Handsome sedan gets makeover
Refined engine option brings quieter ride
One of the great mysteries of the automotive world is why the Mazda6 front-drive midsize family sedan doesn’t command a larger share of the market. It surely is a lovely thing to behold both inside and out, and the auto-writing community has been singing its dynamic praises for long enough. You can’t argue with the Mazda6’s fuel economy or pricing, either.
The only things possibly holding back this Mazda sedan were its slightly coarse 2.5L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, a firmish ride and not quite class competitive noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) levels. Oh, and the fact that it wasn’t a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry or Ford Fusion — the go-to juggernauts of the segment.
A significant refresh gives the Mazda6 more muscle, both literally and figuratively for the 2018 model year. Key to this is an available 250-horsepower, 310 pound-feet 2.5L turbocharged four (lifted from the Mazda CX-9 seven-seat crossover) along with improved chassis refinement. Factor in tweaked styling and an even more upscale cabin and you have a Mazda6 poised to leapfrog the competitors in both power and elevated quality.
The carry-over 187-hp, 186 lbs.ft 2.5L naturally-aspirated engine gets cylinder deactivation, and a sixspeed auto is the sole transmission with both engines.
Mazda has not messed with the 6’s purity of line. While most Japanese manufacturers seem to be embarking on a stylistic tangent where no crease is one too many, and no grill too big or gaudy, Mazda stays true to its Kodo design ethos, and we thank them. OK, they have made the 6’s grill a bit bigger and filled it with a sculpted mesh insert, but it’s a classy redo, and along with its new aggressive fascia and standard adaptive LED headlights with a slash of chrome beneath, the sedan presents a more purposeful visage. Other exterior changes include new wheel designs (17-inches standard, 19 available) and a rear end with new LED tail lights and larger exhaust outlets.
The Mazda6 arguably possessed the classiest cabin in the segment, but things get better for 2018. Mazda says only the steering wheel and some small trim pieces are carried over. So we’re presented with a new dash featuring a layered, horizontal architecture that flows into the doors. It’s all very simple, elegant and finely crafted. Look closely and you’ll see some exquisite detailing, like the thin strip of satin chrome that appears to twist as it frames the air vents. This bit of artistic whimsy is echoed in the delicate chrome spear door releases. The seats are a new design and the infotainment screen increases to eight inches from last year’s seven inches.
The 2018 Mazda6 gets a simplified lineup. The base model is now the $27,000 GS with fabric seats, 187hp 2.5L, 17-inch alloys, heated seats both front and rear, auto dual-zone climate, LED headlights, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, Smart City Brake Support and more.
The core-model GS-L at $31,600 adds moonroof, leather, heated steering wheel, paddle shifters, wiper de-icer, and iActivsense safety suite (adaptive cruise with stop and go, collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, front obstruction warning distance warning and auto high beam).
The 2.5L turbo engine is a $2,000 upgrade.
Next up is the $35,800 GT with standard turbo power, 19-inch wheels, navigation, auto dimming mirrors, ventilated front seats, Bose audio, signature lighting, head up display, SiruisXM plus a few other goodies.
The $38,800 Signature Package represents new territory for the Mazda6. This no-option top-tier model dips its toes in the near-luxury pool, serving up such niceties as Nappa leather, satin wood trim, Ultrasuede lower dash and door panels, 360-degree monitor, special interior and exterior trims, front and rear parking sensors, and more.
At this event, we drove both the GS-L with 187-hp 2.5L naturally aspirated four and the top Signature Grade with force-fed 2.5L. The base 2.5L is certainly adequate, but the turbo 2.5L engine is quieter, smoother, and gives the 6 an impressive turn of speed. Turbo lag? Non-existent. Out on these winding roads around Vernon, the Mazda6’s dynamic excellence comes into sharp focus, suggesting the engineers responsible for such things do indeed adhere to the brand’s tag line, “Driving Matters.” Mazda cites changes to the dampers, bushings, steering gear, subframe rigidity and suspension geometry.
The electric steering is nicely weighted, accurate and transmits a decent amount of feedback from the front tires. There’s a real dynamic cohesiveness to this sedan, inspiring confidence with its alert responses and excellent body control. The transmission responds quickly to paddle inputs too. We certainly had fun getting the Mazda6 up on its toes and fling it along these roads.
Mazda’s unique G-Vectoring Control improves the 6’s dynamics by slightly reducing engine torque when turning in to a corner. The deceleration G-force shifts some weight to the front wheels, thereby giving more grip and better turn-in response. If it does indeed make a difference, well awesome, because GVC is completely invisible to the driver.
Basic ergonomics are good, showing a fine driving position, clear gauge cluster (newly digitized in the Signature) and logical HVAC controls.
However, I’ve never been a big fan of the Mazda-Connect infotainment system. A central rotary controller on the console is the gateway to accessing most functions, but there’s a lot of distracting twirling and pushing just to find and select something as rudimentary as radio presets. Currently Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available, but will come along later in the year.
The litany of tweaks Mazda has imposed on the 6 to improve NVH appears almost endless: thicker windshield and front side glass, better door sealing, new tires, stiffer wheels, thicker floor metal, additional insulation just about everywhere, redesigned mirrors and windshield wipers. The result is a commendably serene cabin. If you’re looking for the most compliant ride, stick with the 17-inch wheels.
With shoppers making the headlong rush to crossovers, the family sedan segment is shrinking. But that’s not scaring Mazda. This relative small, independent Japanese automaker has sweated the details with their flagship sedan refresh, broadening its appeal with turbo power and elevated luxury. For those who appreciate a more rewarding driving dynamic along with uncommon craftsmanship, the 2018 Mazda6 is a gem.