Introduction: The Mazda 6 began in 2003 replacing the old 626 with a new direction. The old 626 was not a noteworthy vehicle and was often considered bland and boring. In an effort to fit with Mazda's new slogan zoom zoom, the Mazda 6 was designed to be more sporty in order to give it a characteristic over its competitors. Mazda also gave the 6 the option for a wagon when many other similar vehicles do not offer it. Lastly Mazda produced a high performance version of the 6 called the Mazdaspeed 6 in 2006-2007 where it was given a turbo engine, all-wheel drive and a Mazdaspeed tuned suspension.
By the time I got the drive the Mazda 6 I've already driven the Protege knowing that Mazda does make pretty good driver's cars. When I got the chance to drive one, I took it with high expectations.
Performance: The Mazda 6 I drove had the 2.3L 4-cylinder producing 156 hp and 154 lb.ft of torque. Due to the design of the car, the 4-cylinder is capable of reaching 0-100 km/h in a matter of 8 seconds which is very good with so little power. The engine is noisy on 1st gear, afterwords its very quiet and refined. Knowing the data now, its certainly faster than the old Fusion.
My Score: 8/10 - A good 4-cylinder engine, surprisingly well powered
Handling: This is where the Mazda 6 takes its place as one of the more fun mid-sized cars. Most other cars in this segment go after the Accord and Camry which have lately gotten heavier and are less concerned about fun. The Mazda 6 has very good handling for a FWD mid sized sedan, it takes the corners quite well without a lot of the expected items like understeer and body roll. The steering wheel is actually on the light side, yet due to how sharp the car handles this light wheel actually doesn't lose feel like what I've experienced with Honda and Toyota.
My Score: 9/10 - An excellent FWD platform which makes this normal sedan more fun than others.
Interior: The Mazda 6 does not have the greatest interior, in order to keep with its sport image the vast majority are black interiors. Mazda was mindful not to make the atmosphere depressing making the pillars and roof white. Beige cars however had beige interiors with some of the black remaining. The radio is a good unit but lacks a auxiliary plug which it should have by now. The lighting in the Mazda 6 might annoy some since it uses only red LED lighting. The Mazda seats are also reasonably comfortable but more importantly rather supportive. Build quality in general is quite good but I noticed some small problems with some panels, all Mazda 6s sold in North America are built in the United States. Many don't like that the Mazda 6 is very mid sized, the interior room is not as big as a Camry or Accord. I'm not fat so I didn't notice.
My Score: 7/10 - A decent interior, not brilliant but one that doesn't embarrass.
Styling: The Mazda 6 does not change all too much from the previous 626, yet despite this the modest styling I think works very well. The 6 is rather sleek yet muscular in its appearance with its rather round body. There's not much I can criticize about the styling, it looks good but not still remains pretty inoffensive.
My Score: 8/10 - Not horribly exciting, but regardless it has a modern look that will age well.
Value for the money: The Mazda 6 is truly a bargain compared to the Accord and Camry. You get the option of a wagon along with a mid sized car that acts like its a sports car. Both the Accord and Camry do not offer this, the Camry particularly is not sporty. If you're not a fat person the size should be more than adequate and better for fuel economy too. While it doesn't have the reputation like the Accord or Camry, the fact it offers a different experience sets it apart from the others. The most versatile of all the mid sized cars without breaking the budget.
My Score: 10/10 - Offers many options its competition doesn't and doesn't overcharge due to the badge.
Overall: 42/50 - A very good car, if you don't need luxuries its more than enough to satisfy the family man who initially wanted a sports car.
No comments:
Post a Comment