– Article/Photos by Rod Fuller –
In today’s SUV dominated market with crossover this, all wheel drive that, it’s rare to find a passenger car that is just about being a passenger car, and Mazda6 is just that.
Mazda6, superbly styled, practical, very well appointed and pleasurable to drive. It reminds me that a really good car doesn’t have to try to be all things to all people all the time, a trap many SUV’s fall into becoming “a jack of all trades but master of none”. Mazda6 though is a car that is proudly a car and that’s what I find so good about it
I drove the Sport sedan and the GT wagon and even though they are different by design, they share a look and feel that enhances their quality and makes them both cars that you look forward to driving everyday.
MAZDA6 Sport (Sedan)
Engine: 2.5 litre 4-cylinder, 16 valve DOHC S-VT with i-stop
Max Power: 140kW@6000rpm
Max Torque: 252Nm@4000rpm
Transmission: 6 speed auto (with paddle shifters)
Fuel: Unleaded 91 RON (E10 suitable)
Fuel consumption: 7.0 lt/100km (combined)
Attractively designed inside and out, Mazda6 is a beautifully balanced and proportioned sedan; with swooping flowing lines, that from the outside present it as a low, sleek and very appealing car. The attractive flowing roofline though, does compromise head room for rear seat passengers.
Mazda6 Sport has no place to be called the ‘entry level’ or ‘base model’ as it is so incredibly well equipped! Safety and driver assist features abound. Heads up display, Traffic Sign Recognition, high beam control, AEB, radar cruise control, driver attention alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist, are all standard on the Sport.
Dual zone climate control, eight inch touch screen, well laid out interior with easy to use controls, comfortable cloth seats (lumbar support for the driver – Yes!) and leather steering wheel and gear knob, gives the Sport a quality feel that belies its ‘entry level’ spec.
Your phone easily connects via Bluetooth and the tactile MZD Connect system is simple to use, but Apple Car Play is not yet offered. Two USB connections are provided for rear seat passengers and one in the front along with a 12V outlet.
Driving the Sport sedan is quite satisfying with a good balance between performance, ride quality and handling, with 17” alloys and 225/55R17 tyres (with temporary spare). Perfect, as a daily driver around town or for country trips.
MAZDA6 GT (Wagon)
Engine: 2.5 litre turbo 4-cylinder 16 valve with i-stop
Max Power: 170kW@5000rpm
Max Torque: 420Nm@2000rpm
Transmission: 6 speed auto (with paddle shifters)
Fuel: Unleaded 91 RON (E10 suitable)
Fuel consumption: 7.6 lt/100km (combined)
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For me the GT is ‘the’ pick of the Mazda6 range. It has everything you could want, turbo engine, heated leather seats (front and rear) and 19” alloys with 225/45R19 tyres (again, still only a temporary spare).
As a wagon, it is probably one of the best looking station wagons available today. In fact, I feel it looks even better than the sedan! Beautifully proportioned and styled the GT Wagon is both practical and versatile, capable of all load tasks required for either work or play. For safety and security, a retractable cargo net and blind are provided.
It has all the comfort, infotainment and safety features of the Sport (detailed above) plus LED DRLs and Adaptive Front lighting System, which allows the headlights to look up to 15⁰ left or right in tune with the steering angle. A premium Bose stereo with 11 speakers is added, as well as keyless entry, front parking sensors, auto folding mirrors and a 12V outlet in the back of the wagon.
Driving the GT Wagon is pure pleasure. The extra power from the turbo engine brings the car to life, adding another dimension of responsiveness. It is quiet, very comfortable and the combination of ride and handling is exceptional. Sharp and precise on turn in to a corner, controlled, balanced and predictable on the way out. Push on, down your favourite twisty road and the GT Wagon handles just like a good sports sedan and much better than any wagon should.
The quality fit/finish, and level of appointments provided in the GT Wagon enhance both the look and feel of this car and it certainly makes for a happy place, for driver and passengers alike.
Mazda offers a five year unlimited kilometre warranty on Mazda6, five year 50,000km capped price servicing, 12 month 10,000km service intervals along with options for 365 day 24 hour roadside assistance.
In a market obsessed with SUV’s, the Mazda6 is a reminder of how good a car can be, put simply it’s Magnificent.
