Mazda 6, Beauty From All Sides

Launched in 2013, the Mazda 6 caused a sensation in the automotive world for a different aesthetic from other sedans. After his presentation, he did not leave anyone indifferent. In 2016 he received a small restyling to try not to fall off a train that never stops.

In a market like Spain, where German brands have reigned for so many years, it is very difficult to open a gap, especially if you are an average saloon, an endangered species.

SUVs rule, and although the Japanese brand also takes advantage of the moment with its CX-3 and CX-5, it is difficult to assimilate that a model as round in every way as this Mazda 6 does not get the number of sales it deserves.

Design

Certainly, the designers of the German premium brands must have been nervous when they saw the product that the Japanese brought, you may like it more or less, but at first glance it is imposing.

At the front we find a large nose with the typical Mazda diamond-shaped grille, adorned with a chrome stripe that meets the headlights. The differences with respect to the model before the  restyling are minimal, only the area of ​​the indicators and the lower part of the bumper changes.

In profile, the Mazda 6 has the typical three-volume saloon body, with sharp wheel arches and generous proportions. At 4.86 meters it is closer to the size of a BMW 5 series than a 3 series. Something similar happens to the Ford Mondeo and Opel Insignia; From our point of view, they have reached an excessive length for being medium saloons, making them excessively clumsy in urban areas.

The rear stands out for its high and rounded lines, with a chrome strip that joins both drivers. A similar design shows the headlights.

Inside

Since its appearance, little has changed in the two updates to the cabin. Only the steering wheel is a new format and the infotainment system has improved. What has improved a lot are security systems, such as pedestrian detection, now with more speed ranges and supported by a camera instead of a laser.

The space in the front seats is magnificent. The front seats are large and spacious, but at the same time they support the body very well in lateral movements. As in the rest of the Mazda range, it has a multifunction screen placed in a good position; you just have to take your eyes off the road to consult it.

In the upper part of the dashboard we find soft materials, and hard in the lower parts. But all with a clear look of robustness.

In the rear seats we will not miss space either. The knees have room to spare and the width is almost suitable for three adults. We say almost because few models on the market, except large minivans, achieve this task. The height to the ceiling is a bit tight, and tall people will rub their heads in these places.

The trunk, with 480 liters in the four-door version and 520 liters in the station wagon, is only correct. It is not small, far from it, but given the size of the vehicle, it does not stand out. A Skoda Octavia gets 590 liters with 4.65 meters in length.

Dynamic

The Japanese brand has always stood out for making comfortable cars but with a certain sporty air in their handling. This Mazda 6 is no exception.

On wide roads it brings out its good work, both in the remarkable soundproofing of the cabin and in the comfort it gives to the occupants with its independent suspension on all four wheels. It is a car that does not tire passengers on long trips.

On curvy and mountain roads, bring out your other side to make you enjoy driving. With a direct steering and little reduction, it manages to give you the information you need at the wheel to feel comfortable when you slow down. The suspension holds the body very well, which is quite light for its dimensions: approximately 1400 kilograms of weight (depending on the version).

The dynamic set is very satisfying in all situations, being a very pleasant car and fun to drive.

Engines

It has a less varied range than most of its competitors, but the power scale is correct.

• Gasoline – Follow Mazda’s belief in getting rid of the turbo. We found two blocks: a 2.0-liter 145 hp with manual transmission and a 2.5-liter 192 hp automatic. Although both are very refined and quiet, they do not deliver acceleration at the level of diesel versions. Only if we speed up the gears do we get the expected acceleration.  Where they do stand out is in consumption, reaching averages below seven liters per hundred kilometers without problem.
• Diesel : The Mazda 6 puts its trust in a 2.2-liter block, available with 150 and 175 hp. We can both choose them with manual or automatic gearbox. The one with the lowest power is more than enough for most circumstances, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 9.1 seconds. It consumes and vibrates little and delivers its power from low revs. It is without a doubt our favorite.

Mazda 6 prices

Part of the € 27,975 that the version with 145 hp gasoline and the Style finish costs up to € 40,185 of the 175 hp diesel and Luxury finish with automatic transmission.

Unlike its competitors, the Mazda 6 does not increase the price in the family version compared to the four-door.

conclusion

It’s not cheap, but it doesn’t pretend to be either. For price, this Mazda 6 gets into almost premium terrain, and gives the stature to position itself as such, it is very difficult to change the mind of the European public.

Sales indicate that not many people are willing to spend the same amount of money on a Mazda as on a BMW. Reliability tests also place it at the top, but neither its spectacular design nor its good work have given it the success it deserves. The heart rules when we change cars, there is no doubt about that.