Technical
There are 2 available engines for the 6. In fact, the wagon is only available with a 6-cylinder although buyers of the sedan and sport models have the choice. The first is a 2.3L I4-cylinder that develops 160 hp at 6 000 rpm and 155 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. The other is a more powerful DOHC 3.0L V6 that puts out 215 hp at 6 000 rpm and 199 lb/ft of torque at 5 000 rpm. Transmission choices vary between a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic for the non-wagons with the 4-cylinder. The V6 receives a 6-speed automatic. Both automatics have a Sport mode for manual shifting. The 6 is a FWD vehicle, has 4-wheel disc brakes and a fully independent suspension.
On the road
This is the first time that I have driven a Mazda 6 equipped with an automatic transmission. The previous 4 or 5 all had row-on-your-own boxes. It was one of those rare moments in my career where I was happy to finally try the car with an automatic.
To begin with, the 3.0L's output has been revised for 2006. The hp is down 5 and torque is up 7. These changes are very marginal but somehow, the 6's V6 feels much more alive. Mated to the aggressively geared 6-speed autobox, the car now shoots forward. Never have I driven such a quick Mazda 6 (Mazdaspeed 6 to be tested in a little while...). Gear changes are crisp and lightning fast, quickdowns are likewise. The V6 is still not on the same playing field as Nissan's 3.5L or Honda's 3.0L, however it is still a respectable performer.
The handling game is where the 6 outshines most of it competitors. Its chassis is rock-solid, shows no sign of weakness and coupled to a highly sophisticated suspension, this station-wagon can play on the mountain roads with one hand tied behind its back. Steering is precise and perfectly balanced. The brake pedal is firm and response is swift. High-speed stability is impressive as well. Perhaps the only sore point in the 6's drive is its extra-large turning radius. Of the cars in the 6's immediate category, it is the most driver oriented.
Safety
The 6 has standard dual front air bags (side and side curtain air bags are standard in the GT), ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, traction control, active headrests and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for both front passengers in a frontal impact. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated the 6 "Good" and a best pick in its category.
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There are 2 available engines for the 6. In fact, the wagon is only available with a 6-cylinder although buyers of the sedan and sport models have the choice. The first is a 2.3L I4-cylinder that develops 160 hp at 6 000 rpm and 155 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. The other is a more powerful DOHC 3.0L V6 that puts out 215 hp at 6 000 rpm and 199 lb/ft of torque at 5 000 rpm. Transmission choices vary between a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic for the non-wagons with the 4-cylinder. The V6 receives a 6-speed automatic. Both automatics have a Sport mode for manual shifting. The 6 is a FWD vehicle, has 4-wheel disc brakes and a fully independent suspension.
On the road
This is the first time that I have driven a Mazda 6 equipped with an automatic transmission. The previous 4 or 5 all had row-on-your-own boxes. It was one of those rare moments in my career where I was happy to finally try the car with an automatic.
 |
The handling game is where the 6 outshines most of it competitors. Its chassis is rock-solid, shows no sign of weakness and coupled to a highly sophisticated suspension, this station-wagon can play on the mountain roads with one hand tied behind its back. Steering is precise and perfectly balanced. The brake pedal is firm and response is swift. High-speed stability is impressive as well. Perhaps the only sore point in the 6's drive is its extra-large turning radius. Of the cars in the 6's immediate category, it is the most driver oriented.
Safety
 |
The 6 has standard dual front air bags (side and side curtain air bags are standard in the GT), ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, traction control, active headrests and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for both front passengers in a frontal impact. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated the 6 "Good" and a best pick in its category.