Mazda6 As Great As Ever
Car Showroom has just put the latest Mazda6 'Classic' model hatchback through our test routine and to be honest, it's hard to deduct points in any department.
Toyota's locally built Camry dominates the mid-size market segment but in the battle of the imports, the beautifully styled Mazda6 maintains the popularity stakes ahead of the Honda Accord Euro, Subaru Liberty and Ford Mondeo.
What You Get
Clearly a good looker, the Mazda6 was upgraded this year with the addition of front and rear parking sensors, auto-dimming rear view mirror, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and auto headlights. Luxury, Luxury Sport and Diesel sport models gained Bi-Xenon headlights with AFS Adaptive Front Lighting System.
And the 2.5-litre petrol engine was re-engineered to suit 91 RON unleaded fuel - delivering a saving every time you visit the fuel bowser.
The '6' is very spacious inside, exudes quality wherever you look and is a delight to drive.
Pricing is sharp too, starting from $29,100 for the 'Limited' sedan. The 'Classic' hatchback automatic we tested is stickered at $36,440.
Under The Hood
Thanks to the diligence of Mazda's engineers, buyers of new Mazda6 models can by-pass the more expensive 95 RON pumps at their service station and head to the 91 RON pumps. The engine changes to suit the less expensive unleaded don't come with reduced performance - 2.5-litre four cylinder still delivers maximum power of 125kW at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 226Nm at 4,000rpm.
The '6' accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 8.0 seconds (manual) and Mazda says the combined cycle fuel economy is 8.7l/100kms.
When matched to Mazda's excellent five-speed Activematic automatic transmission, the 2.5-litre powerplant is a smooth operator that provides good acceleration for handy overtaking.
The Interior
The Car Showroom juniors climbed into the back set of the '6' and said: 'Dad, you just have to try this seat, it's just so comfortable.' They were right and there was a surprising amount of rear seat legroom too!
In the front, the seats are also excellent - nicely sculptured and supportive.
Cargo space in the hatchback is voluminous - 510 litres with the 60/40 split rear seat in place and comfortably long enough to handle a couple of full-size golf bags.
Instrumentation is typical Mazda - nice easy-to-read conventional dials with a center-mounted LED display for secondary information. We liked the roof-mounted panel which advised how many rear seatbelts were fastened.
The thick-leather-wrapped steering wheel had nice button controls for the cruise control and in-dash six CD MP3 compatible audio system.
Safety is strong too with six airbags, active front head restraints and collapsible pedals. There's also Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control and ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist).
Exterior & Styling
There's no denying the Mazda6 hatchback is stunning looker.
Riding on nicely-styled 17-inch alloy wheels, the '6' is dominated by its curvaceous front end with wide, almost flat front fenders, deeply scooped front grille and sharply angled lights.
From the side, the look is a combination of elegance with more than a touch of sports car - particularly around the C-pillar - while the rear features a high trunk line with a subtle lip spoiler.
On The Road
Critics have acclaimed the '6' for its sharp on-road dynamics. It's a mid-size hatch (or sedan) well suited to life as a family vehicle, but also one that drivers will enjoy.
We tackled our mountain road test route in a Melbourne heat wave with the climate control air-conditioning working hard. Despite the scorching outside temperature we enjoyed throwing the '6' through the curves using the self-shifting option of the five speed auto to keep the 2.5-litre four cylinder revving freely.
Turn-in and mid-corner balance were just as we'd remembered from previous drives of various '6' models. Not surprising from the company that brings us the MX-5 and RX-8 sports cars, the Mazda6 rides on a double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear with well-sorted calibration for the spring and damper rates to ensure this mid-size hatchback delivers great feel, refinement and balance.
Back in city life, the '6' was equally at home and our female drivers commented on its parking ease (turning circle is 11 metres).
Challenges
Our only complaint after this test of a Mazda6 was the intrusion of tyre noise on secondary roads. It's not something we recalled from our previous experiences with Mazda's mid-sizer.
Verdict
The combination of its superb good looks, handy interior space and sparkling on-road dynamics make the Mazda6 a 'must include' on the shopping list of anyone looking for a mid-size hatchback (or sedan).
While some in the segment match Mazda for performance, interior space is lacking and while others may offer comparable room they fall short of the '6' for ride and handling.
The Competition
Considering hatchbacks and sedans, Ford's European-sourced Mondeo mounts the most complete challenge to the Mazda6 and pricing is very similar.
Honda Accord Euro and Subaru Liberty are in the mix, but not if you want a hatchback (Liberty has wagon variants).
Volkswagen's Passat is a higher-priced consideration.
We would also consider the Renault Laguna and Skoda Octavia.
Likes
Superb looks; nice drive; handy interior
Dislikes
Tyre noise away from the freeway
