The Mazda 6 is the sports sedan of the mainstream midsize cars. It boasts style, agility and performance. In short, it's more fun to drive than other cars in this class. It's a great choice for someone who wants a more exciting car. The sedan offers the best handling. The hatchback and wagon offer the same driving excitement with increased versatility. The Mazdaspeed6 a special factory performance car with a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive that's fun for charging down back roads yet comfortable for everyday driving.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Jim McCraw reported from Detroit, with Mitch McCullough reporting from Laguna Beach, California.
Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
Mazda 6i sedan ($19,110); 6i Sport sedan ($21,810); 6i Grand Touring sedan ($24,710); 6i Grand Sport sedan ($25,210); 6s sedan ($23,010); 6s Sport sedan ($23,910); 6s Grand Touring sedan ($27,260); 6s Grand Sport sedan ($27,110); 6i Sport hatchback ($22,210); 6s Sport hatchback ($24,510); 6s Grand Sport hatchback ($27,710); 6s wagon ($23,610), 6s Sport wagon ($24,610); 6s Grand Touring wagon ($27,160); 6s Grand Sport wagon ($27,910); MazdaSpeed6 sedan ($27,995)
dual-stage front airbags, ABS, EBD, traction control
Safety equipment (optional):
side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, stability control
Basic warranty:
4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled in:
Flat Rock, Michigan; Hofu, Japan (Mazdaspeed6)
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
Mazda 6s Sport Sedan ($23,910)
Standard equipment:
V6 engine; ABS; EBD; traction control; air conditioning; cruise control; six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo; power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescope adjustments; 17-inch aluminum road wheels; perimeter anti-theft alarm; dual-stage front airbags; side airbags and side-curtain airbags; power trunk release; dual 12-volt power outlets; front and rear dual map lights; halogen fog lamps, dual oval exhaust outlets, front and rear air dams, side sill extensions, wing-type deck lid spoiler
Options as tested (MSRP):
auto-dimming mirror with compass and HomeLink ($250)
Destination charge:
($560)
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$24,720
Layout:
front-wheel drive
Engine:
3.0-liter dohc 24-valve V6
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
215 @ 6000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
199 @ 5000
Transmission:
5-speed manual
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
19/26 mpg
Wheelbase:
105.3 in.
Length/width/height:
186.8/70.1/56.7 in.
Track, f/r:
60.2/60.2 in.
Turning circle:
38.7 ft.
Seating capacity:
5
Head/hip/leg room, f:
38.7/54.7/42.3 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:
37.1/54.1/36.5 in.
Cargo volume:
15.2 cu. ft.
Payload:
N/A
Towing capacity:
N/A
Suspension, f:
independent, upper and lower wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension, r:
independent, E-type multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Ground clearance:
5.1 in.
Curb weight:
3287 lbs.
Tires:
P215/50VR17
Brakes, f/r:
vented disc/solid disc, with ABS and EBD; traction control
Fuel capacity:
18.0 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of October 03, 2005.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
949-727-1990 -
www.mazdausa.com
