KansasCity.com's view

The 2008 Mazda6 was known for its sports-sedan personality and great handling, but some buyers thought it was just a tad too small.

Mazda has addressed the size issue with its completely redesigned 2009 Mazda6. The new car’s wheelbase is 109.8 inches whereas the previous model had a 105.3-inch wheelbase. Overall length has grown from 186.8 inches to 193.7 inches. Rear-seat legroom is up from 36.5 inches to 38 inches, and rear knee room is nearly 1 inch greater.

This new Mazda6 was designed and engineered specifically for the North American market. Auto Alliance International in Flat Rock, Mich, manufactures it. The plant is a joint venture with Ford Motor Co., which owns about one-third of Mazda.

While size makes the new Mazda6 appealing to a wider audience, the new styling is what really gets your attention. The sharp wedge shape and flared fenders highlight a look that is muscular and sleek. I parked next to the previous Mazda6, and the new car’s styling is more dramatic without losing the family heritage.

The new sedan’s coupelike profile reflects a styling trend that is rapidly becoming the hot look for four-doors. The nose is low and pointed, while pronounced front fender arches bear a family resemblance to those on the Mazda CX-9.

The sides are highlighted by a strong character line that begins very subtly in the front door, becomes a set of shoulders over the rear wheels and then ends in the slightly upswept trunk.

The new Mazda6 is available in SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring models. Prices begin at $18,550 for a Mazda6 SV equipped with a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission.

A vehicle stability control system, with anti-lock brakes and traction control, is standard on all models.

Pricing of the Touring model, with the four-cylinder, begins at $21,150. The Grand Touring model with a four-cylinder begins at $24,910.

The top Grand Touring model with the 3.7-liter V-6 begins at $28,260, and that is the model I drove from Mazda’s press fleet.

Mazda said that nearly one out of five American buyers believe that an affordable, midsize sedan best fits their wide-ranging needs and lifestyles, especially with rising fuel costs.

The Grand Touring is an impressive car. The V-6 delivers plenty of zip right off idle, and acceleration is linear and smooth. The six-speed automatic transmission, with a manual sportshift function, shifts smoothly.

The test car was loaded with a long list of convenience features, including a blind-spot monitoring system that displays a warning light in the outside rearview mirror when a car is alongside. This system is extremely useful and one that is sure to be adopted by more and more manufacturers.

Other handy items include rain-sensing wipers, heated outside mirrors, heated leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition with push-button start and steering-wheel controls for cruise and audio.

The Grand Touring’s suspension is tuned for sporty handling, and it delivers on that promise. The ride quality suffers slightly because small bumps are easily felt through the suspension. The test car’s 18-inch wheels may be the culprit.

Price

The base price of the test car was $28,260. Options included a sunroof, Bose stereo with six-disc CD player and a Sirius satellite radio. The sticker price was $30,690.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2009 Mazda6 Grand Touring

Engine: 3.7-liter, 272-hp V-6

Transmission: automatic

Front-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 109.8 inches

Curb weight: 3547 lbs.

Base price: $28,260

As driven: $30,690.

MPG rating: 17 city, 25 hwy.

To get in touch with Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tom@tomstrongman.com.