Mazda 6 Atenza 2013 Review

It's an oddity of marketing when the Commodore and Falcon suffer plummeting sales because the public no longer want "large" cars while similar-sized Hyundai i40, Mazda6 and Australia's Toyota Camry bask in - comparatively - booming sales.

The new Mazda6 - a superb piece of engineering that looks a million dollars - is a mere 40mm (less than a matchbox) shorter than a Holden Commodore. Even a Camry is only 90mm shorter than Australia's own.

Perhaps the public's argument is more about large-car fuel consumption and while the Commodore claims a reasonable 8.9 litres/100km, the Camry quotes 7.8 L/100km. In reality, there's not a lot in it. Are we missing something?

VALUE

In its Atenza trim - the Mazda6 flagship - this is not a cheap car. Its $46,810 tag, plus on-road costs, buys a very nice bit of gear that lures the luxury buyer rather than the family. That means it's in deep water, up against not only premium versions of Asian cars but nosing into the Europeans.

The equipment level is very good, highlighted by sophisticated safety gear - lane-change monitor and active cruise - as standard, then extending to Bose audio, perforated leather upholstery, 19-inch alloys and a sunroof.

DESIGN

A few years ago a car that looked a lot like this was wheeled out in Milan and we all thought it would never make it to production. So here it is. It's long, low and features flowing lines that don't mimic many other cars. Inside it's accommodating though its low profile can make rear headroom tight.

The dashboard is very well executed though perhaps a bit fussy in comparison to a new wave of Europeans (Volvo V40 as one). The boot opening is a bit narrow but floor length and width is generous. The previous model's liftback version has been replaced by a wagon.

TECHNOLOGY

Mazda's SkyActiv technology uses all its ammunition on this car - from drivetrain to suspension and body - and cleverly shows how fuel use, accommodation and performance can each deliver top-shelf results. The 138kW/250Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine has no turbocharger yet is quick and has a tiny 6.6 litres/100km fuel average (7.2 l/100km on my suburban test) which is excellent for an automatic.

All Mazda6s get i-Stop (Mazda-speak for stop-start) that kills and restarts the car when idle. But a world-first compact and lightweight capacitor - called i-Eloop - stores and offers regenerative energy to ensure the battery has the spark to continually restart the engine. Clever.

SAFETY

One of the best around, certainly at this price. Autonomous low and high-speed braking, radar-based active cruise control, in-cab warning of an impending prang, a lane-departure warning system, emergency brake display, blind-spot warning and cornering headlights are the highlights.

On top of this is six airbags, a five-star crash rating, electronic stability and traction control, front and rear park sensors, a rear camera, bi-xenon headlights with auto dipping, daytime running lights and a hill holder.

DRIVING

Mazda enforces the zoom-zoom philosophy with a driving position that is low and a dash that curves to partially envelope the driver. The car feels smaller and sportier than reality. The engine is a bit raspy at idle - some cruel onlooker thought it was a diesel - but quietens when underway and is practically inaudible when cruising.

Power is linear and sparks up quickly when hurried. The 2.5 is, thankfully, perkier than the 2-litre equivalent used in the Mazda3 yet is equally as frugal. The 6 has a solid feel on the road and the electric-assist steering is one of he best around for positive feel through the bends. Even the ride is supple. Yes, it's a bit big but parking is saved by the rear camera and front and rear sensors.

VERDICT

A luxurious and comfortable cruiser with a petrol economy that will make diesel buyers reconsider.

Mazda 6 Atenza
Price: from $46,810
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km
Capped Servicing: No
Service Interval: 6mths/10,000km
Resale: 50%
Safety: 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, EBD, TC
Crash rating: 5-star
Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol, 138kW/250Nm
Transmission: 6-spd auto; front drive
Thirst: 6.6L/100km; 91RON; 153g/km CO2
Dimensions: 4.9m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.5m (H)
Weight: 1503kg
Spare: Space-saver steel