2009 Mazda MAZDA6 Review

Mazda has reengineered their popular Mazda6 sedan for 2009. Interestingly, this is the first Mazda vehicle designed, engineered, developed, and manufactured on U.S. soil.

Mazda's plan with the new Mazda6 sedan was to surpass the American consumer's needs in many categories, including size and interior volume.

Compared with the original Mazda6, the new edition rides on a 4.5-inch longer wheelbase (109.8-in.) with wider front and rear track.

Compared with the original Mazda6, the new edition rides on a 4.5-inch longer wheelbase (109.8-in.) with wider front and rear track.

That translates to a more comfortable and spacious interior, taking the new Mazda6 up near the top of its class in those regards.

Some may say making the Mazda6 larger and heavier takes away some of its Zoom-Zoom sportiness, but I think Mazda made the right decision as the Mazda6's cabin needed to be bigger to compete in the highly competitive mid-size sedan segment.

The new Mazda6 is a remarkably nice looking vehicle. I was immediately drawn to my test drive vehicle as soon as it was delivered.

The overall sporty theme is accented with front fenders that hint at the sexy RX-8 and Mazda6's wheel arches are prominent and nicely sculpted. It's a design that makes you want to get in and drive.

The Mazda6's cabin is as nicely styled as its exterior. The overall look and feel of my top-of-the-line tester's interior was luxurious and sporty.

I liked the T-shaped instrument panel and round gauges, along with the sporty three-spoke steering wheel. I had plenty of room for my 6'3" frame up front. However, the sloping rear roofline does rob taller rear seat passengers of adequate headroom. Being tall, I wouldn't want to be stuck riding in the Mazda6's back seat for any length of time.

Two engines are featured in the Mazda6. Mazda6-i models are equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and delivers 30 mpg on the highway when backed by the five-speed automatic transmission. Highway mileage is actually one mpg less (29) with the 6-speed manual transmission.

Mazda6 s models are fitted with a 3.7-liter V-6 that pounds out 272 horsepower. The V-6 comes standard with a new 6-speed automatic with manual shift mode.

Enthusiasts will like to know that the V-6-powered Mazda6 s has inherited a trait from the RX-8. It's called Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) control. AAS senses winding road conditions and provides a gear ratio (usually third) with optimum acceleration response exiting a corner. Decelerating into a bend, AAS quickens downshift speed to provide maximum engine braking. During passing maneuvers following a merge into traffic, AAS holds lower gears longer to maximize acceleration.

All Mazda6 models power the front wheels and there are several trim levels available. My top-of-the-line Mazda6's Grand Touring test model was very fun to drive.

The current car isn't quite as nimble as its predecessor, but I like the way the car feels and performs under most conditions. My tester's suspension was a bit stiff while driving at highway speeds.

The Mazda6 comes with standard features such as air conditioning with a pollen filter, power door locks and windows, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and two 12-volt power outlets.

As you step up in trim levels, you benefit from one of my favorite goodies, Advanced Keyless Entry. It lets you enter and operate the vehicle while leaving the fob in your pocket.

Pricing for the Mazda6 starts at $18,550 and the top-of-the-line Mazda6's Grand Touring costs $28,260. Those with a need for a fun-to-drive mid-size sedan should definitely take the Mazda6 for a spin.

2009 MAZDA6

ENGINE: 3.7-liter (272 hp) V6

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic

DRIVE TYPE: Four-wheel drive

FUEL ECONOMY: 17 city/25 highway

BASE PRICE: $28,260

AS TESTED: $32,690 (including $670 for destination)

WEBSITE: www.mazdausa.com

Menu

2009 Mazda MAZDA6

Sedan reengineered.

Ira Siegel