Picture Gallery: 2009 Mazda6 GS-I4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Discuss
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In person, the new Mazda6 appears much larger than what photos would suggest. Park next to a previous-generation Mazda6, and the car is noticeably taller and bulbous whereas the 2008 model was more raked and aggressive looking.
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I was actually impressed when I first sat behind the wheel of this car. It’s well-designed interior comfortable — what’s not too like? Then I started investigating what exactly I was driving — a base model with comfort package I determined — and with a starting price of only $22,495, this car really appealed to me quickly.
Unlike many testers I receive, this model isn’t decked out to the nines with every option in the book, which gives me an even better perspective.
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Some of the standard features include such things as: air conditioning, power windows with auto up/down for the fronts, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, wheel-mounted radio controls, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers, keyless entry, 17-inch alloy wheels and ABS — a great list!
So I was initially impressed … but will I remain so over the course of the week? Stay tuned to find out.
2009 Mazda6
MSRP as tested (including destination): $26,685
For more information on Mazda and the Mazda6 visit Mazda Canada
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The Mazda6’s radio and HVAC controls are very easy to use, with nice large buttons on the radio that are clear to read and easy to understand. The HVAC controls consist of three large dials below the radio that feel solid and are, again, very simple yet extremely functional.
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The seats are comfortable and tilt and telescoping steering make for a pleasant seating position for the driver. With the power moonroof, though I have to say head room seems a little tight. People six feet tall or more may have an issue with this. Rear seat room is exceptional; this vehicle really is a large sedan.
To top it off, trunk space is generous, with 60/40 split folding rear seats that fold — nearly, but not quite — perfectly flat. The rear seats provide a centre armrest with cup-holders. The interior feels well screwed and clicked together; everything fits tightly, and even though the dash area is made of what seems to be three or four different types of plastics, the textures flow between them for continuity. The aluminum-coloured trim pieces add a bit of flair to the design, and it really stands out against the beige/sand interior.
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I thought that was interesting, considering the measurements provided by Mazda do not suggest such a drastic size difference. But hey, I’m already getting flamed in the forums for not writing about the drive, so let’s get to it. I drove a co-worker to pick up his car at the shop after work today… interestingly enough, it was the Mazda dealership as he owns a Protege.
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The 2.5-litre engine produces 170hp; it isn’t really powerful but it moves the Mazda6 well enough, while the 5 speed automatic’s shifts are indiscernible and the manual mode does work pretty well, allowing you to use it to gear down for stop signs and not use the brakes at all.
The brakes are grabby but very strong, and once you get used to them, easy enough to modulate; too aggressive on the brakes and you’ll notice your passenger’s heads bopping about. The steering is extremely light, which makes the Mazda6 easy to drive in all situations, but also takes away some in road feel. The car is sure-footed around corners as well, although the tires mounted on my tester are very vocal when rounding the 10km/h bend near my home at four times that speed — it seems the grip is there, but the tires want to make sure you know they are in pain.
I drove the 2004 Mazda6 way back in 2003 and I remember that first drive vividly: I had a huge smile on my face (although I did test the manual version). This version, though, while still fun to drive, doesn’t urge me to push and dance the car as much as it urges me to go light on the throttle and save fuel, and that’s a little bit unfortunate.
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Over the week, I averaged a very respectable 9.7L/100km in the Mazda6, which is on par with other mid-sized four cylinder vehicles in this segment.
Competitors to the Mazda6 include the Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord, GM’s new Malibu and Hyundai’s Sonata: all excellent cars that have become so good you would not be making a mistake choosing any one of them.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2009 Mazda6
MSRP as tested (including destination): $26,685
For more information on Mazda and the Mazda6 visit Mazda Canada
to our site.
September 18, 2008, 09:34:03 pm Yea..but you could do your blog while you are playing Forza or GT5.....
September 18, 2008, 09:35:51 pm was program Dragon Speak
http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeaking/
September 18, 2008, 09:39:06 pm ^^I don't know. All I know is he talked and it typed. He said it works with his e-mail too. Was awesome. Sorry I don't remember what it was called though. I was too "wow cool" to even bother asking.....(dummy that I am)...
That could be it though...because he said it was "expensive" and at $200, that qualifies...
September 18, 2008, 09:42:00 pm Dragon speak is pretty good, I used it probably 5-6 years ago I can only assume it is a million times better now!
Back on topic...
September 18, 2008, 11:41:11 pm Wing, I hope you don't mind if I suggest that perhaps, in the First Day blog, instead of listing the common features (BTW the side bar idea is great or even a link to the manufacturer's specs should do it) you list the ones that are unique or rare in the class. For instance, Mazda6 comes standard with 17" alloy, driver& passenger UP/DOWN power windows, steering wheel audio controls, etc.
Also, if you conclude that the materials or fit-and-finish are not as good, please state exactly where the fault is so the potential buyer can check it out while in the showroom. Very few reviewers do this.
September 18, 2008, 11:55:19 pm
Very few reviewers say ANYTHING bad for fear of upsetting the manufacturers and maybe not being able to get some future special car. I think that's why many people like Top Gear...because they REALLY let you know when a car is a POS.
September 19, 2008, 12:02:09 am
Very few reviewers say ANYTHING bad for fear of upsetting the manufacturers and maybe not being able to get some future special car. I think that's why many people like Top Gear...because they REALLY let you know when a car is a POS.
That's how JC made his name, he was the first car journo in the UK to do this, and it made him millions!
September 19, 2008, 12:07:44 am
That's how JC made his name, he was the first car journo in the UK to do this, and it made him millions!
Wonder if this could make Wing a Zillionaire? (though I hear he is already...)
September 19, 2008, 01:38:09 am is Mazda using Contis too?
September 19, 2008, 02:00:06 am
Very few reviewers say ANYTHING bad for fear of upsetting the manufacturers and maybe not being able to get some future special car. I think that's why many people like Top Gear...because they REALLY let you know when a car is a POS.
Of course, the trick with Top Gear is that they call EVERY car rubbish, even the brilliant ones
September 19, 2008, 09:37:14 am For the guys that don't think about the large audience as guest viewers that come to CT, I think wing has developed a very good system for his weekly blog.
For example if you look at the current viewers anytime there are a much higher percentage of guest viewing then members all the time.
At this moment 99 Guests, 15 Users (3 Hidden) .
My point is for the guests I am sure they get more real information as far as trim levels and what is included in such trim levels from wings blog, then the manufacturers website, or from a USA based blog site were the equipment and spec levels are different.
And driving the car for a few days will give a better all around impression of what you like and don't like. I appreciate that wing waits and does his day 3 driving impressions.
I would think when wing writes his views on the driving and living with the vehicle experience on day 3, its a very good reason for those guests to tune in again and visit CT again.
September 19, 2008, 11:03:44 am
Very few reviewers say ANYTHING bad for fear of upsetting the manufacturers and maybe not being able to get some future special car. I think that's why many people like Top Gear...because they REALLY let you know when a car is a POS.
Right. I especially "love" those First Drives reviews that follow manufacturer paid events, sometimes overseas. They all sound alike since they are only a repost of the PR materials and pictures. Useless.
What sets Wing’s blog apart is its highly interactive format. He has the car for the week, posts daily and we have the opportunity to ask questions and actually get answers, plus all the discussions around.
I'm yet to find a site that truly analyzes, objectively, side by side, all the cars, (and trims) in each segment like an educated buyer would do. This way, the uneducated buyers would get educated too without doing all the work that goes in and perhaps they never do. I do this all the time as a hobby and I know that a significant part that would go in a project like this could be done using web information and the cars in the dealership showrooms/lots. The only piece that is more difficult to get is the performance numbers.
I, for one, think about the general public and not worry about the people hanging here and elsewhere on the Internet forums all day long talking about cars.
September 19, 2008, 07:27:21 pm Saw a 2009 V6 on my way home tonight. Looks nothing like a Camry in person. Quite sexy, from the flared front fenders (say that three times fast
September 19, 2008, 10:35:27 pm "fox force five" "fox force five"
September 20, 2008, 06:22:48 am
September 20, 2008, 12:41:10 pm
Very few reviewers say ANYTHING bad for fear of upsetting the manufacturers and maybe not being able to get some future special car. I think that's why many people like Top Gear...because they REALLY let you know when a car is a POS.
The worst offender has to be the Toronto Sun. I don't think they grade anything less than a b-.
September 20, 2008, 03:10:17 pm
Three tomatoes are walking down the
street, a poppa tomato, a momma
tomato, and a little baby tomato.
The baby tomato is lagging behind
the poppa and momma tomato. The
poppa tomato gets mad, goes over to
the momma tomato and stamps on
him --
(STAMPS on the ground)
-- and says: catch up.
They both smile, but neither laugh.
MIA
See ya 'round, Vince.
September 20, 2008, 07:53:42 pm Ha ha ha.
September 21, 2008, 10:13:59 pm Day 3 review - now that's what I'm talkin' about - thanks.
Hats of to Mazda - I think they have done a really nice job with this vehicle and I hope they are rewarded with strong sales.
Jaeger
September 22, 2008, 10:30:50 am Somewhat of a short wrap-up this week eh?
I wonder how similar the new Mz3 will look when it comes out.
October 02, 2008, 10:09:53 pm finally got some time to post a pic of my Mazda6 - picked it up almost two weeks ago now... still love it
October 02, 2008, 11:02:20 pm lookin good..
congrats!!!
October 07, 2008, 10:21:44 am I tested this car. It looks like a million bucks. I am shopping for a possible Accord replacement. Unfortunately, the steering feels like that of a 1967 Chrysler Newport. It's totally soft and geriatric in feel. In my opinion, it ruins an otherwise awesome car.
What was Mazda thinking? This car shouts "Drivers Car" and then let's you down when you drive it. Zoom This!
October 07, 2008, 10:36:19 am
What was Mazda thinking? This car shouts "Drivers Car" and then let's you down when you drive it. Zoom This!
I have to agree.
My dad and I test drove a GS Comfort package, I4, auto on Saturday. Power was okay (nothing special), ride was comfortable (not soft but not jarring either), and it was spacious inside. But like you mentioned, the steering was horrible. Too light for my tastes, and not that responsive.
October 08, 2008, 10:37:18 am ..maybe....just maybe as the Olde 6 sold poorly...but was SPORTISH!!!!...they figured more Mamas & Papas would like the electric steering and easy peasy parking..and they'd SELL MORE...just a thought.
The light Gold version with the tan upholstery was a beaut..BUTT! i only sat in it................can ya not just take the "duracell" out the steering column and BEEF it UP fer U Mother TRUCKERS.....