Mazda 6 Test Drive
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The Mazda 6 is not the newest kid on the block. But it still is one of the best looking sedans around.
A great design that lasts and almost doesn’t age at all.
Great proportions and beautiful lines are what still make the Mazda 6 a stand out among current mid size sedans.
Same thing inside. Although the dashboard and console have been revised a couple of years ago. And vastly improved over the original design.
(The interior is revised again for 2018)
Everything looks and feels great to the touch. And the tan/black combo of my test car looked fantastic.
The seats are very comfortable and supportive . While the Bose stereo with “center point”sounds great.
Just like with the Mazda CX-5 I test drove a while ago, the only thing bothering me about the interior is the infotainment. Which requires quite bit of navigating through its menu. But again, this is something you get used to fairly quickly. And isn’t really a huge problem.
The Mazda 6 driving experience is as satisfying as you’d expect.
The engine is just a bit louder when cold in the morning. But it quickly settles down and is mostly very quiet and always smooth.
Some people here have been complaining about the lack of power. After a full week of driving the car everywhere (Around town, on the freeway and around the Lake Arrowhead mountains) with 2 or 4 people aboard, I never felt the need for more power.
The only time it could be considered “not that fast” is from a standstill. But the car picks up power quickly and actually feels pretty fast . (This could be said about most of its competition as well anyway)
Also, the super responsive 6 speed auto helps a lot. You barely have to step on the accelerator to downshift.
The steering feels great. Better than most cars today. It goes a long way to give a sporty feel to the Mazda 6. It is really a pleasure to drive.
Here is a picture of the great head up display. A super useful feature…
The ride, just like the steering, is on the sporty side.
Especially around down, but bumps are always very well absorbed.
The car is especially smooth on the freeway.
But I must say, somehow, when compared to the Mazda 6, the CX-5 feels maybe about 10% smoother and quieter.
My test drive was a 2017/5 model. Not the revised 2018 model.
Which is supposed to include a few changes.
What was quite amazing was the gas mileage.
It is officially rated at 27/35.
While I did get about 26 around town, I had no problem getting over 40MPG (almost 45) on the freeway.
Quite a feat for such a roomy and comfortable sedan.
And probably due, in part, to the optional i-Eloop system that came with my loaded Grand Touring.
(Mazda’s very smart i-Eloop system explained HERE)
The Mazda 6 is one of the best choices you can make when buying a mid sized sedan.
A very solid quiet ride, that also comes with a great driving pleasure every time you get behind the wheel.
My car was a loaded Grand Touring version with the GT Premium package ($2500) option.
For a total of $34 695 (including $875 destination fee).
Expensive yes. But actually cheaper than its competition from Honda or Toyota.
You can save quite a bit of money by ordering a very well equipped Touring version with the optional “Bose/Moonroof/Satellite” package for $27 760 (Including destination)
Which is a fantastic price for such a great car.
Click on the picture above to get all the pricing details .
184 horsepower is plenty…said no man ever.
Grammar and typos:
But it still is one of the best looking sedan(S)
The only time it could be consider(ED) "not that fast"
Quite a feast(FEAT) for such a roomy and comfortable sedan.
The Mazda 6 is one of the best choice(S)
Still looks great 6 years after it came out. Hasn't aged a day, and since all the other midsize sedans have been restyled to be much much uglier, the Mazda6 is almost alone looking good in the the class.
Nice that it has rear seat heaters, but I don't understand the switch placement on the center armrest. So if there's a 3rd rear passenger then no one gets a heated seat? Makes no sense. I've seen this design fail on other cars too.
I think feature for feature, the Accord is a better value close to that Touring price, with another 70 or so HP too.
Despite the fact the 6 only has 184hp, the sky active body is still very light in comparison to most other midsizers and in combination with good throttle response and gearing, this makes for much quicker acceleration than you would think. Car and driver timed 0-60 in 7.0 seconds, and when you factor in fuel efficiency, it is one of the best performance/efficiency vehicles on the market, especially considering the overall size. If one word could describe this car, it would be balance. The fact that it doesn't sell better is a travesty in itself. It consistently gets outstanding reviews by auto reviewers/journalists alike, but continues to be on the bottom when it comes to midsize sedan sales. Not to mention it is also available with a 6spd manual transmission from the base car up to the very well equipped touring edition. For 2018, it is finally getting the 2.5 turbo from the CX-9, so I can't wait to see if this will quiet down some of the naysayers. Vince, excellent review of this outstanding car. I am glad you echo similar sentiments to my own.
The market speaks in volumes, and the Mazda 6 is not the one in demand. It's a brand desperately in need of recognition and respect. And 184 horses just won't do it. Not in the era of "mine is bigger than yours."