Usually, carmakers get it right when it comes time to redesign their products. They'll make them bigger, more powerful, more fuel efficient, and competitive with current rivals.
Once in a while, however, despite honestly good intentions a redesign can go wrong. And I'm not saying the 2011 Mazda6 is wrong, but we liked the first-gen 6 so much that it's hard to find the sheer relevance in drastically changing what was once a great car.
Offered in sedan, 5-door and wagon body styles, the previous Mazda6 had everything going for it. Well, not quite: Its power output trailed the competition, and it was sort of small when parked beside the bigger Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. However, we liked its perfect proportions, its great handling and its decently trimmed cockpit.
The new Mazda6, which was totally redesigned for the 2009 model year, is a lot bigger than the old one. Yes, we know, the goal was to grow the car in size so it would please the high-fructose U.S. market. But for some reason, since the new car hit the market, its sales have dropped. A lot.
That's a shame, because there's honestly a lot to like about the 2011 Mazda6.
Big, torque-y V6
As with many midsize sedans, the Mazda6 offers two engine choices: The 170 hp, 2.5-litre inline-4 will do the job for most people, but a 24-valve, 3.7-litre V6 is also on the equipment list in up-level versions.
Producing 272 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft of torque, the V6 provides instant torque for lively takeoffs. Buckets of torque channelled through the front wheels usually translates into torque steer; in the Mazda6, however, it's not that bad. There are worse offenders in this car category.
The 3.7L mill is so muscular that you'd actually surprise yourself driving too fast, enjoying an earful of the V6's soundtrack. Zero to 100km/h takes 6.3 seconds, which is pretty much in line with similarly powered midsize sedans such as the Chrysler 200 and Kia Optima SX. The Mazda6 clears the quarter mile in 14.4 seconds at 158km/h.
The 4-cylinder turbo rivals have an edge on fuel economy. Our GT-V6 tester is averaging 11.1L/100 km with a mix of city and highway driving. And on the highway at 100km/h, the engine spins at only 1,750 rpm, which is good thanks to the 6-speed automatic's tall 6th-gear ratio.
Once in a while, however, despite honestly good intentions a redesign can go wrong. And I'm not saying the 2011 Mazda6 is wrong, but we liked the first-gen 6 so much that it's hard to find the sheer relevance in drastically changing what was once a great car.
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| The new Mazda6, which was totally redesigned for the 2009 model year, is a lot bigger than the old one. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
Offered in sedan, 5-door and wagon body styles, the previous Mazda6 had everything going for it. Well, not quite: Its power output trailed the competition, and it was sort of small when parked beside the bigger Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. However, we liked its perfect proportions, its great handling and its decently trimmed cockpit.
The new Mazda6, which was totally redesigned for the 2009 model year, is a lot bigger than the old one. Yes, we know, the goal was to grow the car in size so it would please the high-fructose U.S. market. But for some reason, since the new car hit the market, its sales have dropped. A lot.
That's a shame, because there's honestly a lot to like about the 2011 Mazda6.
Big, torque-y V6
As with many midsize sedans, the Mazda6 offers two engine choices: The 170 hp, 2.5-litre inline-4 will do the job for most people, but a 24-valve, 3.7-litre V6 is also on the equipment list in up-level versions.
Producing 272 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft of torque, the V6 provides instant torque for lively takeoffs. Buckets of torque channelled through the front wheels usually translates into torque steer; in the Mazda6, however, it's not that bad. There are worse offenders in this car category.
The 3.7L mill is so muscular that you'd actually surprise yourself driving too fast, enjoying an earful of the V6's soundtrack. Zero to 100km/h takes 6.3 seconds, which is pretty much in line with similarly powered midsize sedans such as the Chrysler 200 and Kia Optima SX. The Mazda6 clears the quarter mile in 14.4 seconds at 158km/h.
The 4-cylinder turbo rivals have an edge on fuel economy. Our GT-V6 tester is averaging 11.1L/100 km with a mix of city and highway driving. And on the highway at 100km/h, the engine spins at only 1,750 rpm, which is good thanks to the 6-speed automatic's tall 6th-gear ratio.