An entertaining powertrain
Does anyone who drives a base-model, four-cylinder sedan really care how much fun to drive it is? Mazda thinks so, so they've given the 6 some under-hood attitude.
The 2.3 litre engine manages 153 horsepower. That's far from the most in its class, but it's very peppy, eager to rev, and smooth. The engine creates a nice resonant intake tone that accompanies the tachometer all the way to the 6500 rpm redline. Backed up by a solid and slightly heavy shifter and tight clutch, it's a joy to put through its paces.
Mileage was respectable, averaging about 11L / 100km in cold weather testing through a few thousand kilometers of Northern Ontario's wintertime nastiness- including two heavy snowfalls.
Even more sport from the ride
6 manages to hug the road more well enough to qualify it as a sporty handler. The steering is a little lightweight, but it offers a sharp, quick ratio that sees the suspension take a set quickly when tossed. 6 bites into the roads surface with a solid grip that inspires confidence. It'll lift-off-oversteer like a champ too- if you're so inclined.
Like the handling, the brakes deliver a precise and sharp feel-engaging quickly and powerfully with little fuss. This is a machine that clearly prioritizes fun-to-drive dynamics.
Even on the large-ish 17-inch alloys, the highway ride doesn't suffer. The ride is tight and sporty, but with a softness dialed in around the edges to make it sufficiently comfy.
6 Sport took to unplowed roadways confidently with a set of aggressive Pirelli winter tires, the traction control occasionally intervening to keep wheelspin to a minimum.
If you're looking for things like stability control, smart-key access or panic brake assist, you'll have to choose another ride. But, if it's the sports-car of the group you're after, you're on the right page.
Does anyone who drives a base-model, four-cylinder sedan really care how much fun to drive it is? Mazda thinks so, so they've given the 6 some under-hood attitude.
The 2.3 litre engine manages 153 horsepower. That's far from the most in its class, but it's very peppy, eager to rev, and smooth. The engine creates a nice resonant intake tone that accompanies the tachometer all the way to the 6500 rpm redline. Backed up by a solid and slightly heavy shifter and tight clutch, it's a joy to put through its paces.
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| The 2.3 litre engine manages 153 horsepower. |
Mileage was respectable, averaging about 11L / 100km in cold weather testing through a few thousand kilometers of Northern Ontario's wintertime nastiness- including two heavy snowfalls.
Even more sport from the ride
6 manages to hug the road more well enough to qualify it as a sporty handler. The steering is a little lightweight, but it offers a sharp, quick ratio that sees the suspension take a set quickly when tossed. 6 bites into the roads surface with a solid grip that inspires confidence. It'll lift-off-oversteer like a champ too- if you're so inclined.
Like the handling, the brakes deliver a precise and sharp feel-engaging quickly and powerfully with little fuss. This is a machine that clearly prioritizes fun-to-drive dynamics.
Even on the large-ish 17-inch alloys, the highway ride doesn't suffer. The ride is tight and sporty, but with a softness dialed in around the edges to make it sufficiently comfy.
6 Sport took to unplowed roadways confidently with a set of aggressive Pirelli winter tires, the traction control occasionally intervening to keep wheelspin to a minimum.
If you're looking for things like stability control, smart-key access or panic brake assist, you'll have to choose another ride. But, if it's the sports-car of the group you're after, you're on the right page.
 |
| Like the handling, the brakes deliver a precise and sharp feel-engaging quickly and powerfully with little fuss. |