Highlight: This is the only vehicle in the segment offering an i-Drive-like
rotary dial system similar to that found in the BMWs. This rotary dial system
controls everything from the audio system to the navigation system.
Test
vehicle’s MSRP:
$33,345 (Sport Model starts at $21,985)
Seating Capacity:
5
Standard Safety
Features: airbags (front, side-impact, rear-side); ABS; stability
control; traction control; hill launch assist system; a tire pressure
monitoring system; a blind spot monitoring system; a rearview camera; an auto
driver side mirror; and a rear traffic cross alert system
Standard
Grand Touring Equipment: 19-inch wheels; a
navigation system; a push-button keyless starter system; a keyless entry
system; an automatic on/off bi-Xenon headlight system; rain sensing windshield
wipers; heated front seats; memory programmed driver’s seat; leather seats;
auto dimming review mirrors; and a dual zone climate control system
Standard
Grand Touring Audio: a Bose 11-speaker
AM/FM/CD/HD/Satellite audio system
Bumper-to-Bumper
Warranty: 3
years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Bluetooth
Compatibility: Yes
Standard
Engine/Horsepower:
2.5-liter, 4-cylinder/184-hp
Recommended Fuel: Regular
Standard
Fuel Mileage:
28-city/40-hwy
Trim Levels:
Sport
Touring
What’s
New: The Mazda6 is essentially
a carryover for the 2015 model year, after being redesigned last year.
Pros: The Mazda6 current design
embodies that of a premium class sedan. The fit, finish, ride and handling
makes this Mazda a standout in the segment. It is definitely not a me-too type
of vehicle, especially when taking into account its Infiniti-like curvaceous
exterior design.
Moreover, the independent MacPherson Strut front suspension
and multi-link rear suspension system provides Mazda6 with the perfect balance,
capturing the zoom, zoom feel we've seen in the ads. Added to that, the Mazda6
delivers the best drag coefficient in the segment, making the vehicle feel more
like a sports sedan than a boring family sedan.
Furthermore, the Mazda6
Grand Touring model we reviewed was accessorized with a $2,000 Technology
Package, which consisted of a radar-activated cruise control system, a
high-beam automatic lighting system, a forward-collision alert system and a
lane departure warning system. The Mazda6 was one of the first in the segment
to offer such high-tech safety features.
And to boost the
fuel-efficiency, making it the only 4-cylinder gas engine in its class pushing
40-mpg on the highway, our Mazda6 was equipped the i-ELOOP
system, the regenerative braking system and an active grille
shutters.
Cons: The competitors in this segment offer a range of powertrains. Both Honda
and Toyota offers a hybrid and a 6-cylinder, the VW Passatt offers a diesel
and the Koreans offers a 4-cylinder turbo in both the Sonata and the Optima. Unfortunately,
the fuel-efficient Mazda6 only offers one powertrain. As a result of the
competition in this segment offering a variety of powertrains, this also leads
to some peppier engines, too. Mazda needs to consider adding a fuel-efficient
turbo, which could push out horsepower in the 200 plus range. Yes, the design
of this sporty sedan is begging for more horses. And it wouldn’t hurt if the
engineers consider a manual option for the higher end Grand Touring model too!
Moreover, because of the cozy interior of the
Mazda6, this results in less legroom for both the front and the rear occupants.
Ironically, in this competitive segment, there are vehicles like the 2015 Hyundai
Sonata and the VW Passatt bragging about having the largest interior
dimensions, which literally pushes them into the large car segment.
Furthermore, the tiny infotainment screen in
the Mazda6 needs to be enlarged so that it is on par with its competitors.
And our last gripe is that the engineers
should strongly consider adding a panoramic roof to heighten the cool factor of
this sporty sedan. A single panel roof isn’t befitting for this premium class
sedan.
The
Verdict: For those seeking a fuel-efficient well-built five
passenger vehicle, with sports car characteristics and a snazzy design, the
Mazda6 would be high on our shopping list. And unlike the competitors in the segment, this isn't a volume vehicle, so not everyone will be driving one.
Competition: 2015 Chrysler 200 C, 2015
Hyundai Sonata Limited, Chevy Malibu LTZ, Ford Fusion Platinum, 2014 Honda
Accord EX-L, Nissan Altima SL, Kia Optima SX, Toyota Camry XLE and VW Passatt
SEL
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