The completely redesigned 2009 Mazda 6 boasts upsized dimensions and powertrains that put it on par with segment leaders, yet it largely retains its distinctive fun-to-drive character.

Introduction

If there’s a moral to the fully redesigned 2009 Mazda 6′s story, it’s that there’s more to life than “zoom-zoom.” The previous-generation Mazda 6 had plenty of it, yet Mazda had a devil of a time getting the buying public to notice. That’s because American drivers typically don’t care so much about how their family sedans behave on winding country roads. What they want is space, safety, reliability, power and style — and while the old 6 looked nice enough, its tight dimensions and lackluster acceleration prevented it from succeeding in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The new 6 demonstrates that Mazda wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice. Want room to relax? It offers one of the most accommodating cabins of any midsize sedan, with Texas-sized front seats and a backseat fit for 6-footers. Got luggage, or perhaps four sets of golf clubs? The midsize Mazda now features an impressively large 16.6 cubic feet of trunk space. Need power? Mazda’s got you covered with the largest and most powerful V6 in this price bracket, though its fuel economy is disappointing. Want to make a fashion statement? Then you shouldn’t be buying a family sedan in the first place. But as such cars go, we think the new 6 manages to be tautly attractive, particularly from the front, despite its additional 6.1 inches of length and 2.3 inches of width. Unlike the previous model, the 2009 Mazda 6 was engineered specifically for the North American market — and it shows.

It also means added weight, as the enlarged 6 is roughly 150 pounds heavier than its predecessor. Yet you’ll still notice the sporty reflexes that consumers have come to expect from this performance-oriented brand. Body roll is minimal by family-sedan standards, and the steering is light but responsive. The 6 never lets you forget its considerable size, but its well-sorted chassis and light-on-its-feet character at speed puts it second only to the Nissan Altima in the fun-to-drive category.

Price: $18,550 – 28,260.
Invoice: $17,600 – 26,100.

Wait a minute, you’re saying — how could the “zoom-zoom” family sedan fail to be the sportiest car in its class? Three reasons: The Altima’s considerably lighter, its body motions are better controlled and its steering is tighter and more communicative. But so what? As the previous 6 demonstrated (and the Toyota Camry continues to demonstrate), top-notch driving dynamics do not a best-selling family sedan make. What the new 6 offers is the coveted combination of American-style size and power, along with above-average handling for those who care about that sort of thing. True enthusiasts may not find the 6 to their liking — but hey, that’s what the Mazdaspeed 3 is for.

In short, the 2009 Mazda 6 is at or near the head of its class in most respects. As usual, though, we recommend test-driving as many rival models as possible before making your decision, including the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy and Toyota Camry. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, but few can match the 6′s all-around competence and appeal.

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2009 Mazda 6′s control layout is generally intuitive, with all major knobs and buttons clearly labeled and easily manipulated. It’s attractive, too, with red backlighting for the gauges and a sleek center stack sweeping forward toward the windshield, although the odd black-and-silver patterned plastic trim in Touring models and above won’t strike everyone’s fancy. Materials quality is hit-or-miss, as the rich-feeling soft-touch material on the passenger side of the dashboard contrasts with cheap hard stuff on the driver side. The emergency brake also feels a bit chintzy for this price point. The generously proportioned seats are quite comfortable, however, with ample leg- and headroom all around. On the downside, power-adjustable lumbar support is unavailable, and the optional manually adjustable driver-side lumbar support operates via a labor-intensive knob.

In the audio department, the 6′s standard stereo is just adequate, and while the optional Bose system sounds markedly better, it lacks the clarity and rich bass response of the best stereos in this class. There’s better news on the cargo-carrying front, where the 16.6-cubic-foot trunk sets a new standard for family sedans. Moreover, it’s enhanced by upscale strut supports that don’t impinge on the cargo area, and the 60/40-split-folding rear seats add to the 6′s impressive hauling capabilities.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options

The 2009 Mazda 6 is a front-wheel-drive midsize sedan. There are seven trim levels: i SV, i Sport, i Touring, i Grand Touring, s Sport, s Touring and s Grand Touring. Models with the i prefix come with the four-cylinder engine, while models with the s prefix come with the V6.

The value leader i SV comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, a manually height-adjustable driver seat, full power accessories, a six-speaker CD stereo system with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, air-conditioning and a tilt/telescoping steering column. The i Sport adds cruise control, an auxiliary input jack and keyless entry. The i Touring model steps up the feature content with 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a trip computer, a power driver seat, keyless ignition/entry, electroluminescent gauges, black patterned accent pieces and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The i Grand Touring model adds xenon headlights, heated leather seats with a memory function for the driver seat, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming mirrors and an auditory blind-spot monitoring system.

The s models feature the corresponding i models’ standard equipment along with a few enhancements — the s Sport comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and dual exhaust outlets, and the s Touring and s Grand Touring add 18-inch alloy wheels. A Convenience Package for Touring models tacks on most of the Grand Touring’s standard luxuries, while the Moonroof and Bose Package adds a sunroof and an upgraded audio system to Touring and Grand Touring models. A navigation system is available only on the Grand Touring. Other options include remote start, an in-dash six-CD changer and satellite radio.

Powertrains and Performance

The front-wheel-drive 2009 Mazda 6 is powered by either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.7-liter V6. The four generates 170 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque, while the V6 pumps out 272 hp and 269 lb-ft. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on four-cylinder models, with a five-speed automatic optional on all but the i SV. A six-speed automatic is mandatory on V6-powered models.

Fuel-economy estimates stand at 20 mpg city/29 highway and 23 combined for four-cylinder models with the manual transmission, while the five-speed auto improves the four’s numbers to 21 mpg city/30 highway and 24 combined. These are class-competitive numbers. However, if you opt for the V6, estimates drop to 17 mpg city/25 highway and 20 combined, which is about as bad as it gets in this segment.

Safety

Antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are all standard on the 2009 Mazda 6.

Driving Impressions

A notable amount of road noise filters into the 6′s cabin at speed. Pavement imperfections barely ruffle the 6′s composure, though, even when it’s equipped with the optional 18-inch wheels. The base 2.5-liter engine produces wheezy noises and tepid acceleration, though the slick-shifting six-speed manual shifter livens things up a bit. The five-speed automatic is less engaging but provides remarkably refined shifts. The big 3.7-liter V6 feels and sounds muscular, yet it’s a smooth operator, even at higher engine speeds. Sadly, the six-speed automatic isn’t tuned for enthusiastic driving — downshifts are delayed, even in manual mode. Handling is impressive for a big family sedan, but the 6 doesn’t feel as tossable in corners as the Altima, and its steering is lighter and looser than the nimble Nissan’s. There’s probably enough zoom in this chassis to placate those who like to drive, while the average shopper will appreciate the 6′s reasonably compliant ride.

The MAZDA6 Sports Sedan gets even better with a new standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), BOSE® stereo system (Touring models), 17-inch alloy wheels (i Sport models), security alarm system (Sport VE and Touring) and new exterior colors – Volcanic Red (4-door model) and Silver Metallic.The MAZDA6 is alone in class with its sports-sedan position, choice of body styles and the availability of four-cylinder and V6 engines, manual or automatic transmissions.

Price: $19,140 – 27,750.
Invoice: $17,685 – 25,610.

PERFORMANCE

The range-topping 3.0-liter V6 engine has been noted for its strong performance and refinement, producing 212 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) and 197 lb-ft torque (at 5,000 rpm). The V6 engine is mated to either a five-speed manual gearbox or six-speed Sport A/T automatic with manual shift. The MAZDA6 is the only vehicle in its class that offers a six-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The wide number of ratios improves performance, drivability, smoothness and gas mileage. The tall top gear also improves comfort and quietness on the freeway, while a short first gear gives aggressive off-the-line performance. These are all examples of MAZDA6′s sports-first philosophy.

The 2.3-liter four-cylinder (I-4) engine used on the MAZDA6 i models produces 156 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. This highly sophisticated engine uses an aluminum block and head (like the V6 engine) and double overhead camshafts with 16 valves for excellent engine peathing and smooth revving. Smoothness and refinement are enhanced by the use of a balance shaft, helping make this four-cylinder engine almost as smooth as a reliable six-cylinder unit.

The 2.3-liter engine is specified with Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) equipment in the eight states that require California emissions (CA, MA, ME, NY, VT, CT, RI and PA). This makes the 2.3-liter engine 90-percent cleaner than the average new car. Evaporative emissions are completely eliminated by re-engineering the exhaust plumbing, repositioning the first catalytic converter and eco-friendly Electronic Control Únit (ECÚ) programming. All i models are fitted as standard with a five-speed manual gearbox, but available with a five-speed Sport A/T automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The extra gear ratio improves acceleration, cruising refinement and fuel economy.

The MAZDA6 comes standard with many safety features including Anti-lock pake System (ABS), Traction Control and side airbags with side curtains on all models and trims. ABS helps to decrease stopping distances, allowing drivers to steer when paking hard, and to minimize the chance of skids. Electronic pakeforce Distribution (EBD) automatically balances front-to-rear paking forces, irrespective of the vehicle’s load. Electronic traction control, which minimizes wheel spin in poor weather or slippery conditions, is standard across the range. For 2008, all models receive a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Secondary safety features include Triple-H body construction, which gives superb strength to the unitary construction body, front and rear side door beams, three-point seat belts for all five occupants, dual front air bags, and front and rear whiplash-reducing head restraints. Side air bags and side-curtain air bags are standard on all models. The keyless entry has remote locking/unlocking, automatic opening and closing of the front windows, a trunk release and a panic button.

INTERIOR

The essence of the MAZDA6 is performance, and the design, inside and out, reinforces that impression. The MAZDA6 includes specially-designed front seats on all models for greater comfort and support. The center console’s dark gray surface uses a separate piano-black radio/CD face with restyled switches. The sporty interior uses a three-spoke leather-wrapped §teering wheel, offering tilt and telescopic adjustments along with fingertip cruise and audio controls. Instrumentation includes analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel and engine temperature gauges, as well as a digital readout for the outside air temperature.

While the MAZDA6 is clearly a driver’s car, it is spacious enough to seat five adults comfortably. A six-speaker integrated AM/FM/CD sound system is standard on all cars, an in-dash six-disc CD changer is standard on the Sport Value Edition, Touring and Grand Touring. A 200-watt BOSE® sound system comprised of an in-dash six-disc CD changer, four 25-watt speakers, a tweeter mounted in the A-pillar of each front door, a 100-watt subwoofer and an amplifier comes standard on Grand Touring models. The latest in limited voice-command DVD satellite navigation is available on the Grand Touring models.

HANDLING

Double wishbone front suspension and ‘E’ type multi-link rear suspension give the 2008 MAZDA6 superb wheel control for excellent handling and ride. The wide track and standard stabilizer bars reduce roll and improve driver response. A long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs further improve stability.

The power-assisted rack and pinion §teering has a very quick ratio – only 2.54 turns lock to lock – to improve handling nimbleness and ensure driver involvement. Yet its variable assistance means it is light and easy to use at parking speed, while firming up at higher speeds to give full feedback from the front wheels to the driver’s palms.

MAZDA6 is quite unlike the other midsize sedans against which it competes. While they prioritize a ride that removes occupants from feeling the road, Mazda’s engineers knew that their customers would place a higher priority on inclusion than isolation. The MAZDA6 is proof of that commitment to driving fun.

STYLING

The exterior of the MAZDA6 is athletic and bold. The sharp styling is accented with a sport grille on some models and angular headlamps across the range. The headlamps on the i Sport Value Edition, Touring and Grand Touring models use dark gray bezels. MAZDA6 Grand Touring models offer High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps for superior illumination and lower maintenance.

Fog lamps are incorporated into the front spoiler, while side sills highlight the ‘hug-the-road’ quality of the MAZDA6′s style. A rear spoiler is standard on Grand Touring models and all 5-Doors. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels on the s Grand Touring model further improves the sporty appearance, while maintaining traction and road holding. With the 2008 model year also come two new exterior colors – Volcanic Red (4-door model) and Silver Metallic.

FUNCTIONALITY

From the outside, the MAZDA6 5-Door model differs from the sedan, only from the B-pillar back. The 5-Door is geared toward customers who want a sports sedan with increased cargo space. All MAZDA6 5-Doors come standard with a Sport Package and all come equipped with a rear wiper/washer. The 5-Door is a far cry from the unattractive design usually associated with hatchbacks. The slope of the 5-Door’s roofline to the rear decklid is gradual instead of the typical flat hatch, giving the 5-Door a coupe-like grace.

The rear liftgate opens to reveal a vast covered cargo area with 22.0 cubic feet of space, nearly 50-percent more than the sedan’s. Cargo space more than doubles when the rear seats are folded, providing 58.7 cubic feet of space. Rear 60/40 split seats fold with the pull of a lever, and there is no need to remove the head rests for a near-flat cargo floor. The expansive liftgate opening ensures that oddly shaped items, difficult to fit in the trunk of a sedan, can easily be accommodated. Options to stow items in the 5-Door include cargo tie-downs and additional storage available in two hidden compartments located in the side panels.

All 2008 Mazdas come with a roadside assistance program. With a call to a toll-free number, owners can access roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year throughout the Únited States and Canada. In addition, a comprehensive three-year/36,000-mile warranty covers every part on the vehicle except those subject to normal wear. Also, all 2008 models receive a five-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty and a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty.

The MAZDA6 is a mid-size sedan that doesn’t behave like one. It offers all the standards in its class like four-doors, five-passenger seating, interior roominess, comfort and convenience features and lots of cargo space. However, the MAZDA6 goes one step further by adding style, performance, technology and passion.

For the 2010 model year, MAZDA6 offers minor trim and package enhancements. To streamline the most popular options, a new Touring Plus model is added to both the i as s models, which adds power moonroof, ground illumination, Bluetooth, electroluminescent gauges, Blind Spot Monitoring System and anti-theft security alarm, in addition to Touring trim features. A new Technology Package is offered on Grand Touring models and a Multi Information Display (MID) for the audio and Bluetooth is standard on Grand Touring trims with Technology Package.

Price: $18,450-28,395
Invoice: $17,500-24,435

STYLING

When the MAZDA6 design effort commenced in the spring of 2004, Chief Designer Youichi Sato summed up the opportunity represented by a new sport sedan with world-wide reach as ‘Time to be Japanese.’ Sato challenged all of his designers working on the new MAZDA6 in four studios under his leadership (Hiroshima, Yokohama, Frankfurt, Irvine) to create a wholly fresh, upscale, premium – yet still sporty – appearance for the North American MAZDA6. Before the sketching began, the fundamental mission was defined by three key guidelines:

The bold exterior design of the MAZDA6 features a front fender reminiscent of the one found on today’s RX-8. Sculpture that flows from the front fascia, through the headlamp, over the top of the front-wheel opening, and into the side surface ahead of the front door achieves two aims: it accents the importance of wheels to the MAZDA6′s athletic character and it visually trims the length of the front overhang.

The harmony of sharp edges with richly curved surfaces adds to the MAZDA6′s visual appeal. Powerful wheel arches, attached like wings to an airplane’s fuselage, create an athletic stance and instill a dynamic character. Large areas of both doors are perfectly smooth and taut to exhibit blank-space beauty. Fine attention to detail is clearly evident in the taillights’ intricate LED components. All lights nestle jewel-like within their surrounding surfaces.

INTERIOR

While a few distinctive Mazda interior design elements, such as round instruments and a three-spoke §teering wheel accompanied by a T-shaped instrument panel, were a given from the start of this design project, new priorities called for an otherwise fresh approach. The quality of execution had to be the highest Mazda had ever achieved in any ÚS production. Surface textures, gloss levels, parting lines, and decorative areas all received careful attention.

The interior needed an expansive feeling without losing its focus on fun for the driver combined with comfort and safety for all passengers. To achieve that, a bi-level theme was adopted: a roomy bottom zone with solid and safe upper areas. Blacked-out instrument faces with brighter metallic markings, needles, and trim gives the MAZDA6 interior an exquisitely detailed look. Seats are highly refined with soft-look volumes combined with comfortable cushions and highly effective side bolsters. Attractively curved surfaces blend the console into the instrument panel.

Sculpted shapes combined with metallic-lòòking control panel areas achieve the desired contrast between dignity and celestial beauty. Crisp edges abut gently curved soft surfaces. Únique patterns and textures give the MAZDA6′s interior a fresh, original appearance. Úse of black trim provides a rich, sporty look that’s unprecedented in the mid-size §egmènt. Brightly finished switches in the §teering wheel and center stack area mark the interior as a premium execution. High-mounted entertainment system and climate controls enhance functionality.

The entry-level interior benefits from brightly plated metal accents and a choice of black, beige, or gray cloth upholstery with a contemporary weave pattern. Available Touring-level trim adds a leather §teering wheel cover. The Grand Touring interior uses leather only for upholstery material in a choice of black, beige, or gray tones.

SAFETY

Tremendous strides have been made in avoiding accidents with contemporary safety features such as ABS and DSC. To safeguard occupants when a collision cannot be avoided, the MAZDA6 has been engineered with energy absorbing and intrusion resistant zones in its body structure. Double load paths along both sides at the front of the vehicle help absorb head-on collision energy. The integrity of the cabin area is bolstered by a substantial dash-support crossmember braced by two driveline tunnel reinforcements.

A special stopper device keeps the brake pedal from moving rearward and into the driver’s survival space in the event the engine and transmission are dislocated during an accident. The fuel tank is mounted ahead of the rear suspension and surrounded by high-strength-steel side rails and two crossmembers capable of resisting crush and leakage in the event of a high-speed or offset rear impact. A special triple-H structure consisting of roof rails, door pillars, sill structures, and floor crossmembers does an excellent job of resisting side-impact intrusion. Front doors have dual reinforcement beams and energy-absorbing material built into their trim panels.

All MAZDA6s are equipped with six air bags. The side-curtain bags cover all the front and rear door glass to minimize the chance of injury. Standard dual-chamber bags built into the front seats are optimized for both chest and hip protection. Front seat belts are engineered to automatically take up slack when the air bags are triggered and to pay out slightly to lessen chest loads as the occupant moves forward.

To guard against under-riding high-mounted SÚV bumpers, the MAZDA6′s front bumper beam’s height has been increased by 0.79 inch. In order to minimize fender-bender repair costs, the scope of damage caused by a low-velocity collision has been greatly reduced in the MAZDA6. Additionally, more substantial latches and a more robust rear seatback structure do a better job of resisting cabin intrusion resulting from trunk cargo shifting forward during a frontal impact.

EQUIPMENT

The MAZDA6 sport sedan is available as two models – the MAZDA6 i powered by a 2.5-liter I-4 and the MAZDA6 s powered by a 3.7-liter V6. Both feature an expanded range of trim levels, options, and equipment packages to serve the full breadth of the mid-size §egmènt. This is the most comprehensive nameplate Mazda has ever offered North American customers.

The MAZDA6 comes with standard features such as air conditioning with a pollen filter, power door locks and windows, a tilt and telescopic §teering wheel, height-adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, Center IP display, mp3 compatible stereo, 16-inch wheels, power-assisted rack-and-pinion §teering, Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), side air bags and curtains, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control (TCS).

The first step up, MAZDA6 i Sport adds remote key-less entry, cruise control and §teering wheel mounted controls. The MAZDA6 i Touring adds 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55R17 tires, fog lights, 8-way power driver’s seat, leather-trimmed §teering wheel and shift knob, in-dash 6-disc CD changer and trip computer. Building on the Touring model, the new MAZDA6 i Touring Plus adds power moonroof, ground illumination, electroluminescent gauges, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio operations, anti-theft security system and Blind Spot Monitoring System, while the MAZDA6 i Grand Touring includes leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose® audio system and welcome lighting system.