The mid-size sedan has become synonymous with bland, boring and basic. With the exception of the minivan, the mid-size sedan is the household’s go-to car. Finding a car in this category that is fun to drive and stylish can be difficult. Mazda’s Zoom Zoom philosophy has produced one of the stars in this segment – the Mazda6, with sporty styling, frisky performance and a livable interior.
Largely unchanged from last year, the 2012 Mazda6 carries over the identity and character, which shaped the vehicle, leading the way toward offering mid-size sedan shoppers with a desired alternative to the cookie-cutter norm. For starters, the Mazda6’s sleek body style is reminiscent of the aggressiveness of its smaller sibling, the MAZDASPEED3, than it is of competing mid-size vanilla-infused vehicles. It’s a mid-size sedan that easily passes for a sports sedan – thanks entirely to Mazda’s sporty character in general.
The Mazda6’s interior is well-done; mostly black canvas accentuated by bold statements of elegant wood, satin silver and polished chrome. Seats comfortable, with soft-look volumes combined with supportive seat cushions and highly effective side bolsters. Attractively curved surfaces create a seamless flow between the center console and the instrument panel. Entry-level Mazda6 interior surfaces feature plated metal accents matched with black or beige cloth upholstery.Top-of-the-line models feature leather seating, also available in black or beige tones.
Mazda’s reputation for providing world-class power trains – both engines and transmissions – is deeply rooted. Quick throttle response, strong acceleration and outstanding flexibility are core to Mazda’s spirit of engineering. Two engine choices are offered on the mid-size sedan: a sprightly 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a robust 3.7-liter V-6.
Our test vehicle was equipped with the MZR 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the standard engine on all Mazda6 i models. Delivering 170-hp at 6,000 rpm, its peak torque of 167 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm tops nearly all competitors’ four-cylinder engines.This engine is mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission on the i Sport models with an available electronically-controlled five-speed Sport automatic transmission, which is standard on the rest of the i lineup – Touring, Touring Plus and Grand Touring. The manual transmission garners an EPA-rated 21-mpg up to 30-mpg. When paired with the automatic, the EPA-tested fuel economy numbers are 22-mpg up to 31-mpg.
The 60-degree 3.7-liter V-6, designated MZI, offers a much noticeable boost over the 2.5-liter I4 and is the standard engine for Mazda6 s models. Producing 272-hp at 6,250 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm, the MZI V-6 is one of the most powerful in its class and offers best-in-class torque.
Available as two models – i and s – the Mazda6 sports sedan offers a varying array of trim levels, options and equipment packages to match the needs and wants of discerning mid-size sedan buyers.
Pricing starts at $20,480.00 – and our test vehicle was priced at $21,665.00 – as close to a bare-bones base car as you can get. Even so, the basic package is a full of content and features. Built in Flat Rock, Michigan with more than half its content being domestic, it’s an American car any way you slice it.
All Mazda vehicles come with the Mazda Certified Roadside Assistance Program. Using either the toll-free number or free Mazda Assist app for iOS- and Android-operated mobile devices, owners and their family members can contact roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout the United States and Canada. In addition, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes a comprehensive three-year/36,000-mile warranty, which covers every part of the vehicle except those subject to normal wear, a five-year/60,000-mile power train warranty and a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty.
Overall the Mazda6 is a fun to drive, affordable car that rises above the appliance definition so common today in the mid-size car segment.
