2016 Mazda6There is no doubt the   Mazda6 truly is not only “all new,” it is also a hell of a good looking car. Making use of Mazda’s “KODO” design language, the sweeping   lines of this mid-size elegant coupe flow smoothly from nose to tail. Muscular shoulders, a strong character line down the side, the bold pontoon-style front fenders house both 17” and 18” inch wheels and in our tester case big impressive looking 19 inch bright finish alloys. The sleek elegant front visage all add to what is a dramatic coupe-styled family sedan.

Based on what Mazda is calling its “jinba-ittai” design concept (translated as “rider and horse as one,”   the new Mazda6 is a totally new automobile, from front to back

Our tester was a stunning Aluminum Metallic Mica painted Mazda6 GT SKYACTIVE with the six speed manual transmission. Priced at a base $32,195, our car came   with options such as camera and radar sensor-based safety technologies, such as: Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Forward Obstruction Warning, Lane Departure Warning system and Smart City Brake Support, which can actually apply the brakes should the driver not take effective action at low speeds.

Initially just one engine will be available in Canada; namely an all-new 2.5 litre “SkyActiv-G” four-cylinder producing 184 hp and 189 lb.-ft. of torque. Mazda’s SkyActiv technology is something of note. Whilst other auto manufactures offer hybrid technology, Mazda to their credit gone back to getting the basics right with a fanatical quest to save weight even just a few grams in items like bolts and fasteners and on redesigning component for more efficiency

Pricing is very attractive with a well-equipped GS model starting at the $24,595 mark; and a fully loaded GT version with the Technology Package weighing in at $34,195. The interior is sophisticated and well laid out. Cabin room is good in front with only a slight headroom issue in the back due to that arcing rear roofline.

One thing I really liked was the shallowness of the dashboard which is closer to the windscreen and shorter so giving it a less cluttered feel in the front cabin. You don’t have this giant expanse or “aircraft carrier” of black plastic between you and the hood of the car.

Options include: black or white leather trim is available, power-adjusted seats, navigation system, and SiriusXM satellite radio. As mentioned before Mazda’s Technology safety package is very impressive: Smart City Brake Support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, High Beam Control, Forward Obstruction Warning, and Lane Departure Warning technology all do their job very well in various situations.

On the road the Mazda6 drives as good as it looks. With the radical new SkyActiv technology, comprising of lightweight, highly efficient engineering dynamics the Mazda6 delivers excellent power, performance and fuel economy. Available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic mated to the 2.5L I4 engine, the Mazda6 is fast, responsive and deliver good fuel economy at   (litres/100 km): 7.6 city/5.1 highway (automatic) and 8.1 City/5.3 highways for the 2.5 engine equipped with the manual transmission.

I found Mazda still possessed the trademark attributes of sporty handling, adaptive suspension and fast acceleration. The electrically assisted steering is light and well-modulated. Overall it performed well with good brakes and cornering ability. the Mazda6 also has what it takes to be a comfortable long distance cruiser.

Also of major interest is news that an available diesel variant of the 201 Mazda6 may be arriving shortly, as well. This 173 hp 2.2 litre “SkyActiv-D” turbodiesel four cylinder is reported to have an awesome estimated 310 lb-ft of torque and should be even more fuel efficient. It has some excellent reviews so here’s hoping!

All in all, Mazda has been smart and in the very intense mid-size sedan segment have done all the right things in updating the Mazda6 offering a slew of technology and safety aids without pricing itself out of the market. This is a very competent, visually exciting   and fine handling car to drive and own. Highly recommended.

 

2015 Mazda6 GT SKYACTIVE sedan priced from: $24,495-$34,195