Vehicle(s): 2009 Mazda6 GT I-4 with Luxury Pkg
2009 Mazda6 GT V6 with Luxury Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$35670 (GT I-4)
CDN$40962 (GT V6)

Handling: One of outgoing Mazda6′s most likable traits has to be its wonderful driving dynamics. Even with the extra dimensions, Mazda6 remains the most dynamic driving car in its class. It all begins with a stiff and stout chassis, that’s completely free of flex and rattles. With a suspension which is supple without feeling bouncy through all the patholes and roughness. Its firm without being harsh. Its the sort of suspension that’s compliant enough for the passengers while firm enough for enthuisast driver. On the other hand, the steering is sharp and precise without feeling twitchy. There are minimal body rolls while understeer is almost non-existence. The same balanced and composed driving feel remain intact even with the larger car. Mazda6 continues to be one of the most balanced front driver I have ever driven.

Performance: There are 2 excellent powertrains available in the new Mazda6. A base 2.4 liter DOHC 4-cylinder 16-valve with a potent 170 hp and 167 lb/ft of torque, or a 3.7 liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with an even sweeter 277 hp and 269 lb/ft of torque. Performance aside, both engines are as balanced inside Mazda6′s bonnet when pushed through corners as each others. Without feeling the front-heaviness one usually associates with its V6 rivals. On the other hand, the 4-cylinder’s high level of refinement and flexability seem to be a more sensible choice given today’s skyrocketing gas prices. We got an average of 9 liters per 100km with Mazda6′s excellent 5-speed automatic. As for the V6, an average of 12 liters per 100km is highly respectable consider its a 3.7 liter family sedan with 1610kg. If the 4-cylinder is able to receive the additional gear as V6 does, it would be a default choice when buying this very car. Both 5 and 6-speed automatics have low 1st gear for peppy acceleration off-the-line, while the 5th in 4-cylinder and 6th in V6 are tall enough for comfortable highway cruising. The only drawback is 4-cylinder 5-speed gearbox’s somewhat tall 2nd gear ratio. If Mazda engineers are able to address that, 4-cylinder’s low-gear acceleration would be even more impressive. This 3.7 liter is basically a similar unit as in the award-winning CX-9 crossover. The level of NVH and refinement are simply world-class. Not to mention the nice engine note when accelerating.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Mazda6 continues to impress with its excellent braking prowess. The stopping distance is short while the pedal feels solid, while ABS only steps in when necessary.

Interior: The only drawback in this otherwise highly praised car has to be its trunk. The liftoff is high while the opening is narrow. Its a pity Mazda decided not to bring over its attactive hatchback and wagon silibings due to the low demand of previous generation in US market. These 2 variants would definitely address the problem mentioned with this Mazda6 sedan.

When it comes to interior materials and fit-and-finish, the new Mazda6 has aced it. All the materials are classy and rich. You can also get all the features in the fully loaded GT model from automatic climate control to leather seats.

Mazda has addressed the largest shortcoming of the outgoing model. The rear passengers finally got the amount of leg and headroom that Mazda6 needs 6 years ago. Its also wide enough to seat 3 comfortably across the board.

Conclusion: While the outgoing Mazda6 already been a great car, the new one is a quantum leap over the previous car. It got great powertrains, excellent driving dynamics and interior space that it has always been cried out for. It is basically a sports car wraps in a family car clothing.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Mazda6
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5