THE PROS & CONS
- What’s Best: Incredible design, great handling
- What’s Worst: Performance doesn’t match styling on top-end GT trim
- What’s Interesting: This family sedan looks as if it’s in a premium category
I first drove the Mazda6 in 2008. At the time it was, hands down, the best looking family sedan on the market in the competitive under-$30,000 category. Soon after, however, other automakers began to pay attention to their family vehicles in a whole new way.
The likes of Ford, Hyundai, Nissan and pretty much everyone else competing in this category, began crafting upscale designs for what had always been a ho-hum segment with regards to design. The Mazda6 quickly faded to the background, looking tired and outdated.
That has changed in recent years. While it might be difficult to give Mazda the “best looking family sedan” medal, since competition is stiff, it’s certainly at the head of the pack. The automaker’s KODO “Soul of Motion” design language has been filtering down their revamped lineup the past few years, and it’s absolutely on point on the Mazda6.
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Strong front fenders and graceful lines that race across the body give it undeniable presence, allowing it to stand out even amongst vehicles in so-called luxury segments. Its grille gives it an air of prominence. The short backend gives it a sporty endnote. In all, the Mazda6 is designed to turn heads—and they’ve succeeded at every turn.
Oftentimes, performance is disappointing in this segment—the design bar has been risen to new heights that these vehicles look like they’re in a premium class. But they’re still non-luxury family sedans, which means they’re not going to mimic the drive experience of a 5-series.
I test drove the top-tier GT trim. It comes in at $32,895. The entry-level GX starts at $24,695 and the mid-level GS starts at $27,995. In many cases, driving the top-end model would mean an engine upgrade. Not with the Mazda6, unfortunately.
The same SKYACTIV 2.5L four-cylinder engine is available across all time levels. That’s not a huge knock against it, though. The engine produces a respectable 184 HP and 185 lb.-ft. of torque. My tester came with the optional six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters; a six-speed manual is standard.
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This setup is perfectly reasonable and adequate for everyday driving—but, perhaps, a few notches lower than its sporty exterior suggests. Handling is great, however, as it does quite well around turns and corners.
The interior makes up for any performance shortcomings you may experience. The GT trim feels like an upscale sedan. Seats are leather and heated, with the driver’s seat adjustable eight ways. It sports a head-up display, 11-speaker Bose audio system, power moonroof and more. The optional Technology Package ($2,800 and well worth it) adds radar cruise control, satellite radio, forward obstruction warning and a few other high-tech goodies.
The 2016 Mazda6 may well be the perfect family sedan that mixes sportiness with the practicality of actually fitting five adults and their stuff—all in a price range that doesn’t create (excessive) anxiety.
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Keyword: 2016 Mazda6 focuses on design and dynamics