Mazda6: Quick Test

America, 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 has unleashed its considerable design and engineering abilities on an important new model entering arguably the most important category in the automotive marketplace: the mid-size sedan segment, where the best-selling Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and 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.

In a category that takes little risk (think Toyota Camry), it's refreshing to see a company really go for it in terms of design. "Go for it" Mazda stylists did, delivering an emotional and energetic shape that flies in the face of the conservative and predictable exterior designs of most of its competitors. From its almond-shaped headlights to its flush exhaust outlets, the new Mazda6 is a looker.

Another mission guideline for the design team was instilling the soul of a sportscar into the Mazda6 by evolving the company's Zoom-Zoom spirit. The chief designer was Youichi Sato, the man responsible for two generations of RX-7s as well as the second-generation MX-5 Miata, and evidence of its sportscar soul abounds in the 6.

Inside, the Mazda flagship has a high-quality feel rivaling its toughest competitors. Though much more conservative inside than out, the interior is still quite good-looking, with the cabin's rich materials providing a premium lustre.

While the new Mazda6 has grown considerably in every dimension, weight gain was thankfully marginal. This is without doubt due - at least partially - to Mazda's Zoom-Zoom philosophy. Much more than marketing hype, the Japanese company really does seem to inject some sort of dynamic pixie dust into each and every one of its products.

Providing this particular 3550-lb. contender with its straight-line Zoom is a 24-valve, 272-horsepower V6 that makes nearly as much power as the last generation turbocharged Mazdaspeed6, but, mated to a superlative 6-speed automatic, delivers it in a more civilized and refined manner.

The benefits of keeping the Mazda's weight in check also pay off on the handling side of the performance equation. The 6 feels light on its Michelins, yet with a surprisingly comfortable ride given its weighted-toward-sporty handling characteristics.

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, not only meeting its mission guidelines perfectly, but also representing a well-conceived, all-out assault on the highly contested mid-size sedan category.

Reflecting its Japanese heritage in its sophisticated and distinctive style, and its sportscar soul in its dynamic design details, the 2009 Mazda6 must be considered among the all-stars in its under-$30 grand class.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
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