The family sedan market is ultra competitive and it's dominated by the "big league" automakers like Toyota and Honda. Mazda never was a significant player, but when Ford sold its shares in the company a few years ago, Mazda was left with even fewer resources than before.
Because it doesn't have the finances its larger competitors do, Mazda must use a more focused planning strategy. In the past, it focused on building cars that are sportier and more fun to drive than the mainstream.
While Mazda continues to provide a more thrilling driving experience, recently it's decided to add one more important element to the car design: push the limits of lightweight construction and allow new, innovative engineering methods to achieve almost hybrid-like fuel consumption.
Mazda calls its current philosophy SKYACTIV. SKYACTIV technologies debuted on the 2013 CX-5 CUV with positive reviews. The 2014 Mazda6 receives the full complement of the new design system and more.
Design Forward thinking has allowed the new Mazda6 to share the same platform as the CX-5, which is already a great car. This chassis is light, yet very strong and will also serve as a base for the upcoming CX-9. The bodywork shows Mazda's new Kodo design language. The unique grill and eye-shaped headlights are prominently displayed at the front. Distinctly sculpted shoulders complement the stretched hood and carry the theme rearward. The sloping roofline leads to a similarly sculpted rear end, highlighted by LED taillights.
The interior design is not flashy, but it is well organized and easy on the eyes. It also offers more room than the previous model.
Mazda offers generous standard features to keep the Mazda6 competitive in this fiercely contested market segment.
Performance These days, the overriding theme throughout the automotive industry is fuel economy. Unfortunately, hybrid systems are expensive to design and manufacture. Even after that hefty initial investment, most hybrid cars are still sold at a loss by the automakers (though Toyota likely has figured out a way to squeeze every possible penny out of its hybrids).
Mazda could not take on that significant risk so it applied itself to improving conventional technologies.
The SKYACTIV-G is a 2.5-litre, inline four-cylinder engine, running on regular gasoline and boasting a diesel-like 13:1 compression ratio. This results in 184-hp and 185 ft-lbs of torque, which compared to the old engine are improvements of eight and 11 per cent respectively.
Speaking of diesel, Mazda has designed an engine to run on that too. However, it's been so popular in Japan and Europe that we won't see one here until later this year when production can catch up with the demand.
Mazda approached its transmission redesign with the same mindset as the engine. Forsaking complicated, and therefore expensive dual-clutch transmissions, Mazda instead focused on making the best conventional transmissions available.
The new manual is as great as the one admired in the MX-5 and the innovative automatic delivers excellent low-speed feel and quick shifts. Both are lightweight and combine well with the new engine to deliver segment topping gas-only fuel economy.
The SKYACTIV thinking applied to the chassis means the suspension was calibrated to provide Mazda's patented "zoom-zoom" driving dynamics, but not at the expense of comfort. The steering response and
limited amount of body roll make the Mazda6 the most engaging car to drive in this class. Drive the Mazda6 back to back with the likes of Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima, and you will quickly realize the driving enjoyment only belongs to the Mazda - though the new-for-2013 Honda Accord comes pretty close.
Environment The theme of improving economy through simplification continues into the cabin. It is very driver-oriented with all important controls logically placed and highly visible.
Most surfaces are soft to the touch and the attention to detail is evident. The front seats are supportive yet offer plenty of elbow room.
Head and knee-room is also adequate, though not super generous in comparison to crossovers that also compete in this segment, which offer better interior packaging than sedans in general.
The Mazda6 offers more rear legroom than most in this class. And despite the low roofline, rear headroom is also sufficient for an average adult.
While cargo space is actually less than the outgoing model, overall capacity is still quite good and the shape is usable and practical. The new exterior design makes access a little restricted, although the 60/40 folding rear seats do create a rather large passthrough.
On the infotainment front, the Mazda6 doesn't feature anything terribly innovative. A 5.8-inch colour touchscreen displays the audio, phone and navigation functions. This can be controlled through the optional Commander Switch, which operates much like BMW's iDrive.
Radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring and forward obstruction warning are notable new options.
Features Ranging in price from $24,495 to $32,195, the Mazda6 is available in three trim levels: GX, GS, and GT.
Standard equipment on the GX includes heated front seats, 5.8-inch colour touchscreen audio display,
Bluetooth, keyless entry, push-button ignition, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, dynamic stability control, and traction control system.
Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include leather trimmed upholstery, eight-way power adjustable driver seat, leather-like door trim, navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, Smart City brake support, forward obstruction warning, radar cruise control and a lane departure warning system.
Fuel efficiency numbers for the six-speed manual transmission are 8.1L/100km city and 5.3L/100km highway. The six-speed automatic sees 7.6L/100km city and 5.1L/100km highway.
Thumbs Up The SKYACTIV technology provides excellent fuel economy without having to pay the added premium for a hybrid. The styling also means you will stand out from the crowd.
Thumbs Down While the Mazda6 is good, it's hard to argue against the established leaders from Honda and Toyota who have longer histories and glowing reputations.
The Bottom Line In a segment dominated by conservative mainstays, the Mazda6 offers a goodlooking, fun-to-drive alternative.
Competitors Honda Accord The current base model Accord is available for $23,990 and boasts a classy interior that feels more upmarket. Its reputation speaks for itself but the Mazda6 compares admirably.
The Honda Accord is a great all-round family car with excellent reliability.
Toyota Camry The Toyota Camry has always had excellent build quality and resale value. The newest generation adds more character to its looks.
While the hybrid boasts exceptional fuel economy, the Mazda6 has the Camry beat in base trim.
Ford Fusion The Ford Fusion is a great looking car at a good price, starting at $22,499. It also features a wide range of models to choose from so you can find the car that best suits your needs.
Like the Camry, the Mazda6 offers superior fuel economy compared to nonhybrid models.
