BIG FISH BEWARE
Mazda continues to refine its family sedan while chasing the segment’s juggernauts
VERNON One of the great mysteries of the automotive world is why the Mazda6 front-wheel-drive mid-sized family sedan doesn’t command a larger share of the market. It surely is a lovely thing to behold, both inside and out, and gosh knows the auto writing community has been singing its dynamic praises for long enough. You can’t argue with the fuel economy or pricing, either.
The only things possibly holding back this Mazda sedan were its slightly coarse 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, a firm-ish ride and not quite class-competitive noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels. And 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 2.5-L turbocharged four (lifted from the Mazda CX-9 seven-seat crossover) that produces 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, 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 2.5-L naturally aspirated engine — with 187 hp and 186 lb.-ft. — now gets cylinder deactivation and a six-speed automatic is the sole transmission with both engines. For the handful who might have wanted their Mazda6 with a six-speed manual transmission, that is now off the menu in Canada.
Mazda has not messed with the 6’s purity of line. While most Japanese automakers seem to be embarking on a stylistic tangent where no crease is one too many and no grille is too big or too gaudy, Mazda designers stay true to the Kodo design ethos and we thank them. OK, they have made the 6’s grille 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 and a recontoured rear end with new LED tail lights and larger exhaust outlets.
The Mazda6 already had arguably 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, such as 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 seven.
Arriving in dealerships now, the 2018 Mazda6 gets a simplified lineup. The base model is now the $27,000 GS with fabric seats, 187-hp 2.5-L engine, 17-inch alloys, heated seats, 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. The 2.5-L 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. This 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 and the top Signature Grade. The base 2.5-L engine is certainly adequate, but the turbo is quieter, smoother and gives the 6 an impressive turn of speed. Turbo lag ? Non-existent. Out on these winding roads around Vernon, the dynamic excellence comes into focus. Mazda cites changes to the dampers, bushings, steering gear, sub-frame 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 response and excellent body control.
Basic ergonomics are good, showing a fine driving position, clear gauge cluster 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. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not available, but will come along later in the year.
With shoppers making the headlong rush to crossovers, the family sedan segment is shrinking. But that’s not scaring Mazda. This independent Japanese automaker has sweated the details with its 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.