2015 Mazda 6

Pros: Athletic, nimble handling makes for fun-to-drive personality among mainstream midsize cars; very respectable fuel economy; good passenger and cargo room

Cons: Despite the agile handling, acceleration is only so-so; a little more road noise than some midsize sedans; ride is a bit taut for the class

CG Says: After its redesign for 2014, the Mazda 6 sees only a minor shuffling of standard equipment and option packages for 2015. A diesel-engine Mazda 6 was originally scheduled to arrive for 2014, but it has been pushed back indefinitely. Like Mazda’s CX-5 compact SUV, the Mazda 6 utilizes the company’s SKYACTIV brand of fuel economy-oriented engine, transmission, and chassis technologies. The 2015 Mazda 6 is one of the most nimble, athletic-feeling cars in its class. And thankfully, its fun-to-drive character doesn’t come at the expense of practicality, passenger and cargo versatility, or fuel economy. Plus, the 6’s safety and infotainment features help it keep pace with the ever-advancing technology of its competitors. The 6’s main shortcoming is that its lineup simply isn’t as broad as rival midsize sedans’. There is no hybrid version or 250-plus-horsepower engine choice (either as a turbo 4-cylinder or V6) available at the moment. Given the 6’s sporting intentions, some buyers will wish for a bit more power than its 4-cylinder can provide. The planned diesel engine should offer more-robust acceleration (if and when it is released), but only for buyers who aren’t averse to a diesel engine’s quirks. Still, for shoppers who are yearning for some genuine enthusiast character in their daily-driver midsize sedan, a Mazda 6 could be just right.

Links

Mazda at Speed: An Interview With Robert T. Davis

2014 Mazda 6 Best Buy Review

2014 Mazda 6 Review

2016 Mazda 6 Review