|
The Mazda6 doesn’t
deserve this spot when you look only at its family sedan qualities. It doesn’t
have the ride comfort, refinement, or interior space of many farther-back
competitors, including the Ford Fusion with which it shares its platform and
powertrains. 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 levels of driving enjoyment far above 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 Sport versions have 17-inch tires
compared to the 16-inch tires equipped on the version here, and the transmit
more road imperfections to occupants while returning little additional
real-world usability. The 2.3-liter 4-cylinder is powerful enough for most
circumstances, though it is noisier than in the Fusion. Road noise is also
more pronounced, and fuel economy, while still very good, is behind the Ford.
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 very 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 very large, but it is
well-shaped with a good-sized opening.
The Mazda6 did fairly
well in crash testing. It earned five stars for the driver and five for the
front passenger in the NHTSA frontal crash test, but a mediocre three stars
for the driver and four for the rear passenger in the NHTSA side crash test,
tested without the optional side airbags. The IIHS rated it Best Pick in its
offset crash test, but it was Poor in the side crash test without the optional
side airbags. Its head restraints were rated Marginal.
The Mazda6 reviewed here
came in fairly well-equipped at $19,985. At that price, it includes the
standard antilock brakes with traction control, as well as the optional system
of torso-protecting and curtain-style head-protecting side airbags, satellite
radio, a 6-disc CD player, and a remote starting system. Power leather seats
are among the options unavailable on the base 6 model, and stability control
isn’t offered at all.
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.
|
