The steering wheel-mounted controls for audio and cruise control come standard on all the V6 models and are placed perfectly for me to use. The buttons are the right size for my thumbs, but they are a bit on the small size. I think anyone with larger hands, or if you are wearing gloves, might find them too small.
The Mazda6 is still one of the biggest cars in this class, offering ample room for every passenger. The trunk is massive and with the 60/40 rear folding seats, you can easily carry all kinds of cargo.
The three 4-cylinder models are equipped with a DOHC, 16-valve 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine that includes variable valve timing. It is matched to either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission and gives the driver 170 hp.
Jump up into either of the two V6 models like I have here, and you get lots of extra power. The 3.7-litre engine delivers 272 horses and 269 lb-ft of torque, enough to keep it on par with the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
No manual is offered. Instead, a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode is available, offering gear selector shifting. Sit back and enjoy the ‘zoom-zoom’ as the shifts are fast and smooth.
This Mazda6 glides down the highway and I think is happiest at higher speeds. Passing is a breeze and there is very little noise inside the car from either the engine or the road.
The handling is superb and the steering is responsive while not too firm. I feel in control and very planted in corners and could easily spend hours behind the wheel of this car.
The base model four-cylinder starts at just under $24,000 and offers power windows, doors, and locks, heated mirrors, air conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, an auxiliary audio input and a Bluetooth hands-free phone system.
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| The trunk is massive and with the 60/40 rear folding seats, you can easily carry all kinds of cargo. (Photo: Mazda) |
The Mazda6 is still one of the biggest cars in this class, offering ample room for every passenger. The trunk is massive and with the 60/40 rear folding seats, you can easily carry all kinds of cargo.
The three 4-cylinder models are equipped with a DOHC, 16-valve 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine that includes variable valve timing. It is matched to either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission and gives the driver 170 hp.
Jump up into either of the two V6 models like I have here, and you get lots of extra power. The 3.7-litre engine delivers 272 horses and 269 lb-ft of torque, enough to keep it on par with the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
No manual is offered. Instead, a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode is available, offering gear selector shifting. Sit back and enjoy the ‘zoom-zoom’ as the shifts are fast and smooth.
This Mazda6 glides down the highway and I think is happiest at higher speeds. Passing is a breeze and there is very little noise inside the car from either the engine or the road.
The handling is superb and the steering is responsive while not too firm. I feel in control and very planted in corners and could easily spend hours behind the wheel of this car.
The base model four-cylinder starts at just under $24,000 and offers power windows, doors, and locks, heated mirrors, air conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, an auxiliary audio input and a Bluetooth hands-free phone system.
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| The handling is superb and the steering is responsive while not too firm. (Photo: Mazda) |