For the past few years now, Mazda has been giving us boldly styled prototypes, but these liquid lines have been slow to make it into production. For 2009, Mazda is finally launching a model graced with a cleaner version of this liquid styling and a rare elegance.
The first generation of the 6 enabled the manufacturer to successfully reposition itself in the mid-size sedan market, and this new version is upping the ante. Having corrected most of the first model's minor defects, the manufacturer is now offering a car that just might turn the class on its head.
Taut down to the last line, the body recalls the design's conceptual origins. The roof line is particularly striking. Diving down from the B pillar, it flows into the trunk line and amplifies the sense of liquid movement, with the added benefit of making the car seem more slender. The exhaust tips integrated into the bumper give a palpable impression of luxury. Too bad that they're not an integral part of the exhaust system. The fog lights don't sit well in the front fascia, as the mousy grey framing contrasts too much with the rest of the body, especially since the colour doesn't make another appearance.
Other than that, the car has taken a healthy evolutionary step forward from the previous generation. Its main sporty traits have been enhanced and the overall quality has been maintained. The cabin has also matured, displaying Mazda's characteristic styling elements with a nod to the RX-8 in the form of the dash.
The design is great, especially when it comes to the instrument panel. The dial plates look fabulous, the blend of orange and blue lighting is crisp and clear. The dashboard itself is conventional, but the grey plastic trim enlivens an otherwise drab interior. Some of the plastics do clash with the quality of the car though. In such a competitive class, we're allowed to expect supple plastics that are pleasing to the touch and built to withstand life's vagaries.
The controls are ergonomic and pleasant, and powerful backlighting guarantees their readability. The interior space is the big winner in this update: the 6 has gone from being one of the most compact cars in the class to one of the most spacious. Trunk access is also exceptionally easy, the very wide mouth enabling us to load and unload cumbersome objects in a cinch.
The interior is quite comfortable. They've used good quality leather for the seats, which are nevertheless a little too firm to my liking. Side support isn't up to par for a sporty car. The driving position is correct, nothing more.
The first generation of the 6 enabled the manufacturer to successfully reposition itself in the mid-size sedan market, and this new version is upping the ante. Having corrected most of the first model's minor defects, the manufacturer is now offering a car that just might turn the class on its head.
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| For 2009, Mazda is launching a model with fluid lines and a rare elegance. |
Taut down to the last line, the body recalls the design's conceptual origins. The roof line is particularly striking. Diving down from the B pillar, it flows into the trunk line and amplifies the sense of liquid movement, with the added benefit of making the car seem more slender. The exhaust tips integrated into the bumper give a palpable impression of luxury. Too bad that they're not an integral part of the exhaust system. The fog lights don't sit well in the front fascia, as the mousy grey framing contrasts too much with the rest of the body, especially since the colour doesn't make another appearance.
Other than that, the car has taken a healthy evolutionary step forward from the previous generation. Its main sporty traits have been enhanced and the overall quality has been maintained. The cabin has also matured, displaying Mazda's characteristic styling elements with a nod to the RX-8 in the form of the dash.
The design is great, especially when it comes to the instrument panel. The dial plates look fabulous, the blend of orange and blue lighting is crisp and clear. The dashboard itself is conventional, but the grey plastic trim enlivens an otherwise drab interior. Some of the plastics do clash with the quality of the car though. In such a competitive class, we're allowed to expect supple plastics that are pleasing to the touch and built to withstand life's vagaries.
The controls are ergonomic and pleasant, and powerful backlighting guarantees their readability. The interior space is the big winner in this update: the 6 has gone from being one of the most compact cars in the class to one of the most spacious. Trunk access is also exceptionally easy, the very wide mouth enabling us to load and unload cumbersome objects in a cinch.
The interior is quite comfortable. They've used good quality leather for the seats, which are nevertheless a little too firm to my liking. Side support isn't up to par for a sporty car. The driving position is correct, nothing more.
 |
| The design is great, especially when it comes to the instrument panel. |