In the past, the Mazda 6 has been recognised for a long time as being a worthy contender in the saloon or estate market, however, hasn’t come across as inspiring. Despite this, the latest generation of the Mazda 6 has seen great improvement and may have the potential to reach the ranks of the best in the market, like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat.
Mazda 6 exterior
Mazda has made a major breakthrough with its new SkyActiv technology, as it has enhanced their car-building which has shown in the Mazda’s exterior.
The Mazda 6 sits on a platform that is an amended version of the scalable SkyActiv architecture – this is making its debut in the Mazda CX-5. Due to this change, the 6 now has the same MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear suspension arrangement.
Also, in terms of the Mazda 6’s weight – due to the treatment of the SkyActiv, regardless of the 6’s size, this hasn’t impacted the weight of the model. Weight-saving measures Mazda has taken include an increase in the use of high-tensile steel. Due to this feature, this means the latest model is lighter than many of its rivals.
Mazda 6 engine and transmission
Mazda has made a major breakthrough with its new SkyActiv technology, as it has enhanced their car-building which has shown in the Mazda’s exterior.
The Mazda 6 sits on a platform that is an amended version of the scalable SkyActiv architecture – this is making its debut in the Mazda CX-5. Due to this change, the 6 now has the same MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear suspension arrangement.
Also, in terms of the Mazda 6’s weight – due to the treatment of the SkyActiv, regardless of the 6’s size, this hasn’t impacted the weight of the model. Weight-saving measures Mazda has taken include an increase in the use of high-tensile steel. Due to this feature, this means the latest model is lighter than many of its rivals.
Mazda 6 engine and transmission
Again, Mazda’s SkyActiv tech has really worked in their favour – the four-cylinder, 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines share the same simple structure and 14:1 compression ratio.Equally a high figure for a petrol motor and an outstandingly low one for a diesel, it is also worth mentioning the twin-turbocharged 2.2-litre diesel is offered in 148bhp and 173bhp forms and for petrol buyers – the 2.0-litre engine is open to 143bhp or 163bhp.
Every version comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, however, if you decide on six-speed auto, this can be an option on all models but the 163bhp petrol.
All 6’s manufactured have something called G-Vectoring Control (GVC) – this is designed to make cornering easier and more stable by easing off the engine very slightly upon turning in to a bend.
Mazda 6 trims
You have the range of four trims to choose from, regardless if you choose the saloon or estate version.
Mazda 6 trims
You have the range of four trims to choose from, regardless if you choose the saloon or estate version.
Entry SE trim
- 17in alloy wheels
- Hill-start assist
- Electric windows
- Cruise control
- 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system with DAB and smartphone capability
- Air conditioning
- A leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearknob
SE Nav
SE-L Nav
- A sat nav and three-years worth of map updates
SE-L Nav
- Dual-zone climate control
- All round parking sensors
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror
Sport Nav
- Adaptive LED headlight
- 19in alloy wheels
- Reversing camera
- Leather upholstery
- Electrically adjustable and heated front seats
- Head-up display
- Bose sound system
Mazda 6 interior
Thanks to Mazda giving us a height-adjustable driver seat with lumbar adjust on all models, this makes getting comfortable behind the wheel a whole lot easier. In addition to this, there is a generous range to the driving position and a reach adjustable steering wheel.
When it comes to visibility, this is substantial with their relatively slim windscreen pillars and large door mirrors – therefore you can pick out what’s coming up alongside. Although, the only thing which hinders Mazda’s driver quality is you can’t add parking sensors to the entry-level SE trim. For the parking sensors, you would have to upgrade to either the mid-trim SE-L or the range topper – the Sport Nav for this and a reversing camera.
If you love your tech, you’ll love the Mazda 6’s infotainment system – we’d have to say this is possibly one of the best compared to its immediate rivals. It includes a 7.0in touchscreen as standard, but you are also able to operate the system from a useful rotary controller and shortcut buttons located by the gear-lever.
Thanks to Mazda giving us a height-adjustable driver seat with lumbar adjust on all models, this makes getting comfortable behind the wheel a whole lot easier. In addition to this, there is a generous range to the driving position and a reach adjustable steering wheel.
When it comes to visibility, this is substantial with their relatively slim windscreen pillars and large door mirrors – therefore you can pick out what’s coming up alongside. Although, the only thing which hinders Mazda’s driver quality is you can’t add parking sensors to the entry-level SE trim. For the parking sensors, you would have to upgrade to either the mid-trim SE-L or the range topper – the Sport Nav for this and a reversing camera.
If you love your tech, you’ll love the Mazda 6’s infotainment system – we’d have to say this is possibly one of the best compared to its immediate rivals. It includes a 7.0in touchscreen as standard, but you are also able to operate the system from a useful rotary controller and shortcut buttons located by the gear-lever.
Overall, the Mazda 6 will be costing you at entry level around £23,000 but if you’re wanting the range topper – you’re looking at £33,000. We feel the car is strong, but yet a quiet diesel and it has an excellent infotainment system. However, it is a firm low-speed ride, and if you enjoy the thrills of the road – the Mazda 6 may not be for you.
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