2009 Mazda MAZDA6 Review

While the first-generation mid-size Mazda6 sedan proved successful, the second-generation effort simply provides more "zoom."

In late 2002, the first-generation 2003-model -year Mazda6 replaced the Mazda 626 as the Japanese automakers' mid-size sedan offering.  Mazda6 brought a more contemporary design to the table and was based on a global platform also sold in Europe and Asia. The all-new 2009 second-generation Mazda6 is noticeably larger in every dimension and built exclusively for the North American market. In fact, the first-generation Mazda 6 measured closer in size to Mazda's sporty Mazda3 compact sedan. The five-passenger 2009 front-wheel-drive Mazda 6 grows by 6.1 inches in length and 2.3 inches in width when compared to Generation one. 

The mid-size, front-wheel-drive sedan segment is popular, crowded and growing.  While Toyota's Camry and Honda's Accord have held the top two spots in annual sales the past decade, a new generation of rivals is emerging. Chevrolet's recently redesigned Malibu is a winner while Nissan's Altima has gained sales since a notable remake in 2002. Add the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata and Mitsubishi Galant to the mix and quality choices abound.

Mazda offers two revised powertrains for 2009: a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine (built in Mexico and designed by Mazda) delivering 170 horsepower and a 3.7-liter V-6 engine delivering 272 horsepower.  The V-6 engine,   designed by Ford, is assembled in Japan. The new 3.7-liter, 60-degree V-6 first appeared in America in the 2008 Mazda CX-9 seven-passenger crossover. It comes with a five-speed automatic transmission standard.  Unlike Gen 1, Mazda6 offers no manual transmission with the V-6 engine. The four-cylinder engine comes with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic.  All automatic transmissions sport an auto stick feature allowing manual forward shifting of gears sans a foot clutch.

The bump up in power to 272 now brings the new 3.7-liter V-6 to the top of its class as far as horsepower is concerned. The previous generation Mazda6 V-6 ranked near the bottom when compared to other mid-size sedan rivals.  Mazda management anticipates 70 percent of sales to be generated by the four-cylinder engine. Regular, 87 octane unleaded fuel powers both engines. Fuel economy for V-6 models is 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.  The four cylinder reaches 30 mpg on the highway and delivers 21 mpg in the city.

The 2.5-liter four cylinder Mazda6 comes in four trim levels (SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring) while the 3.7-liter V-6 is available in three (Sport, Touring and Grand Touring).  The Gen 1 Mazda6 offered a MazdaSpeed version, an up-level all-wheel-drive version.  This option is not part of the Gen 2 version (at least not yet). In addition, Mazda said it has not plans for a five-door hatchback version as it did with Gen 1 Mazda6.

The lowest-priced Mazda6 offering, a four-cylinder SV with six-speed manual, starts at $18,550. Mazda supplied a top-line Grand Touring V-6 trim which listed at $28,260.  With navigation system, moonroof and $670 destination charge, the bottom line ended at $32,690. This ranks as the most opulent version available.

Standard in all editions is air conditioning; power windows, locks, outside mirrors, and compact disc player. Cruise control is standard on all trims except SV. A touch screen navigation system is optional ($2,000) only in the top-level Grand Touring (with either engine). A moonroof coupled with upgraded stereo package ($1,760) is optional in Touring and Grand Touring editions.

Inside, the deep-set instrument panel has two large analog portals, trimmed in brush aluminum, and flanked by two smaller ones.  A secondary vertical transmission shift indicator and digital odometer is also part of the configuration.  At the far ends of the dashboard are circular vents while rectangular air vents get positioned front and center.  A second rectangular digital display with inside temperature and fan speed readouts is positioned near the top of the center dash. Below the center navigation screen are three dials controlling ventilation functions with small front and rear defroster buttons above. The glove box is average at best.

In between the bucket seats are in-line dual beverage holders with flip cover, hand-operated parking brake, transmission shifter and arm rest/storage bin.  Optional heated bucket seat toggle switches are found on the lower dash. The lever unlatching the outside fuel door is on the floor left of the driver's seat. A trunk release button is more conveniently located on the dashboard, left of the steering column near a coin holder that retracts out from the lower dash. Leather seating surfaces come standard in Grand Touring trims.

Long interior handles make opening the front doors a bit easier.  Near the chrome handle on the driver's door are power lock buttons. The solid, molded map holders in the front doors also can accommodate a beverage.  Headroom is decent in front and average in back.  Leg room is much improved in the second row with the larger dimensions. Standard in Touring and Grand Touring trims is a push button start allowing drivers to start the car with a push of a dashboard button as long as an electronic fob is nearby in a pocket or purse.

Mazda also increased trunk volume by 10 percent, and now  it measures in at 16.6 cubic feet of space.  It's four inches longer than the previous generation. Shock-absorber-type hinges outside the cargo region help avoid box scrunch.  Keep in mind the trunk region is where rear seatbacks must be unlatched from if the 60/40 split rear backs are to be folded forward. Two trunk-located pull straps unlatch each side of the 60/40 split seats. Because of its increased dimensions, the 2009 Mazda6 can accommodate three adults in row two.  If two riders occupy the back row, an arm rest with cup holders folds down.

In addition to class-leading horsepower, the new Mazda6 has a tight turning radius that's also best in class. Mazda engineers also reduced brake noise and brake pull and improved performance on wet and dry surfaces.

Kudos for Mazda having a goodly number of standard  safety nuances in the Mazda6  including anti-lock brakes, stability control, front seat side air bags, curtain side air bags and traction control.  Available is a user-friendly blind spot monitoring system. Mazda's system uses a series of visual cues and an audio alert when the vehicle starts moving into a lane already occupied by another vehicle. Two visual icons show up in the side view mirrors when another vehicle is riding in the blind spot.  If the car starts moving into the lane, the audio chimes begin. An anti-theft alarm is standard in Touring and Grand Touring models.

Mazda6 includes a three-year/36,000-mile powertrain warranty.  Other automakers including GM and Hyundai have longer-term powertrain warranties.

The sporty looking and riding compact Mazda3 helped the automaker gain a bigger foothold in the small-car category.  Mazda has also done quite well during the past five years with the CX7 and CX9 crossovers, Mazda5 sport wagon and the iconic Miata MX5.  Will the Gen 2 Mazda6 perform as admirably?  The mid-size family sedan market is tough territory to carve out market share, but Mazda6's sporty looks roomier cabin and potent V-6 are a great start.

Currently, Mazda6 has not plans to offer a gas-electric hybrid edition.  The all-new Mazda6 is assembled at Ford Motor Company's Flat Rock assembly plant 25 miles south of Detroit.