Lopzandyopz: 2014 Mazda Mazda 6

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PRICE : Manual Sedan Manual i Sport $20,990

PRICE : Manual Sedan Automatic i Sport $22,695

The 2014 Mazda6 is proof positive of 2 things: that Mazda tin scale its 'zoom-zoom' personality upwards into a mid-size car, too that the company's heart too soul SkyActiv initiative—aimed at keeping cars lean too frugal yet engaging to drive—works. The outgoing 6 was an often-overlooked model that we've consistently rated 1 of the most enjoyable to drive models inward its class. As for the electrical current model, it's at 1 time 1 of the best-driving mid-size sedans, wrapped inward a far to a greater extent than charming, almost sexy exterior.

From the novel corporate grille too front end destination (more of a refined, masculine human face upwards than the clownish grinning of another recent models), to the rippled, muscular-looking front end fender lines, the arched roofline, too the smooth, surprisingly refined tail too nurture lights, the 2014is exactly gorgeous. Pacing exactly about at 360 degrees, it's impossible to reveal an awkward angle on this car. The proportions are the best they acquire inward this class, too it's a knockout. Open the driver's door, too what you lot acquire is a lilliputian further from fantasy. The Mazda 6 interior isn't going to flat-out seduce you lot the agency the exterior does, but it's neat too quite attractive, with tastefully coordinated materials, exactly plenty brightwork, too trims that identify exactly plenty soft-touch surfaces inward the places where hands are probable to go.

Again perhaps at odds with the sexy sheetmetal, the Mazda 6 has a rather uncomplicated powertrain lineup; it's powered past times a novel 2.5-liter 'SkyActiv' in-line four-cylinder engine, fitted with direct injection, variable valve control, too a really high 13:1 compression ratio (unleaded gas is exactly fine)—altogether making 184 horsepower too 185 pound-feet of torque, too expert for upwards to 38 mpg on the highway. All versions receive got front-wheel drive, too the engine is fitted to 2 all-new transmissions: a six-speed manual, or a six-speed automatic. But it does acquire ameliorate 1 time you're behind the wheel. Mazda has cutting lots of weight piece strengthening the body, too with a curb weight of exactly 3,200 pounds the novel 6 feels friskier than the output numbers suggest.

The novel SkyActiv engine needs to live revved inward lodge to access most of its torque; luckily both transmissions tap into that grapheme easily. For the automatic, you lot acquire crisp, really quick shifts too almost the experience of a dual-clutch unit; too the manual (our favorite) has small throws too clean, precise action. The Mazda6 isn't sport-sedan firm, yet it handles close the top of the mid-size class; steering is quick too well-weighted, too, although somehow it loses its experience of the road.

If you've spent whatsoever fourth dimension inward the novel Ford Fusion, or fifty-fifty the novel Nissan Altima or Honda Accord, it's probable you'll concede—like nosotros did—that the Mazda6's interior appointments aren't quite on the high the world that those models set. The seats inward the Mazda6 are the exception. They're excellent, too fifty-fifty if you lot become for the base of operations Sport model you'll reveal non bad lateral support. The nurture bench spot lacks the headroom that taller adults.

EXTERIOR

2014 brings Mazda’s novel corporate grille to the Mazda6, too I receive got to say, it’s a beautiful schnoz. I was a lilliputian worried the gaping maw would live likewise large inward person, (in pictures it looks enormous) but up-close-and-personal it has to live the minute most attractive front end destination after the Fusion. Beauty is inward the optic of the beholder, but during the calendar week I was unable to reveal anyone who disagreed with me. So my view reigns supreme.

I’m worried however, the proportions facial expression perfect on the Mazda6, so what volition the Mazda3 live like? Why am I worried? Because if you lot green the Mazda6 following to a CX-9 or CX-5, the crossovers facial expression to a greater extent than cartoonish than if they green alone. Just similar your lady friend seems pretty until you lot green her following to Megan Fox. Although the 2014 model looks longer than the outgoing Mazda6, overall length has been cutting past times nigh 2 inches. Adding “visual length” every bit good every bit much-needed nurture spot room, the wheelbase has been stretched past times 2 inches to 111.4.

Mazda’s olfactory organ may live a notch below the Ford inward my style-guide, but out dorsum it’s a unlike story. I reveal the Fusion’s rump to live a lilliputian awkward. It’s almost every bit if Ford ran out of fourth dimension too “hurried” the dorsum destination of their identify unit of measurement hauler. Not so with the Mazda6 which has a finished facial expression from the “raised eyebrow” tail lamps to the twin chrome exhausts. Thanks to the best butt inward the business, I telephone band the Ford v. Mazda beauty competition a tie. How nigh the Koreans? I never warmed to the Sonata, but the Optima is aggressive too attractive, exactly non every bit emotional every bit the Mazda6. Thanks to the depression sales volume, the Mazda is also a measurement exterior the ordinary, something that attracts me.

EXTERIOR SUMMARY

► Body-color front end too nurture bumpers

► Chrome/bright trim exactly about side windows

► Day fourth dimension running lights

► Body-color driver too rider powerfulness door mirrors with plough signals

► External dimensions: overall length (inches): 191.5, overall width (inches): 72.4, overall peak (inches): 57.1, wheelbase (inches): 111.4, front end runway (inches): 62.4, nurture runway (inches): 62.0 too curb to curb turning circle (feet): 36.7

► Headlights: element of group VII with projector beam lenses

► Alloy-look trim

► Mica paint

► Fixed nurture window with defroster

► Tinted glass

► Weights: published curb weight (lbs): 3,232

INTERIOR

The British would receive got called the erstwhile Mazda6's interior “cheap too cheerful” with shapes that failed to offend, but plastics that were far from premium. For 2014, Mazda increased the plastic budget too coated the interior with soft injection moulded material. Bucking the latest trend, Mazda skipped the stitching handling on the dash, although you lot volition reveal sewing machine tracks on the doors. ZoomZoom also nixed the faux-tree inward favor of a black-cherry (or exactly black) plastic trim panel that bisects the tall dashboard. Aside from the infotainment binnacle that seems a fleck likewise large for the screen, this is the most harmonious too uncomplicated dashboard inward this segment. I loathe to trounce on the erstwhile Mazda6, but “simple too harmonious” is non a phrase I would receive got used.

Front spot comfort was splendid for my average six-foot frame, regardless of the trim level. In an interesting move, Mazda chose to prepare the base of operations manual spot adjust inward all the same ways every bit the optional powered seats. The inclusion of manual lumbar back upwards on base of operations seats is a overnice touching every bit well, something the competition frequently skips inward “stripper” models. In keeping with Mazda’s self-proclaimed sporty image, the front end seats characteristic aggressive (for a Camcord segment car) front end spot bolsters too are thence quite unlike from the Barcaloungers inward the Camry, Accord too Altima. The bolsters aren’t every bit pronounced every bit a C63 AMG, but the “like a glove” friction match was a huge selling betoken for me. On the downward side, seats similar these are less comfortable for larger folks every bit they furnish precious lilliputian muffin top accommodation.

Rear spot legroom is upwards thank you lot to the increased wheelbase too is at 1 time competitive with the CamFusCord. Because the agency that machine companies mensurate leg room varies it’s difficult to become past times the published numbers. According to the numbers the Mazda6 delivers the same nurture legroom every bit the meat of the competition but skimps on front end legroom. In reality the Mazda6 felt roomier than its erstwhile cousin the Ford Fusion piece the Camry silent feels larger somehow. Some of that is thank you lot to the Camry’s generous nurture headroom, something that sexy sedan profiles select a toll on. Thankfully Mazda didn’t cutting the nurture doors every bit depression every bit Ford did making it easier to acquire inward too out of the Mazda. With to a greater extent than room on the within too a shorter overall car, it’s no surprise that the looser inward this battle is the trunk. At 14.8 cubic feet the 2014 model looses 2 cubes compared to final yr shifting it from 1 of the larger trunks inward the segment to with the smallest.

INTERIOR SUMMARY

► Two 12V powerfulness outlet(s) inward front
► Climate control
► Element antenna
► Audio organization with AM/FM radio, CD histrion (reads MP3 format) too digital radio
► Cargo surface area light
► Cargo capacity: all seats inward identify (cu ft): 14.8 too EPA
► Trip computer: includes average speed, average fuel economy, electrical current fuel economic scheme too arrive at for remaining fuel
► Floor console with covered storage, overhead console
► Cruise control
► Front loving cup holders
► Outside air temperature indicator
► Carpet flooring mats
► Intelligent driver too rider front end airbag
► Driver bucket front end spot manual height, manual lumbar too manual tilt, front end rider spot bucket front end seat
► Height adjustable driver too rider front end spot belts with pre-tensioners
► Front spot take in armrest
► Headlight control
► Two active height-adjustable front end spot caput restraints, iii height-adjustable nurture spot caput restraints
Internal dimensions: front end headroom (inches): 38.4, nurture headroom (inches): 37.1, front end hip room (inches): 56.1, nurture hip room (inches): 56.1, front end leg room (inches): 42.2, nurture leg room (inches): 38.7, front end shoulder room (inches): 57.1, nurture shoulder room (inches): 55.5 too interior book (cu ft): 99.7
► Low tire pressure level indicator
► Rear photographic telly camera parking distance sensors
► Remote powerfulness locks
► Power steering type
► Front windows with one-touch on 1 window, nurture windows
► Front too nurture reading lights
► Rear spot belt, rider nurture spot belt, 3-point take in nurture spot belt
► Rear spot take in armrest
► Split-folding nurture seats:
► Rear view mirror
► Steering bicycle mounted remote sound controls
► Remote command trunk/hatch release
► Front too nurture drape airbag
► Seating: v passengers
► Cloth upholstery
► Front side airbag
► Smart card/smart cardinal includes keyless starter
► Six speakers
► Alloy & leather-trimmed, disputation telescoping steering wheel
► Tachometer
► Telematics
► Driver too rider vanity mirror
► Ventilation organization with micro filter
► Voice activating organization for phone

SKYACTIV ADVANTAGE

The novel Mazda6 is the minute vehicle to live designed from the the world upwards using Mazda's SkyActiv engineering philosophy. This approach employs careful engineering to trim weight piece upping rigidity, which reaps benefits inward fuel economy, performance, handling too safety.

Thanks to an increased amount of ultra-high tensile strength inward its structure, the sedan boasts a lower curb weight too xxx per centum increased torsional rigidity compared its predecessor. Mazda also optimized the under-floor pattern to improve aerodynamic floor, resulting inward a class-leading (and mileage-boosting) 0.26 coefficient of drag.

Another efficiency-aiding mensurate is a world-first capacitor-based regenerative braking system. Dubbed i-ELOOP, it's similar inward regulation to the regenerative systems seen for years inward hybrid vehicles - it recaptures kinetic liberate energy that would otherwise live lost during braking. Unlike a traditional hybrid setup, which stores liberate energy inward a bulky battery earlier sending it to an electrical motor, i-ELOOP gathers liberate energy inward a comparatively lightweight capacitor too uses it to powerfulness the sedan's electrical components (including A/C, headlights, radio, etc.).

PERFORMANCE

While you lot powerfulness non reveal the straight-line performance that's hinted inward leaping-forward shape of the 2014 Mazda 6, this is a satisfying, sporty-feeling car, considering what it also is: a frugal, practical family-oriented sedan.

The novel Mazda 6 has a rather uncomplicated powertrain lineup; it's powered past times a novel 2.5-liter 'SkyActiv' in-line four-cylinder engine, fitted with direct injection, variable valve control, too a really high 13:1 compression ratio (unleaded gas is exactly fine)—altogether making 184 horsepower too 185 pound-feet of torque. All versions receive got front-wheel drive, too the engine is fitted to 2 all-new transmissions: a six-speed manual, or a six-speed automatic.

Through Mazda's SkyActiv initiative, it's cutting weight from the body structure, made transmissions to a greater extent than efficient too direct-feeling, too flora all sorts of other ways to prepare efficiency gains of upwards to xxx percent. In all, the novel 6 weighs a rather lite (for the class) 3,200 pounds with the base of operations setup too manual gearbox, too only slightly to a greater extent than with the automatic—making it experience really peppy, considering what it has.

In all, the Mazda6 is every bit quick every bit most gas-mileage-minded shoppers volition e'er want; although at the same time, the novel SkyActiv engine needs to live revved inward lodge to access most of its torque. Luckily, it's polish too good behaved when it's revved or pressed. Mazda has this fourth dimension given the 6 a sturdy accelerator pedal with a floor-hinged feel, every bit good every bit a solid-feeling (German-style) detent that clicks reassuringly at total throttle.

The novel six-speed automatic slips really lilliputian at depression speeds, similar a dual-clutch gearbox, too has a knack of raising revs too downshifting only when needed, too smartly hitching onto the highest gear whenever you’re only cruising—or fifty-fifty accelerating lightly. Some models acquire steering-wheel paddle shifters to supplement the manual gate for the shift knob—allowing you lot to select your ain gears, except at total throttle, where the transmission forces a downshift to the lowest available gear.

As likable every bit the novel six-speed automatic is, we’d silent rather live inward the manual version. Unfortunately, every bit much every bit the 6 is trying to appeal to driving enthusiasts, you lot tin only acquire the manual gearbox if you lot opt for 1 of the lower trim levels. The shift activity is the best it gets, with small throws too a neat, precise linkage. These versions acquire Hill Hold Assist, too.

Overall, the Mazda6 handles close the top of the mid-size class. With only novel intermission geometry aiming especially at eliminating dive too squat, Mazda has given the intermission a lilliputian to a greater extent than travel, too also raised the pin betoken for the nurture suspension, which reduces the touching shocks making their agency into the cabin piece also increasing controllability nether charge too close the limit.

Mazda boasts that the 6's steering ratio (15.5:1) is nearly every bit quick every bit the Miata's (15.0:1), too that results inward a quick, responsive feel; the novel electrical power-steering organization provides weighting that's exactly right—well-centered, too with endeavor that builds nicely—but route experience is surprisingly a lilliputian lacking.

Some powerfulness wish a lilliputian to a greater extent than powerfulness too accessible torque to become with the Mazda6's sweet, forgiving chassis; for that, there's a brawnier—and to a greater extent than fuel-efficient—turbo-diesel engine on the agency subsequently this model year.

ENGINE

For now, the Mazda6 is available exclusive with a four-cylinder gasoline engine, although a diesel fuel manufacturing flora volition live available inward the minute one-half of 2013.

The touchstone motor is a 2.5-liter "SkyActiv" four-cylinder that produces a respectable 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm too 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm. Better yet, fuel economic scheme is estimated at 26 mpg on the highway too 38 mpg on the highway when equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission - exactly a smidge behind the Nissan Altima's class-leading 26/38 mpg figures. Add inward the optional i-ELOOP system, too those figure ascent to 28/40 mpg.

For those looking for a to a greater extent than engaging driving experience, Mazda also offers a six-speed manual that was modeled after the legendary MX-5 Miata's smooth-shifting transmission. It decreases the sedan's official fuel economic scheme ratings to 25/37 mpg.

The oil-burning selection volition live a 2.2-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder that is estimated to create 173 hp at 4500 rpm too a stump-pulling 310 lb-ft at 2000 rpm. While fuel economic scheme figures are non yet available for this motor, it has a expert shot at rivaling the 43-mpg highway rating of the only other diesel-powered midsize sedan on the market, the Volkswagen Passat TDI.

Unlike some competitors, the Mazda6 is non expected to offering a turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder or a V6 every bit a range-topping engine.

SPECIFIATION

► Make:Mazda

► Model:6

► Price:$20990

► Engine:inline-4

► Transmission:Six-Speed Manual

► Horsepower @ RPM:184 @ 5700

► MPG(Cty):25

► MPG(Hwy):37

► Torque @ RPM:185 @ 3250

► Displacement:2.5 L

► 0-60 Time:7.6 sec.

► Top Speed:125 mph (Est.

COMFORT & QUALITY

The seats inward the Mazda6 are the exception. They're excellent. You acquire sport seats with a lilliputian to a greater extent than side back upwards than you lot powerfulness facial expression inward an affordable mid-size sedan, fifty-fifty at the base of operations Sport level, too there's to a greater extent than thigh back upwards than typical, which helps tremendously for longer-distance drives.

In back, the bench feels somewhat high up, too that conspires to prepare getting inward a lilliputian to a greater extent than challenging than you lot powerfulness expect. Even 1 time you’re inward you lot may reveal your caput surprisingly unopen to the roofline—made worse if you lot create upwards one's heed to sit down inward the middle past times a variety of upward hump. Although nosotros appreciated the fold-down take in armrest with cupholders.

Trunk infinite is plentiful, with a broad charge opening, too the split-folding nurture seatbacks flexure frontward for to a greater extent than space; although at that spot are some sudden edges that may snag items that brush the top of the cargo space.

Ride character is impressive, but non quite luxury-car quiet. There's a lilliputian to a greater extent than route dissonance than you'll reveal inward some models inward this class, but the ride is nigh perfect for most roads—firm, yet absorbing the most jarring impacts. Our drive was during some especially potent crosswinds, too it’s worth noting that the 6 seemed unflustered, tracking good too blocking out the variety of air current noises nosotros powerfulness receive got expected. The coefficient of drag is every bit depression every bit 0.26, which belike helps with that

BRAKE

Braking is linear too pedal experience is pretty good. They aren't the most aggressive of brakes, too a dyad of fourth dimension I flora myself non braking every bit much every bit I idea I was, which resulted inward to a greater extent than pressure level too a fleck of a jerky stop.P

However, when braking too downshifting inward the automatic model, I noticed something a lilliputian strange. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 slight vibration was introduce inward the pedal when the machine downshifted. It didn't touching the braking performance at all too 1 time I got used to it I barely noticed, but it isn't the most confidence inspiring trait inward the world.

► Brakes (Front) Disc

► Brakes (Rear) Disc

► Driveline Front Wheel Drive

► Driveline (Opt) N/A

► Steering Rack & Pinion

► Steering Diameter Left 36.7

► Steering Diameter Right 36.7

► Suspension (Front) Independent

► Suspension (Rear) Independent

► Tire Type Passenger

► Tire Width 225 mm.

► Tire Aspect Ratio 55

► Tire Construction Radial

► Tire bicycle Diameter 17 in.

SAFETY

The 2014 Mazda 6 is 1 of the ameliorate picks inward this shape for safety--although doesn't acquire ratings that are quite class-leading.

In add-on to all the common airbags, summation stability control, too four-wheel disc brakes with Brake Assist, some Mazda6 models are offered with Blind Sport Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert—a organization that helps spot cross traffic every bit you're backing out of a parking space, or warn of an following vehicle when changing lanes. There's also Lane Departure Warning, too Forward Obstruction Warning, which detects vehicles ahead too sounds a warning; Smart City Brake Support is also offered—helping foreclose collisions due to inattention, at speeds betwixt 4 too xix mph. Adaptive Front Lighting too High Beam Control are also on offer.

The Mazda6 hasn't been rated past times the federal government; but it fits inward with the safer models on the market, every bit an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Although with its 'acceptable' rating inward the tougher novel little overlap frontal touching test, it's non quite upwards to the standards of a few other top achievers inward the class.

FUEL CONSUMPTION

We're rating the Mazda6 based on the presence of its clean-diesel engine, a 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, inward the lineup; although this engine hasn't yet been given official EPA ratings too won't acquire inward until subsequently inward the model year—likely Oct or Nov 2013. Expect a metropolis rating of exactly about xxx mpg, with highway numbers good into the 40-mpg arrive at for the diesel, which volition live available with either a manual gearbox or the six-speed automatic.

That said, the 2014 Mazda 6 is a really fuel-efficient machine with its base of operations four-cylinder gasoline engine—incorporating a suite of so-called SkyActiv technologies that include direct injection, variable valve control, too a really high 14:1 compression ratio. Based on what we've seen with both this 2.5-liter version inward the Mazda6, every bit good every bit the smaller 2.0-liter version that's going inward the Mazda3, this engine delivers splendid real-world mileage—perhaps 3 to 5 mpg ameliorate inward real-world driving than other vehicles that receive got comparable EPA ratings. Like many cars inward its class, the Mazda6 at 1 time does ameliorate with the automatic than with the manual inward the official exam every bit good every bit inward existent conditions—mostly because the automatic is so expert at chop-chop bringing engine revs downward when they're non needed.

In brisk driving, over 125 miles of suburban boulevards too soil two-laners, mostly, with some thruway driving, nosotros averaged nearly 31 mpg inward an automatic Mazda6.

Add the GT Technology Package, too you lot acquire the capacitor-based i-ELOOP system, earning 2 mpg ameliorate inward both the metropolis too highway cycles—for a network 28 mpg city, xl mpg highway--32-mpg Combined inward a mid-size sedan; no clunky hybrid battery pack. This brings a phenomenal 656-mile highway range.

DRIVETRAIN

The aggressive lockup is noticeable out on the road, especially inward colina driving where the Mazda6 feels to a greater extent than connected to the drivetrain than the competition. “Connected” is a discussion that repeatedly came to heed when driving the Mazda6 inward the existent globe too during an trial at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca where Mazda had the guys to allow a writer’s grouping flog a sedan on the track.

The Zoom-Zoom prepare has long been known for an emphasis on handling, so it shouldn’t surprise you lot that the Mazda6 is 1 of the most enjoyable front end bicycle drive cars on the road, but it also proved amusing on the track. No, non every bit amusing every bit the BMW X1 that was on hand, but the Mazda delivered surprising agility, good controlled body motions, lilliputian scroll too exactly a hint of brake fade after 6 laps. For a CamFusCord competitor, at that spot is no higher praise. Ultimate grip is easily the equal of the novel Ford Fusion, the only other entry inward this large segment with whatsoever handling prowess at all. Another plume inward the Mazda6's cap is steering with the vaguest hint of feeling, a character that would receive got been laughable a decade ago, but inward our historic menstruum of electrical powerfulness steering fifty-fifty the proposition of feedback is welcome.

I was a fleck less impressed with the Mazda6's manual transmission, yes it has peradventure the best shift experience inward the segment, but is that proverb much? The clutch pedal experience is superior to the novel Accord every bit well, but with only 184HP on tap too 3,200lbs to motivate the automatic does a ameliorate task on the average commute. Boo! Hiss! Another manual hater?!? Not at all, I dearest the fact that Mazda builds most trim levsls of the Mazda6 with a manual. The occupation is the slushbox is moderately engaging too gets 1MPG ameliorate mileage (26/38 for the auto).

It’s piece of cake to reckon why the average shopper would allow the machine row the gears. At the stop-light races, the 2014 model feels stronger than the outgoing model despite the small-scale bump inward power, this is thank you lot to the improved torque curve, weight reduction too that SkyActiv transmission. Proving that CVTs are the performance virile somebody monarch (seriously) the four-cylinder Accord spanks the ZoomZoom to sixty MPH with a 6.83 minute score to the Mazda6's 7.4 but both of those are faster than the Fusion’s base of operations or 1.6L Ecoboost options past times over one-half a tick.

The i-ELoop micro hybrid organization is business office of a $2,090 selection pack on the top trim of the Mazda6. This is similar to BMW’s active alternator, inward that the organization is only capable of recovering a percentage of the kinetic liberate energy too provides no motive assistance. When braking, a variable voltage alternator charges a large capacitor, the organization uses this to powerfulness vehicle systems. When accelerating, the organization disengages the alternator to trim the charge too runs the accessories on the reserved charge. Mazda claims the organization is expert for an extra 2MPG on the highway bumping the mid-sized sedan to an impressive 40MPG. I was unable to acquire my hands on 1 for testing, but I easily trounce the xxx MPG combined score despite driving it to a greater extent than aggressively during the calendar week than the competition.

So if the Mazda6 handles well, delivers decent fuel economic scheme too is priced too featured inward describe with the competition, why are the sales so slow? After a calendar week with the 2014 incarnation I’m no closer to answering this automotive enigma. Many receive got conjectured the ZoomZoom prepare lacks the advertising resources to force their wares, that is for sure truthful when you lot compare their marketing budget to Toyota, but so 1 time again Kia too Hyundai receive got raised themselves from obscurity on budgets that started small.

Some posit the lack of a stout V6 selection is to blame, but 90% of the cars inward this segment are four-bangers, so toss that logic out the window. Even with the most aggravating infotainment organization sold inward America, the Mazda6's other attributes compensate plenty to set it close the top of my list, exactly nether the gadget loaded, 2.0L Ecoboosted Fusion too the four-cylinder Accord. Why doesn’t the Mazda6 sell? Will the diesel fuel engine plough the Mazda6 into an oil-burning Passat killer? These are questions nosotros may never receive got answered. What make our readers receive got to say?

FEATURES

The 2014 Mazda 6 is offered inward iii unlike models: Sport, Touring, too Grand Touring. Sport too Touring models are offered with the automatic or manual transmissions, but the Grand Touring is automatic-only.

Standard features on the base of operations Sport include air conditioning, powerfulness windows too locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, push-button start, a USB sound input, too 17-inch alloy wheels (there are no steel wheels inward the lineup). Get the automatic-transmission Sport too you lot add together Bluetooth, hard disk Radio compatibility, too a rear-view photographic telly camera system, with a 5.8-inch color touching screen. Touring models acquire dual-zone climate control, a powerfulness driver's seat, blind-spot monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, rear-seat vents, leatherette seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, too the so-called Commander Switch with alternate controls for the screen. And at the top of the lineup, Grand Touring models add together leather upholstery, heated front end seats, a retentiveness driver's spot too powerfulness rider seat, a fog lamps, steering-wheel paddle-shifters, satellite radio, a powerfulness moonroof, bi-xenon headlamps, LED running lamps, too adaptive front end lighting.

Options are limited to a few packages. The Touring Technology parcel ($2,000) adds Smart City Brake Support, Bose premium audio, the navigation system, heated mirrors, advanced keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, too a universal garage-door opener to the Touring, piece an Advanced parcel ($2,080) adds Radar Cruise Control, Forward Obstruction Warning, Lane Departure Warning, too High Beam Control—as good every bit the novel fuel-saving i-ELOOP system—to the Grand Touring. Separately, Radar Cruise Control too Forward Obstruction Warning tin live added to the Grand Touring for $900.

The TomTom navigation organization that nosotros experienced inward an early on drive left a lot to live desired. Mazda notes that the organization has “premium maps,” but nosotros flora the resolution, the detail, too the appearance of the organization to live inferior to exactly nigh whatsoever other in-car navigation organization we've used every bit of late. The organization is essentially the same 1 that Mazda's using inward the CX-5 compact crossover, too the so-called Command Controller that upper trims get, located exactly ahead of the take in console bin too armrest, is a disappointment every bit well. What looks promising from a few feet away unfortunately only provides a few redundant controls for the navigation too amusement system—and ends upwards feeling similar a BMW iDrive knockoff

We also flora the sound features inward the Grand Touring to live with the most sluggish we’ve encountered lately (tuning satellite radio, dialing upwards tracks). For instance, the organization grabbed runway information from satellite radio inward a laggy way, every bit if it were loading it a grapheme at a fourth dimension from a dull cyberspace connection. However, the organization has a great-sounding Bose sound setup, with eleven speakers too Centerpoint 2 surround, too industrial plant really good with Pandora Internet Radio—better, inward fact, than we've noted from far to a greater extent than advanced state-of-the-art infotainment systems. Selecting Pandora from the touching screen, it correct away asked us on the iPhone for accessory command too within a minute or 2 was playing music—with total runway info, the chance to thumbs up/thumbs down, too piece of cake switching betwixt stations.

SMS text capability is built in, although it won't run with the iPhone. There's vocalisation command built in, too; but don't facial expression to only start using it. It’s structured with a organization of syntax-intensive commands nested inward menus, so you'll demand to acquire those first.

MAZDA 6 ( VIDEO )