Sometimes, smaller can be better for you
Carelessly tossing it into a corner, the 2018 Mazda6 responded with zeal, not the expected apathy so typical of mid-size sedans. Steering feel is one of the most surprising dynamic elements of this significantly updated four-door sedan, though it’s hardly the only one.
This car changes direction with crispness and immediacy, dominating corners with near sports-car assertiveness.
Steering so perfectly dialled in is unheard-of at this blue-collar price-point; it even eludes many luxury automakers. But Mazda has proven that smaller can be better. Inside, outside and especially in motion, Hiroshima’s latest feels like it was crafted by a team of artisans, people who love what they do. Engineering magic Helping deliver this magic is a rigidly mounted steering rack; no squishy rubber bushing gets in the way of your palms feeling the road in high fidelity.
Beyond this, the chassis was also reworked to quell roll understeer, giving the tiller that feeling of urgency. New rebound springs and larger, lower-friction dampers better control body roll without necessitating beefier stabilizer bars. This results in a ride that’s always in tension, but free of any harshness. It’s quite a remarkable achievement as the car just flows from one turn to the next. More than skin deep The 2018 Mazda6 received plenty of engineering attention, but designers also made their share of alterations. Visual changes are numerous, if subtle. Up front, you’ll find standard LED headlights with integrated fog lights. The updated Mazda6’s grille texture is new, seemingly inspired by a wicker chair, plus its signature chrome accent wing has been stretched, daggering underneath the lamp housings for a wider, more dramatic facial expression.
Naturally, the car’s wheels have been redesigned, spanning up to 19 inches. You’ve got to love that newly available Soul Red Crystal paint, which is worth every cent of the $450 upcharge. It absolutely glows, especially in direct sunlight.
But these are just a few of the changes you can see. In total, more than 70 enhancements have been made to quell NVH, effort well spent as the new Mazda6 is dramatically quieter and smoother than before.
But that doesn’t mean this car has forgotten how to have fun. Pressing me back into the supportive new driver’s seat, which is padded with higher-density foam and resculpted to keep your spine aligned as it would be while standing, is an engine that’s just as eager as this sedan’s sensational steering. The uplevel 2.5-litre turbocharged four-banger serves up a 310 ft-lb wallop, a torrent of twist that brings to mind the spillway of a hydroelectric plant when they crack open the taps.
Keep its tank topped off with the good stuff (read: 93 octane dinosaur juice) and this Mazda6 will serve up a healthy 250 hp; cheap out at the pump and that figure drops to 227. Unnatural aspiration Thanks to shrewd engineering, there’s basically zero lag, with it pulling like a mule from the getgo. Enabling this, the two centre cylinders share an exhaust port, which means hot waste gasses are always exiting in a way that improves intake.
There’s also a series of control valves within the manifold that restricts outflow at low rpm to spool the blower almost imme- diately. At higher revs, they open wide to prevent unnecessary restriction.
Showcasing Mazda’s technical prowess, there’s zero torque steer despite routing more than 300 ft-lb to the front tires. Interior beauty This sedan’s interior is also practically brand new. Only the steering wheel and a few minor trim pieces carry over.
In top-level Signature trim, the Mazda6 is borderline luxurious, dressed to the nines with Nappa leather and UltraSuede NU accents. Genuine Japanese sen wood — a type of ash timber — is also included, though unfortunately it looks and feels like plastic, about this cabin’s only disappointing element.
The other noteworthy pain point is the infotainment offering. Even though an eight-inch display is standard, the uplevel Connect system is haphazardly organized and slathered with more chrome than a 1950s’ Cadillac. Look at those icons!
Dual-zone climate control is standard, as is Smart City Brake Support, which should help prevent low-speed collisions. Pricing Whether it’s driving dynamics, fuel economy, practicality or even pricing, this car is all over its competitors. You can get one for $28,930, including delivery.
The top-shelf Signature-trim model evaluated for this review was, naturally, a bit more expensive, though not unreasonably so. Including delivery charges, it rang up at $40,730, including options such as a cargo mat, Soul Red Crystal paint, and scuff plates. The verdict The 2018 Mazda6 is a damn good mid-size sedan, though it’s hard to crown it the segment’s best without subjecting it to the rigours of a comparison test. But, it’s probably safe to say this machine is the best driving family four-door available today, truly a delight.