test vehicle kindly supplied by City Motor Group, Penrose.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km-20,000km a year. We estimate with no optional add-ons and $750 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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