Mazda 6 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.

Mid-sized cars are not too small and not too big; they're just right. A perfect balance of power and efficiency, comfort and agility, and performance and environmental consciousness.

Growing old gracefully is rarely a trait of mass-production cars. The Mazda6 is the exception that proves the rule; the mid-sized pacesetter is still at the front of the pack four years after it was launched. To keep it relevant, the base model Australian versions recently earned leather seat trim and powered front seats to go with the best chassis in the class.Price trims of $300-$3370 were included in the spec upgrade last October and the base Classic is now known as the Touring. The 6 has something for everyone - it is sold as a sedan, hatch and wagon from $31,450, $32,450 and $34,750 respectively. Add $2000 for the automatic in the sedan and hatch (the auto is standard on the wagon).Lack of a colour screen is the only interior feature that truly dates the 6. The red centre strip display is as modern as my first calculator. The functionality's there, it just doesn't have the hi-res look its more recent rivals have embraced.The auto is a five-speed unit that is a cog down on some in the class. Matched to the 125kW/226Nm from the 2.5-litre four-cylinder it still delivers 8.7 litres/100km on regular petrol. And yes, you can get a 132kW/400Nm 2.2-litre diesel.This is the sportiest looking car in the pack, especially from the front. The curved roof gives it a coupe-like look and the bulging rear bumper adds a touch of aggression. Only the Honda Accord Euro and Kia Optima come close.The interior layout is still on the money and uses logical and easy-to-operate rotary dials for the dual-zone airconditioning, while the sound system is best operated using the steering wheel-mounted switches.Six airbags are standard on the Mazda6 and are backed by seat belt reminders for the front occupants. On the software front the ABS brakes are booked by electronic brake distribution, emergency brake assist and stability control.  ANCAP rates it a five-star car.This is the mid-sized car to own if you appreciate driving dynamics. The chassis sits flat in the turns, the steering is direct with plenty of feedback and the 2.5-litre petrol engine propels the car at a reasonably quick rate. Go for the manual if you're an enthusiast - the extra gear translates into quicker acceleration off the line and in mid-rev overtaking. On the practical front the boot is big - though not as cavernous as a Ford Mondeo - and the back seat passengers aren't chewing on their own legs.

A generation ago, the Mazda 6 would be a large car and we'd load it to the gunwales with luggage and head out on motoring holidays.

After years in the motoring doldrums with a range of well-built – but bland – cars, Mazda burst back into life early in the new millennium with a whole new energy and more youthful outlook on life. The company's entire range was renewed and every model proved successful, from the cute-as-a-button Mazda 2, the great 3, to the engaging 6. It was as if the company awoke from a deep slumber with a new drive and energy that powered it back to the forefront of car shoppers' minds.The stylish mid-sized Mazda 6 made as big a splash as any of the new models with its compelling blend of practicality, comfort and refinement, but then along came the MPS sports sedan that powered the 6 to a whole new level of performance to complement its natural sophistication.MODEL WATCHThe mid-sized Mazda 6 first burst onto the market in 2002 and was instrumental in helping to revitalise the Mazda brand. It was comfortable, refined, with good road manners and performance, and looked great.But the arrival of the MPS in 2006 added a whole new dimension to the prestige sedan, transforming it into a sophisticated and technically advanced sporting sedan. MPS stood for Mazda Performance Series, a sort of special vehicles offshoot of the mainstream model range.The MPS-tuned 6 wasn't a hard-edged sports car; it was more a luxury mid-sized car with a sporty attitude. Viewed from afar the MPS didn't scream 'hoon' as some sports sedans could do, its external enhancements were tastefully done and relatively subtle to make sure it stayed within the bounds of prestige appeal.There was a deep front spoiler with a gaping mouth to feed the much- needed air to the turbocharged engine, there were fog lamps, and a small spoiler on the boot lid, and big 18-inch alloy wheels, but the overall effect was one of refinement.Under the bonnet the 2.2-litre four-cylinder was boosted through the application of a turbocharger; the resulting output climbing to 190 kW at 5500 revs and 380 Nm at 3000 revs. It's not that long ago that power and torque of that magnitude would have had young V8 revheads going weak at the knees; the Mazda 6 MPS was indeed a sizzling hot road car.To put the performance to the road the MPS used a six-speed manual gearbox feeding a computer-controlled all-wheel drive system that kept a watchful eye on road conditions and distributed the drive between the axles for best traction. Unfortunately there was no auto transmission option available.In addition to the turbocharger the Mazda's engine also boasted direct injection for improved low and mid-range torque. The combination of turbocharger and direct injection delivered strong and smooth performance from low down right through to the upper reaches of the speed range. To cope with the extra zip Mazda beefed up the suspension with re- tuned springs and shocks, as well as bigger stabiliser bars.With the security of all-wheel drive, standard dynamic skid control, and the sports suspension the MPS enjoyed a firm grasp on the road. The good thing was that while the ride was firmer than the regular Mazda 6, it wasn't by any means uncomfortable. Bigger brakes, together with standard ABS anti-skid electronics, delivered the stopping capability to match the car's performance.Inside, there was comfortable accommodation for four, there was a good-sized boot out back, and a host of storage possibilities spread throughout the cabin.Naturally for a car of this class, the MPS had plenty of fruit, including Xenon headlamps, six-disc CD player, climate-control air, alloy sports pedals, and remote central locking with a deadlock function for added security. For even more fruit there was a leather upgrade, which brought with it leather trim, a power driver's seat with memory, seven-speaker sound, and a glass sunroof.IN THE SHOPMazda has always been renowned for the build quality of its cars and the 6 is no exception. Build quality is usually a good guide to the reliability and durability of a car in service and the 6 is performing without any major concerns. Mazda's servicing and parts costs are not cheap, but they're on a par with other cars in the class.It's important to check for a service record to make sure the engine in particular has had regular oil and filter changes. Also look for battle scars that often come from the daily grind of city traffic.IN A CRASHThe MPS boasted a comprehensive safety package with ABS brakes and stability control to help the driver avoid a crunch, and front, side and curtain airbags in the event a crunch came. ANCAP rated the MPS at four stars.AT THE PUMPMazda claimed the MPS would average 10.5 L/100km, which proved pretty close to the mark when it came time to road test it. It should be noted that the MPS needs 95-octane PULP fuel.LOOK FORSports performancePowerful turbo engineAwesome road holdingGood build qualityMazda reliability.THE BOTTOM LINE: A great driving sedan that is also at home in the hurly-burly of the daily commute.RATING: 80/100

The first generation Mazda 6 was launched in 2002, the second in 2008 and it is due for a third generation about 2012, so the current update is basically a tart-up to maintain buyer interest.Outside it gets larger Pikachu-style headlights, matching “eyes” underneath for the foglamps and brake cooling duct, a larger Mazda “M” on the grille and some models get new wheel designs and LEDs in the rear taillights. Inside, there is piano-black gloss finish, a sunglasses holder, a host of chrome plating, more features such as Bluetooth connectivity for phone and iPod in some models, and a new vinyl trim.Mazda Australian national marketing manager Alistair Doak says the vinyl trim has “more dimples, but they’re shallower” to give the car a more upmarket feel. Under the skin there are steering and suspension adjustments that improve ride, handling, noise and vibration.The 2.5-litre petrol is also quieter thanks to a more rigid block. Power, economy and emissions are unchanged. The updated diesel arrives next month with a smaller turbo that sacrifices 4kW of top-end power for a quicker response and more midrange power. It also has marginally better fuel economy and emissions.However, Mazda still doesn’t have an automatic transmission for the diesel models. Doak believes an automatic diesel model will not be available until the next generation.He expects to sell 680 Mazda6 models a month with the hatch representing half of those sales, the sedan 30 per cent and the wagon 20 per cent.  Prices have been reduced as much as $935 on the base model manual ($27,310).“And that’s on top of the import duty savings we passed on from late last year,” Doak says. “And remember, Mazda doesn’t charge extra for mica or metallic paint, even though metallic white is painfully expensive.”Mazda6 has been the second-top seller to Toyota Camry in the medium car segment until recently when it was overtaken by the new Subaru Liberty. “We have been running down supply pending the new model and they have just launched a new model,” he explains. “But among private buyers, Mazda6 is still the top seller. We don’t chase fleet sales.”Two new safety features for the Mazda6 are adaptive headlights that swivel with the steering to illuminate a corner and hill launch assist to prevent the vehicle rolling back on hill starts.Mazda also now offers a factory fit satellite navigation system on some models. It costs a whopping $2800, but Doak says it includes touch screen and voice activation. It comes in a choice of eight body colours with mica and metallic paint offered at no extra cost.The improved level of features brings the updated Mazda6 up to par with the Liberty, while the improved engineering refinements lift the ride comfort and cabin noise closer to Camry levels. The exterior certainly looks smarter and sexier, while the interior trim updates give it a more prestigious feel.It features a new centre LCD display that contains a host of information such as ambient temperature, fuel economy, time and climate air readouts that you can toggle through via a button on the steering wheel.The display is a bit crowded and confusing and the red-on-black letters and numbers can be a little difficult to see in broad daylight. The steering now feels more natural with less sensitive twitch at high speeds, the brakes still feel a little spongy while the clutch and gearshift are light and buttery, yet precise.

Like people, cars sometimes go through a mid-life crisis that sparks extreme changes. But for the Mazda6 – which is about halfway through its second generation – it seems to be less crisis and more just a case of mild angst.It’s more an evolution than a revolution, with main changes being the adoption of the Mazda face already seen on the CX-7 and Mazda3, upgrades to trim, and the arrival of a leather-clad fit-out for the wagon.But it’s not all cosmetic. There are improvements to the fuel economy, and the steering and suspension have been revised to give better stability, feel and ride comfort.When it first arrived here in 2002, the Mazda6 zoom-zoomed the badge’s sales and helped lift its profile.While sales have long fallen back from their best month of more than a 1000, the medium-sized sedan, hatch and wagon have held fairly strongly in the private sector, and Mazda hopes to see around 700 of them move per month with the new arrival.There is different grille treatment – with a larger badge -- to set the top spec versions apart, but basically the dynamic lines of the ‘Nagare’ design that is spreading across the Mazda stable have been blended into the 6’s nose.There’s extra visual spark from strong character lines and sharply angled light clusters, but the excitement dilutes a bit by the time you get round to the rear of all three bodies.But those who opt for the new 17-in and 18-in wheels won’t be disappointed, with the larger choice particularly looking sharp and expensive.Mazda has revised the trim choices and materials – even talking up a different dimple pattern for the primary plastics – but says they’ve also made the gauges and centre display easier to read. However the red digital read-out is still cramped on the narrow horizontal screen, and it takes your eyes off the road for a little too long until you become familiar with it.Standard equipment starts with the usuals at Limited spec level, but includes cruise control, audio auxiliary jack, tilt and reach steering column and a comprehensive safety fit-out, with front, side and curtain airbags, anti-skid brakes with brake assist and brakeforce distribution for emergencies, stability and traction control, and hill start assist on the manual versions.From the next level and further up you start adding in Bluetooth, CD stacker, rain-sensing wipers, leather, dual-zone airconditioning and similar goodies.Both the petrol and diesel drivetrains carry over from the outgoing model, with some refinements. While it’s still some weeks away from our shores and wasn’t available at the launch, the manual-only 2.2-litre four-cylinder common-rail diesel has a smaller turbocharger, which reduces turbo inertia to improve both engine response and fuel economy.It’s dropped the power 4kW to 132kw at 3500 revs, but Mazda says there’s no loss in performance and that there’s been an improvement in mid-range power ‘where most people live’ – most notably in the 80-120km/h area used for overtaking. Fuel economy has improved 0.1L/100km on the wagon, which joins the hatch at 5.9L/100km, while a revised exhaust system has brought emissions to 154g/km and tweaking at low engine temperatures has reduced engine knock. And it still has a whopping 400Nm of torque, which leads the class.The 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol unit has unchanged outputs, developing 125kW of power at 6000rpm and 226Nm of torque at 4000rpm. And it’s mated to the same six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. However a number of revisions have resulted in fuel consumption also dropping 0.1l/100km with the manual box, now starting from 8.3L/100km depending on body type, with the auto coming in at for 8.7L/100km.The first thing that struck us in the new Mazda6 cabin was how quiet it was. Despite there being some noticeable tyre noise over rough-chip bitumen, the interior was hushed enough to speak in low voices.But that changes when you start using either the manual shifter – or the manual side of the automatic – to punt the little car up hills and around trucks.The 2.5-litre petrol engine we tested certainly still makes its presence felt to your ears. But it takes a bit of effort to have it make an impact on some of the harder tasks. It muttered a little when we tried to encourage it up a steep slope, and we couldn’t help wonder how it would fare it joined by another pair of adults.While a five-speed is starting to look a bit under-slotted these days, the auto box is smooth and easy to use. But it was the little manual we warmed to, with its tractable shifts and happy little snicking feel. Most people won’t be happy to deal with it in stop-start traffic, but outside town on our test drive it added a bit of fun to the day.We aimed at a few potholes to test out the suspension improvements and came away impressed at its compliancy, but still able to get it through corners without any sense of marshmallow. And the promised improvement in steering feel has resulted in a ‘not too heavy, not too light’ middle ground that is expected in the medium car segment.And that middle ground sums up most aspects of the Mazda6 – and admittedly all its rivals in the segment. They’re inoffensive and pleasant. And they’re meant to be exactly that. Noice. But at least the 6, with its new styling, looks a little edgy.

There are those who screw their noses up at diesel medium passenger cars and passenger wagons.

When Mazda was on its knees there was speculation about its ability to survive, but with new found zoom in a completely renewed model range the company is enjoying the best of times and its future appears rock solid. The mid-sized Mazda 6 is one of the new models that has given the company renewed credibility in the market. It has buyers swarming through showroom doors in search of one of the best looking sedans on the market.In many ways Mazda’s rebirth can be tracked back to the MX-5 sports car. It set the company on a new course, and its success gave it the confidence to follow a bold new way based around its sporty ‘zoom, zoom’ theme.There has been the Mazda 2, the Mazda 3, RX8 and the Mazda 6, the mid-sized sedan with the sporty flair. The Mazda 6 and its smaller cousin, the Mazda 3, are now the sporty twins to have if you can’t have the MX-5.With surging fuel prices and the slump in popularity of the traditional big sedans the mid-sized car class has enjoyed resurgence in recent times. The growing popularity of the class, which once seemed doomed, has been driven on by the emergence of some interesting and enjoyable new models such as the Mazda 6.It’s probably due to the obvious popularity of the BMW 3-Series which has enjoyed boom times in the last decade. Carmakers are not dumb, they can see what’s successful, and most car companies now have a 3-Series equivalent in their model range.In Mazda’s case it’s the ‘6’, and it has worked a treat, attracting buyers who either can’t afford a BMW or want something different as the blue and white spinner has become a little too common for some.There is more than a hint of the BMW in the Mazda’s shape, but hey if it works why not borrow it. The borrowing stops when you get the front end, which has the Mazda badge and unique Mazda grille where the Beemer’s kidneys would normally reside.Begged, borrowed, or simply stolen it matters little as the ‘6’ is a good looking car with lithe sporting lines and a stance that suggests it has plenty of sporting potential on the open road.Underneath it sports double wishbone front suspension with a multilink independent rear set-up that gives the ‘6’ sporting handling with impressive response although the ride can be considered hard and little harsh in a normal four-door.The 2.3-litre four-cylinder double overhead camshaft 16-valve engine is a gem; it loves to be revved when it responds with throaty encouragement.Peak power is 122 kW at 6500 revs with maximum torque of 207 Nm at 4000 revs, an indication that it is meant to be revved.Mazda offered a choice of a sweet shifting five-speed manual gearbox and a four-speed automatic transmission.When pressed to perform the ‘6’ would race to 100 km/h in 10 seconds and required 17 seconds for the standing 400-metre sprint. Its top speed was just on 200 km/h.Power rack and pinion steering was standard along with four-wheel discs and ABS anti-skid brakes.Mazda offered an extensive range of models with sedan, hatch and wagon body styles in Limited, Classic, Luxury and Sports variants. All were well equipped, from the entry-level Limited sedan right through to the zippy Sports hatch.The Limited came with power windows and mirrors, full instrumentation, remote central locking, tilt adjustable steering wheel, immobiliser, air-conditioning, cloth trim and CD sound with four speakers.Add alloy wheels, trip computer, auto air, velour trim, leather wrapped steering wheel, cruise, and a CD stacker with six speaker and you had a Classic.Tick the Luxury box and you also got a sunroof, leather trim, power driver’s seat, and Bose premium sound with seven speakers.The Luxury Sports hatch got all of that plus front fog lamps and fold-flat rear seat.When buying a nearly new car you should approach it much like you would if you were buying new.The oldest Mazda 6 is now only four years old so you’re looking at a car that is really in the prime of its life, barely run in. If it appears knocked about or neglected in any way walk on, there are plenty more out there to choose from.Mechanically there is little to go on so far, the majority of complaints about the Mazda 6 relate to brake wear which while high is no higher than any other modern car. You have to get used to machining discs by 30,000 km and replacing them at 50,000-60,000 km.Check for a service record, which will become important when you come to sell later on.With such a new car check for the things that will affect its value, things like small dings in the body, tears or marks on the interior trim, scrapes and gouges on the alloy wheel rims. They’re the things that detract from the newness of a car that still has the new feeling.When test driving make sure the engine runs smoothly and pulls without hesitation, the gearbox changes gear smoothly without any jerking or hesitation, there are no vibrations as the speed increases, and no noises that can’t be explained.An agile chassis with responsive steering, powerful four-wheel disc brakes with anti-skid control and a zesty engine give the ‘6’ driver every chance of avoiding a collision.Dual front airbags with seat belt pretensioners provide a good level of crash protection in the LImited and Classic models, while the Luxury and Sports models also boasted the protection of side and curtain airbags.Before buying his Mazda 6 Steve McCormack had driven Falcons or Commodores to get the interior space needed to accommodate his 195 cm frame. The car he bought was in as-new condition with a mere 30,000 km on the odometer. He says it has plenty of headroom, rear seat room and boot space, and he likes the Mazda’s looks, its comfort and performance. His only gripes are the noise when accelerating and the steering, which he feels is vague.Tony Morgan has owned his Mazda 6 wagon for 12 months and loves everything about it. His highlights are the six-stack CD, steering wheel controls, computer readouts and the feeling of class and comfort. He says the six air bags, anti-skid brakes, and precise handling make it a fun, safe car to drive. He averages 8.6 L/KM and says he’s no light-foot! The Mazda 6 has plenty of get up and go, with a great exhaust growl in the upper revs! Also the tiptronic gearbox, so much fun on the Great Ocean Road! Service and spare parts are reasonable and the car has run faultlessly.Julie Torcasio has loved the Mazda 6 from the day it was released. She took delivery of a 2003 Classic hatch in 2004 which has now done 23,000 km. She says it’s her perfect car, a little bit sporty, but not too big or expensive to run.• Mazda’s new found ‘zoom, zoom’• sweet revving engine• great engine growl• agile, responsive handling• sporty stylingGreat looking sports sedan with lots of zip, responsive handling and good resale potential.

It's official; the middle-size car segment has the best buying not only now, but very probably in our history. No, really.Mazda's unprecedented price cut of what remains the class-leading Mazda6 last week made what was already a keenly priced car a downright bargain.But some people just can't be told. For example, the life-saving virtues of electronic stability programs are known to all who can read, yet they buy the relentlessly average Toyota Corolla — in which ESP is not so much an option.Yet cars of this size are selling over the slightly bigger models that are on the whole safer, as or more fuel efficient, faster, better equipped and — as of this week — cheaper even than small-medium hatchbacks in their own brand's stable.Moreover, the three you see here not only undercut many European models, they're demonstrably better in most respects than those priced up to three times as much.It's new ...Honda Accord EuroPrice: $32,990-$44,990Compared to the sleek first gen Euro, the newly launched model looks a bit ungainly; a bit too American. Incrementally bigger than the first gen model, it starts around a grand cheaper.Can't remember the wacky acronym Honda coined for the steering, but it does feel more even. A more rigid, lower-set body contributes to a flattish cornering stance, so the Euro is now even better when pushing on. So too is the ride/handling compromise, even through the top model's low profile 18-inch rubber.This dynamism is no mean feat, given that the Euro is far heavier than the first gen car, indeed roughly equal to the Thai-built V6 (non-”Euro”) Accord. Not quite sure how Honda justifies the 130kg kerb weight gain across the range, or how they can claim with a straight face that economy has been improved.Lard stifles the top spec five-speed auto Luxury Navi. In practice you need to engage Sport mode to prevent its 1605kg plus passengers lagging on hills. A typically slickHonda six-speed manual would make a good deal more of the still peaky 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine's slightly increased output (148kW/234Nm) and give the Euro some hope of attaining the sub-9L/100km claim.Those extra millimetres are appreciated within, where its comfier now, though tall rear-seat passengers wouldn't fancy it over the long haul.Nor would the driver want upright citizens there — rear vision is already badly restricted.The Navi model gets a reversing camera and you wouldn't fancy backing in a Euro without one.But we'd buy ...Mazda6Price: $27,990-$42,990Now this is how to reinvent an already excellent model.Readers will by now be familiar with the virtues of a car that is better, stronger and faster than its much-admired predecessor.Only four months since its launch, Mazda has sliced the price, from $1750 in the base model Limited sedan up to $3920 off the top-spec Luxury Sport hatch — those who have already bought get free servicing by way of compensation. So not only is the Mazda the more stylish object and more engaging drive, it undercuts the Euro by as much as $5K.Given its breadth of dynamic and practical abilities and that the safety equipment and drivetrain are identical to the top-priced car, the base model is surely the best buy in any segment.Indeed, the 6 also undercuts the top versions of the smaller Mazda3, so you can have a bigger car that's actually more fuel efficient and safer, for less money than the best-selling privately purchased car in Australia.It's a no brainer, the only caveat being that the 6 needs 98 RON to do what it does.And don't forget...Skoda Octavia Elegance 1.8 TFSIPrice: From $30,990God, I love reminding Audiphiles that its Czech cousin in the Volkswagen Group stable packs the same superb engine for $20K less. Always gets a rise, that does.    So no apologies for including a car that for now comes only with a six-speed manual.The turbo-charged direct injection engine is a generation ahead of the atmo power plants offered in the 6 and the Euro. And the arrival next year of a seven-speed version of the twin-clutch DSG will imbue the Skoda with a drivetrain sophistication that the Japanese do not approach.The Octavia's 118kW/250Nm output appears modest, but it grabs all that torque from a diesel-like 1500rpm. An additional $1840 provides 17s and sports suspension, making for a quite discrete and thoroughly enjoyable driver's car.At 1425kg the Octavia is hardly heavier than the VW Golf, on which it's based, and so boasts class-leading petrol consumption of 7.7L/100km — more than a litre better than the Honda and 0.7 under the 6.