Mazda6 Part 2: Interior & User Experience

Meet the Mazda6, the Japanese company's latest attempt to establish itself as a real contender among the industry's heaviest hitters. Apparently tired of playing second-string, Mazda seems to have unleashed its considerable design and engineering abilities on this new model.

The Mazda6 competes in what is arguably the most important category in the automotive marketplace - the mid-size sedan segment. Think about it, this is where the best-selling Toyota Camry, the perennial award winning Honda Accord and the significantly improved Chevrolet Malibu all collect their mail. It's where the volume is, and where a manufacturer can win significant market share with great product.

One look at the Mazda6 and it's clear that Mazda has delivered a great product, both on the outside, and perhaps even more importantly in this segment, on the inside. The interior of the newest 6 has a high-quality feel that now rivals its toughest competitors. And although the design is more conservative inside than out, it's still quite good-looking, with the cabin's rich materials providing a premium feel. The plastics look good as well and have a soft feel everywhere you're likely to touch. There are black lacquered accents, chrome and aluminum accents, and most interestingly, a faux wood-like material with a random flowing-line pattern that is pretty unique.

One of the nicest surprises inside the Mazda6 involves its six-speed automatic. Or more specifically, it's shifter. While most people will simply leave it in auto-mode where it goes about its business pretty much like an automatic should, there is also a manual gate that does two things exceptionally well. The first is that it moves the shifter closer to you, which is useful when you're manually selecting shifts. Secondly, it has the correct orientation when you consider the inertia involved in accelerating and braking: push for downshift, pull for upshift. Hey Audi, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, are you guys listening?

Other manufacturers that should also pay attention include Toyota and Nissan, as both the Camry and the Altima lose out to the Mazda6 in interior volume. The new 6 clearly uses its larger dimensions well, with a large and comfortable back seat and a much larger trunk than the previous model.

The Mazda6 continues to score points by offering all the interior convenience features you'd expect from cars costing significantly more. From the push starter button that bids farewell to the car key as we've known it, to the touch-screen and voice activated navigation system, to the rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive front lighting, and blind-spot warning system - it's all there and then some.

While the Mazda3 is the company's best-seller and thus its most important model, it could be argued that the larger, more elegant and up-market Mazda6 is at least equally important when you consider its role as Mazda's flagship sedan.

And a worthy flagship it is. With its larger size, more spacious and well-equipped cabin and handsome good looks, the 2009 Mazda6 should now be considered among the all-stars in its class.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 3: Performance

Mazda6 s Grand Touring

Performance
- Acceleration: Brisk performance means the 6 is in contention for top honors within its class
- Handling: Proof positive that Zoom-Zoom is more than marketing hype - the nimblest feeling car in the category
- Braking: Stable and effective, as well as a bit lively... no worries thanks to excellent stability control though

Design
- Exterior: Refreshing to see someone take a chance in this ultra-conservative class - easily the best looking car in the segment
- Interior: Not as fresh as the exterior styling, but still quite nice with good materials and finishes

Utility
- Comfort: Seats are great front and rear - ergonomics also spot-on
- Space: Addresses the previous model's lack of space and then some - among the largest cabins in its class

Safety
- Dynamics: With its dynamically minded chassis, the 6 handles evasive maneuvers quite well
- Technology: Manufacturers can't afford to take any chances in this class by omitting safety systems to save a buck - the 6 has every system and airbag you'd expect

Value
- Price: Important in this category, the 6 is competitively priced and should finally see its sales numbers climb to among those of the class leaders
- Mileage: Obviously the four-cylinder would do better, but the six in the 6 is once again class competitive in this regard

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Not in this segment... sorry
- Fun to spank: Relative to its competitors? Yeah, not too shabby and more fun than anything else in this class

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Front-wheel drive
Engine: 3.7 liter, V6
Power (SAE): 272 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque: 269 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 3555 lbs.
0-60 mph: 6.2 sec.
1/4 mile: 14.7 @ 97 mph
Top Speed: 131 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 17 city / 25 highway
Base Price: $28,930
Competitors: Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu