Mazda 6 2013 Review
If you want to know the difference between a small SUV and a medium SUV, multiply the length of the vehicle by its width.
Browse over 9,000 car reviews
We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?
This is the recently revised Kia Optima medium size four door sedan, the good looker that nails it in styling terms putting Kia above much more fancied players in the car game.
It's on the larger side of medium and seats five in relative comfort - with a big boot and the facility of a four door sedan body. Though selling at a steady rate, Optima lifted Kia right up there as soon as it appeared. Good value, great looks, acceptable performance and impressive dynamics.
The mid-spec' Optima SLi we drove goes for $34,990 and is a sister ship to the Hyundai i45 that was discontinued due to lack of interest a few months ago.
Heaps of them: Camry, Mazda6, Mondeo, Accord, Pug 508, Liberty, Kizashi.
Power comes from a 2.4-litre, direct injection, variable cam timing, petrol four cylinder good for 148kW/250Nm output. Drive goes to the front wheels via a six speed auto.
Really well, not a powerhouse by any stretch of the imagination but competent and efficient offering plenty of poke off the line, in the middle and right up to the higher rev range. Can become a tad noisy when worked.
Rated at 7.9-litres/100km of regular unleaded but we achieved better than that on a long freeway run.
Reasonably so.
Five stars plus other safety kit.
Excellent ride/handling compromise thanks to local input. Wheel/tyre package changed on this model with higher profile sidewall tyres bringing more compliance, higher comfort levels for everyday driving. Slightly toned-down wheels still look pretty cool though. Best satnav in the business.
No complaints at all. The auto makes smooth slick shifts and almost predicts the driving conditions. Stability control stays on too long. The engine has enough kick for most applications and the Optima actually feels engaging to drive. If only all carmakers carried out as high a level of local calibration.
All things considered yes. Generous kit including cruise, 7-inch colour TFT info screen, trip computer, alloy pedals, multiple storage options, excellent audio, Bluetooth phone and audio, some driver assist features like hillstart assist and reverse camera, auto dim rear view mirror, cornering lights and speed sensing auto door locks.
Absolutely on the short list. You'd be mad if you didn't.
Vehicle | Specs | Price* | |
---|---|---|---|
Si | 2.4L, —, 6 SP AUTO | $9,020 – 12,760 | 2013 Kia Optima 2013 Si Pricing and Specs |
SLi | 2.4L, —, 6 SP AUTO | $10,560 – 14,520 | 2013 Kia Optima 2013 SLi Pricing and Specs |
Platinum | 2.4L, —, 6 SP AUTO | $12,210 – 16,280 | 2013 Kia Optima 2013 Platinum Pricing and Specs |
$13,990
Lowest price, based on 10 car listings in the last 6 months