2006 Mazda 6 Sport Wagon (Video Clip)

It deserves its name

Do you dream of owning an MX-5 but know in reality that what you really need is an MPV? Are you also like many people who tell themselves that they would rather take the bus than be caught behind the wheel of a minivan? Well, this week I have spent a good number of hours behind the wheel of a car that could almost certainly be one of the most interesting compromises in its price range.

The Mazda 6 arrived in early 2003 as a 2004 model, replacing the aging and nearly forgotten 626. Often praised for its looks and road holding behaviour, the 6 is not as big a hit as the 626 was in the 80s and 90s. Let us find out more about the car.

The 2006 Mazda 6 sedan price range begins at $23,795. The wagon starts at $26,995 for a base GS 5-speed and will fetch up to $38,195 for a completely loaded GT 6-speed auto with navigation and performance package. I drove the most expensive one.

Styling

When the 6 was first introduced, it simply eclipsed all other sedans in the midsize category with its sleek and alluring styling. Other than the Nissan Altima with its sporty design, all others looked downright boring. To attract more buyers, Mazda soon unleashed the rest of the 6 family with the introduction of the Sport (hatchback) and Sport Wagon. Each car shares the same low-slung aggressive front end with its quad-projector headlamps, creased hood and flared shoulders. At first, the Sport got my attention with its rear spoiler, large hatch and cavernous trunk. At this point though, I cannot deny that my tester, with all the trimmings, has now become my favourite of the bunch.

Standard with all GT trimmed cars are a body-coloured front grills, side sill extensions and spoilers. My Wagon is also shod with the very original and after-market looking 18" alloy wheels. Wrapped in the Tungsten Grey Metallic paint, the package is very attractive.

The passenger quarters of the 6 are a thing of beauty. The materials chosen by Mazda are excellent. The fit and finish are also top-shelf. The ergonomics are very good and I especially like the weighted feel of the HVAC controls. The location and flip-up and down action of the navigation screen seem as though this type of setup should be found in an S-Class Mercedes. Although the layout of the dashboard is good, the audio controls are basically a piano-black piece of smooth plastic into which squares have been cut. The visual effect is nearly luxurious, however every button feels and looks the same.

Due to the lack of room for the navigation commands on the dash, Mazda has devised a small remote control located adjacent to the shifter. The few buttons are sufficient to work through the menus and the controller can be removed from its location.

The seats are very comfortable. A driving position is quickly found with the help of the tilt-telescopic steering column. 4 adults can be very cozy onboard the 6 although a 3rd adult in the rear might cramp things up a little. The trunk is well assembled and offers generous cargo volume.