#26 3rd Gen Mazda 6 Saloon – Styled to stand out

With a few well-established brands dominating the midsize saloon segment, and numerous likable competitors trying to unseat them, it's tough for any particular car to stand out. But the Mazda 6 has something most competitors don't; charisma. While just about any car in this segment will get the job done, the Mazda 6 manages to engage the driver in the process. This was particularly true of the first-generation 6, which had a relatively compact, European-size footprint and sporty suspension tuning that gave the car a remarkably nimble feel. For the third-generation 6, Mazda enlarged the dimensions while still retaining much of the original model's handling panache.

3rd Gen Mazda 6 

Design

The third generation Mazda 6 design follows the brand’s KODO - Soul of Motion" design language visible on all new models. In the front view, the 'signature grill', which is the hallmark of Mazda family face design, gives the front an aggressive touch. The bonnet creases extend from the tips of the signature grille and flow into the body character lines. Three character lines dominate the side view. Large 19-inch diameter wheels create a feeling of unshakable stability. The rear view displays stability through the well balanced proportions of the wedged body, prominent rear fender and compact cabin. For the head lights, signature LED luminescence and halo ring light guides are adopted for the first time in a Mazda mass production car.

Striking headlight 

Performance

Powering the third generation Mazda 6 is a choice of two petrol power units: SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-G 2.5. SKYACTIV-G 2.0 equipped models offer abundant torque characteristics at low engine speeds enabling acceleration that precisely matches the driver's intention in various driving situations. The maximum torque is 210 Nm while the maximum output is 110 kW (147 hp). The SKYACTIV-G 2.5 delivers a maximum torque of 256 Nm.

Powertrain and chassis 

The maximum output is 141 kW (189 hp). The balance shaft contributes to the mitigation of engine vibration and low noise output. The SKYACTIV-G 2.0 comes with the 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission or the 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT gear box. The SKYACTIV-G 2.5 is combined with the SKYACTIV-Drive transmission. Precise and nimble driving performance is supported by both SKYACTIV-Drive, designed to control driving force and gear speed linearly in response to acceleration pedal input, and SKYACTIV-MT offering a light and crisp shift feel.

LEDs at the rear lights 

Ride

The saloon rides on the finely tuned SKYACTIV-Chassis. The chassis delivers agile driving performance in low to mid-speed ranges and stability in high-speed driving. The chassis is paired to robust SKYACTIV-Body that uses ultra-high tensile steel. This not only makes it lighter, but also improves the overall rigidity of the body. The car comes with a column-type, electric power assist, steering system. This offers precise control, straight-line stability and prevents steering pull on rough road surfaces.

Cockpit 

Interior

The driver-oriented cockpit offers generous space. The passenger side space provides a sense of both openness and safety with the decorative horizontal line extending through the center panel to the air-conditioning louvers as well as with the encircling form of the dash. Soft materials are used for areas frequently touched such as the door trim and the upper part of the instrument panel. A swivel wheel is logically placed on the centre console to allow the driver access the Multi-Commander System.

Seat layout 

The system allows intuitive control of an array of functions via a 5-inch display located in the centre panel.

The screen also functions as a display for the Bose audio system that comes with an in-dash six CD changer. The rear seats feature ample legroom with a knee clearance 43 mm greater than the previous model and amongst the best in the segment.

Instrument dials 

Leg space is 984 mm, which is 37 mm more than on the previous model. The length of the rear seat cushion is increased by 20 mm and the seat back length by 33 mm. The rear center arm rest has been enlarged by 60 mm. The boot is designed from an ergonomic perspective. The upper opening width is 32 mm wider than on the previous model, for easy loading. A swan hinge enables easy and smooth opening and closing of the trunk.

Curvaceous rear 

Verdict

The third generation Mazda 6 is a brilliant mid-size saloon, which tends to be overlooked for no good reason apart from slight fear of the badge. The Mazda 6 saloon is well-made, has charming looks, little to dislike and handles superbly