For some people, growing old means having wrinkles, becoming useless and falling into dark oblivion. For others, it's about getting wiser and remaining very much in the game. That's always the approach at Mazda -- and it seems to pay off. Despite being introduced in 2002, the Mazda6 is still among the most popular midsize sedans on the market. Why? Allow me to list all the reasons.
Two years ago, the Japanese automaker slightly revised the 6 so as to give it a more up-to-date look. While the changes were welcomed, the overall design basically remained the same. But aging well is still aging. In the auto world, six vehicle years equal 60 human years. The Mazda6 might still be attractive, but a radical facelift is required. Well, that's exactly what will happen with the all-new and soon-to-be-released 2009 model.
Dynamic styling
Even today, the lines of the Mazda6 are unlike anything else in the segment. The car is unmistakable at first glance. In fact, no competitor boasts a sportier silhouette than this Japanese athlete. It's almost screaming: "I know you're a 35-year-old dad, but come in and have some fun behind the wheel!"
Inside, however, things get a little worse and the car shows clear signs of age. Black plastics make the interior very dark and uninspiring. Also, dust and scratches seem to be in love with them. The dashboard is user-friendly for the most part, but the radio controls are particularly small.
Overall ergonomics are slightly above average, while the HVAC system proves highly effective -- although I hope the next model's will be much quieter. The stereo is up to the task, but that's the most I can say about it. Likewise, the equipment level is decent at best.
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| In fact, no competitor boasts a sportier silhouette than this Japanese athlete. |
Two years ago, the Japanese automaker slightly revised the 6 so as to give it a more up-to-date look. While the changes were welcomed, the overall design basically remained the same. But aging well is still aging. In the auto world, six vehicle years equal 60 human years. The Mazda6 might still be attractive, but a radical facelift is required. Well, that's exactly what will happen with the all-new and soon-to-be-released 2009 model.
Dynamic styling
Even today, the lines of the Mazda6 are unlike anything else in the segment. The car is unmistakable at first glance. In fact, no competitor boasts a sportier silhouette than this Japanese athlete. It's almost screaming: "I know you're a 35-year-old dad, but come in and have some fun behind the wheel!"
Inside, however, things get a little worse and the car shows clear signs of age. Black plastics make the interior very dark and uninspiring. Also, dust and scratches seem to be in love with them. The dashboard is user-friendly for the most part, but the radio controls are particularly small.
Overall ergonomics are slightly above average, while the HVAC system proves highly effective -- although I hope the next model's will be much quieter. The stereo is up to the task, but that's the most I can say about it. Likewise, the equipment level is decent at best.
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| The dashboard is user-friendly for the most part, but the radio controls are particularly small. |