|
The Mazda6 doesn’t
deserve to place this high when you look only at its family sedan qualities.
It doesn’t have the ride comfort, refinement, or interior space of many
competitors that it outscores. What it does have is easily the best handling
found in a family sedan, with quick responses and a very agile feel. More
than any other car in this group, it is truly fun to drive. So while it
isn’t especially roomy or quiet, it is roomy and quiet enough to be usable
as a family sedan while delivering higher levels of driving enjoyment than
any competitor.
The Mazda6 has a firm,
though still comfortable and reasonably absorbent ride, though larger bumps
register clearly. This firmness helps make this the most fun-to-drive car in
this group. Its relatively compact dimensions combine with the limited body
roll and responsive, precise, and communicative steering to make the Mazda6
quite enjoyable in fast cornering. The 2.3-liter 4-cylinder is powerful
enough for most circumstances, though it isn’t quiet. Road noise is also
somewhat pronounced. The 6 doesn’t get exceptional gas mileage by this
group’s standards.
Inside, the Mazda6’s
front seats are well-shaped and reasonably comfortable, though they could
still benefit from a longer cushion and more head space. The rear is mounted
high enough for sufficient thigh support, but leg and headroom are still
somewhat lacking.
 The
interior uses a few flimsy plastics, but trim pieces fit together well. The
gauges are large and clear. Most instruments are well-labeled, but some
audio controls are small. Entry/exit would be easier with larger rear
footwells and wider door openings. Drivers sit very comfortably, and have
clear visibility. The trunk isn’t especially large, but it is well-shaped
with a good-sized opening.
The Mazda6 reviewed here
came in at $18,833, though lacking some of the amenities found on many of
the others here. Stability control is unavailable, and many items such as
power seats are available only on higher-end versions that also bring
unnecessary ride compromises inherent in larger tires.
Overall, the Mazda6 is
the sport sedan in this group while still being usable as a family sedan.
Some sacrifices are made for its nimble handling, and buyers uninterested in
that handling would be better-suited by another car. But as it is, the
Mazda6 offers reasonable interior comfort, ride smoothness, fuel economy,
and value in a car that can also provide a truly enjoyable driving
experience.
NEXT PAGE
|
