Mazda's Zoom-Zoom sedan grows up a little
Published Thursday October 9th, 2008
It's tricky business updating a car like the Mazda 6, especially with the original's reputation as the sportiest and most energetic model in its class. It offered handling, style and entertainment value at above-par levels, not to mention a great look and very agile driving characteristics.
With no premium brand for owners to step up to, the 6 had to follow its owners up market. It's now larger and more accommodating than the previous car, with more storage, a larger trunk and an elegant new presence created by its longer, wider frame.
Getting aboard is easier, and the slight snugness to the old model's interior has been replaced by a sensation of roominess. The new 6 is bigger in every dimension.
It's more sophisticated, too. Outside, the gleaming, sleek body wore 18-inch wheels, LED tail-lamps and xenon projectors. The RX-8-styled fender bulges look great, and a few touches of metal and chrome further the high-end appearance. Though priced just over $29,000, it could pass as a premium model any day of the week.
Same deal inside- and the big story on the latest 6 is its new interior. The tester came with a Bluetooth phone, Bose audio, CD changer, auto dimming rearview mirrors, powered and heated leather seats, keyless access with engine start button, and automatic climate control. That's an equipment list more common on a far pricier ride.
It's all bolted to a super-modern looking dashboard with incredible accent lighting. It looks great in the daytime with contrasting colors and textures, though it has to be seen at night to be fully appreciated. The instruments look gorgeous when illuminated, displaying deep hues of blue and orange that blend into one another.
The colors will remind drivers of a beautiful sunset- though the dials could benefit from being a bit larger. Regardless, once you've experienced the 6's cabin, the Accord, Camry and Altima may make you feel sleepy.
Controls are easy to find and operate, and there's adequate storage too. Complaints? Rear-corner visibility isn't the car's best attribute, the seats are a touch on the hard side for this correspondent's backside.
The sophisticated, grown-up thing has worked in the 6's favor on the interior and exterior- though when it comes to what's underneath, it may leave some just a touch disappointed.
The 6 remains sporty and enjoyable to drive, but it seems to fall short of the previous model in terms of excitement, feel and immediacy. To some, the premium character may have come at the expense of steering feel, sound effects and the 'alive-at-the-fingertips' feeling that characterized the last model.
The 6 still boasts plenty of cornering grip, though the zippy steering ratio and feedback seem to have been lost somewhere in the update. It doesn't feel quite as sharp and eager as before. The car remains happy to chew up bends, though it wears less of a smile while doing so.
Quietness is on par with the competition, and the ride is smoother than the 18-inch wheels let on. In all, 6 remains sporty and fun to drive- though you just don't get to feel or hear as much of the excitement.
The base engine is up from 2.3 litres to 2.5, now generating 170 horsepower. It's adequately eager and peppy- though there's a 272 horsepower V6 available if you disagree.
The new four-cylinder mill is very quiet, if not even difficult to hear many situations. You may fondly miss the intake hum that gave the former base engine its pleasant character, though.
The six-speed shifter does its job beautifully, offering precise throws and a notchy but light action. The clutch is light and effortless, though most of its engaging happens right at the top of the pedal's travel. With the four-cylinder, six-speed combination, mileage dropped as low as 8.3L / 100km during highway driving.
Carrying the luxury package and priced at $29,235, Mazda's nailed down a cut-price premium brand experience the 6 GT. Though not as sporty, it's a fantastic upgrade for original 6 owners- as well as a beautifully styled way to attract a more mature sedan buyer to the brand.
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