Top Marks for Mazda6

First Impressions:

The 2014 Mazda6 is a looker. With fine lines and a sexy front grill, the ‘6 draws attention from pedestrians and car enthusiasts alike. A stylish leather interior provides comfort and class to commuters who will enjoy a balance of low gas mileage, power and performance. This car stands out from similar sedans. The ‘6 offers an abundance of advanced technological features that make driving fun and effortless.

Power and Performance:

The 2014 Mazda6 delivers. Zero-to-Sixty Testing and Passing On an Incline left our drivers grasping the wheel and grinning in glorious G-force. The SKYACTIV-G 2.5 L DOHC (double overhead camshaft) 16-valve 4-cylinder engine is a subtle tour-de-force of power.

Handling:

Superb handling is a signature of the Mazda6. Take one out for a spin and you’ll discover a vehicle with a remarkably tight turning radius. Navigating shopping mall parking lots is a cinch with blind-side monitoring and review cameras. The steering wheel offers a functional control system which allows drivers to comfortably control the vehicle while hands remain on the wheel at all times.

Comfort:

Complete comfort is the hallmark of any self-respecting executive-class sedan. Mazda leaves nothing forgotten. Getting in and out can be a little awkward for larger frames but, once seated, drivers will thoroughly enjoy front and back seat comfort. Any climate to suit: the ‘6 features a power-glass moonroof with interior sunshade, tilt-up ventilation and one-touch open feature, as well as air conditioning with manual climate dual-zone automatic climate controls and rear-seat heater ducts with HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) controls.

Specs:

Engine type     SKYACTIV-G 2.5 L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with VVT

Displacement     2,488 cc

Compression ratio     13.0:1

Horsepower SAE net     184 @ 5,700 rpm

Torque SAE net lb. ft.     185 @ 3,250 rpm

Fuel system     Direct injection

Recommended fuel     Regular

Fuel economy city/highway (L/100 km)*

Wheelbase/overall length (mm)     2,830/4,895

Overall width (mm)     1,840

Overall height (mm)     1,450

Track (fr/rr) (mm)

17″ wheels

19″ wheels

1,585/1,575

1,595/1,585

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (m)     11.2

Fuel tank (L)     62

Storage and Space:

There is plenty of passenger comfort in the Mazda6. Trunk space is roomy.

Headroom (fr/rr) (mm)     975/942

Headroom (fr/rr) with moonroof (mm)     950/942

Legroom (fr/rr) (mm)     1,073/984

Shoulder room (fr/rr) (mm)     1,450/1,410

Seating     5

Cargo volume (L)     419

Passenger volume (L)     2,824

Total interior volume (L)     3,243

(http://mazda.ca)

Car or Computer

We applaud the integration of driver-assistive devices and technological systems, but sometimes wonder whether the non-techie driver understands how to use them. The Mazda6’s learning curve is relatively easy, but drivers will want to educate themselves on the vehicle’s many safety features including:

• Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
• Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW)
• Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
• Voice-activated navigation system
• HMI (Human-Machine Interface) Commander Switch

Talk to your neighbourhood Mazda dealer and request a full demo of just the tech.

Second Thoughts:

Shoulder checking may become a thing of the past but at six feet tall and ideally seated, there was not much to see from a shoulder check. Nevertheless, active side mirror sensing as well as rear-view camera and other driver-assistive technology provide drivers with plenty of awareness of their surroundings. A sliding mid-column compartment cover was a minor annoyance to passengers resting their arms.

Highlights:

The Mazda6 combines power, performance and design to deliver a world-class sedan, perfect for the executive-family lifestyle. Commuting is a pleasure. The ‘6 boasts excellent gas mileage – less than a full tank after a week of National Capital Region roaming. The distinctive ‘6 earns high marks for Mazda.