Mazda’s five-seat front-wheel-drive sedan benefits from a sportier nature than some of its competitors. Four-cylinder “i” models and V-6 “s” versions are available. Competitors include midsize sedans like the Honda Accord, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu.
There are no significant changes for 2013. A fully redesigned Mazda6 is expected to debut for the 2014 model year.
The Mazda6 sports a long hood with pronounced front fender flares that flow through the headlamps and mold with the front bumper. Exterior features include:
- Standard body-colored grille, front and rear bumpers, door handles and moldings
- 16-inch steel wheels with full covers
- Optional 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels
- Optional LED taillamps
- Single tailpipes (four-cylinder models) or dual exhaust outlets (V-6 models)
All trim levels get a 60/40-split folding rear seat with remote capability. Interior features include:
- Standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls
- Standard air conditioning with pollen filter; optional dual-zone automatic air conditioning
- Standard power locks, windows and mirrors (heated mirrors are optional)
- Optional power moonroof with interior sunshade
- Optional Bose stereo
- Optional DVD navigation system with 7-inch touch-screen and a backup camera
The Mazda6 features a four-wheel independent suspension. Four-cylinder and V-6 engines are common in this segment, but the standard six-speed manual transmission (with the four-cylinder) plays up Mazda’s performance roots. There are also two automatic transmission offerings: The four-cylinder engine can have an optional five-speed automatic, and the V-6 comes with a standard six-speed automatic (it can’t be had with a manual). Mechanical features include:
- 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 167 pounds-feet of torque
- 272-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 with 269 pounds-feet of torque
- Optional push-button start
The Mazda6 offers an optional blind spot warning system. Other safety features include:
- Standard front-seat side-impact airbags
- Standard side curtain airbags
- Standard antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution
- Standard electronic stability system and traction control
