Most mid-sized sedans on the market focus on practical matters: interior space, safety, fuel-efficiency, and value. Mazda's 6 sedan, with its striking styling, is very competitive in these areas. But when it comes to an engaging and entertaining driving experience, the 6 has been heralded by the press as the one to beat for an engaging and entertaining driving experience.
Since the current generation launched in 2014, the 6 has been subject to constant revision - in fact, it was facelifted just last year. While the model year 2017 car may not look any different from last year's version, there are plenty of technology and equipment upgrades to help it stay up to date.
The big addition for 2017 is the new G-Vectoring Control system. Not to be confused with torque-vectoring, G-Vectoring Control makes the 6 feel more agile and even more fun to drive by constantly and imperceptibly altering engine torque for smoother steering responses. This feature is standard on all 6 trims.
From an active safety standpoint, the 6's available i-Activesense systems have received further upgrades. Low-speed emergency autonomous braking (now with pedestrian detection) is standard on GS and GT trims, as are blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert. The GT trim level gets a new traffic sign recognition system as standard, and when equipped with the optional Technology Package includes radar cruise control, full-speed emergency autonomous braking, distance control alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
Addressing criticisms of interior noise, Mazda has added thicker front glass for the front windows, while improved sound-absorbing materials are featured in the weatherstripping, door seals, and inside the doors and headliner.
Inside, all 6s receive a new steering wheel design, borrowed from the CX-9, which also includes a standard heating function for GS and GT trims - a welcome addition on cold Canadian mornings. Each of the 6's trims get standard heated rear seats, too. On GT trim level cars, both the instrument cluster TFT display and the head-up display have been upgraded to display information in full colour. The 6's infotainment systems stay the course, though. CarPlay and Android Auto aren't offered, but the system includes a standard reverse camera, USB ports, Bluetooth, and is navigation-ready. The layout is intuitive and can be controlled via touch or through a rotary knob on the console.
Speaking of the GT trim level, it's now available with a new Premium Package which swathes the seats in supple Nappa leather, adds fancy stitching for the steering wheel, titanium-finish interior trim, and boasts a black headliner.
Last but not least is a new colour dubbed Machine Grey, which offers a deep luster compared to the standard metallic and gloss paint finishes.
One area that hasn't changed with the 6 is its powertrain. All Mazda6s come powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder that produces 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. All trim levels come standard with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic; the former is a rarity in the segment. When equipped with the optional Technology Package, the GT trim level also receives the i-ELOOP system which reduces energy waste to improve in-city fuel economy by 0.2 L/100 km. Equipped with this system, the 6 is rated at 8.9 L/100 km city and 6.7 on the highway, making it one of the most efficient non-hybrid midsize sedans around.
Pricing for the 6 GX with manual transmission starts at $24,695 with the automatic adding $1,000 to the price. Both manual and automatic 6 GTs sell for $32,895.
