Mazda: Mazda6 News
#721
The sizzle in the Steak
I give Mazda props for even thinking of a 6 coupe. It's crazy, considering the 6 does not & probably will not sell anywhere near the numbers of its competition....and then add an even lower selling volume coupe model into the mix...
#722
Race Director
http://www.autoweek.com/article/2013...NEWS/130109968
The redesigned 2014 Mazda 6 sedan carries a base price of $21,675 including shipping charges. That's a $155 increase over the 2013 model.
Mazda redesigned its midsize sedan and incorporated the brand's SkyActiv fuel efficiency technology.
The SkyActiv suite includes a 2.5-liter gasoline engine that can be paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is rated at 184 hp at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm.
With the manual transmission, the Mazda 6 is rated at 25 mpg city/37 mpg highway/29 mpg combined MPG. The automatic does slightly better at 26 mpg city/38 mpg highway/30 mpg combined.
Those numbers put the 2014 Mazda 6 amid the crop of redesigned midsize sedans launched for 2013, including the redesigned Nissan Altima that achieves 27 mpg city/38 mpg highway/31 mpg combined when equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission.
Mazda will make the SkyActiv 2.2-liter diesel engine available in the Mazda 6 in the second half of this year. Final specifications and pricing will be released then.
The gasoline-powered 2014 Mazda 6 is on sale now and available in three trims.
Standard equipment on the base i Sport includes the manual transmission, push-button start, air conditioning with pollen filter, power windows with a driver-side one-touch up/down feature, a tilt-and-telescopic adjustable steering column, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control functions, 17-inch alloy wheels and auxiliary and USB connection ports.
With the optional automatic transmission on the i Sport, added features include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 5.8-inch color touchscreen display, a rearview camera, HD radio, Pandora Internet radio compatibility, SMS text message receipt and delivery, automatic emergency notification and voice commands.
The mid-level i Touring trim is $25,290 with shipping charges. Additional equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat vents, leatherette-trimmed sport seats, a six-way power driver's seat and a switch for operating functions on the 5.8-inch display screen.
The Touring Technology package, a $2,000 option, adds a navigation system, Bose 11-speaker surround sound system, keyless entry, automatic on/off headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, an auto-dimming driver's side outside mirror, heated outside mirrors and the new brake support system that reduces brake pedal travel if a potential collision is detected when traveling at speeds less than 19 mph.
The top-of-the-line Mazda 6 trim is the i Grand Touring, which is $30,290. It builds on the i Touring with Touring Technology package and adds platinum silver 19-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, a rear lip spoiler, bi-xenon high-intensity discharge headlights with auto leveling, leather-trimmed sport seats with heated front seats, an eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, a four-way power front passenger seat, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifter and Sirius satellite radio with four months free.
Two package options are available with the i Grand Touring. The Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Forward Obstruction Warning package ($900) adds those safety features. The Advanced package will be available in the second half of 2013 and adds those safety features and lane departure warning, high beam control and a braking energy regen system, named i-ELOOP, for a fuel-efficiency boost. Pricing has not been released.
Mazda redesigned its midsize sedan and incorporated the brand's SkyActiv fuel efficiency technology.
The SkyActiv suite includes a 2.5-liter gasoline engine that can be paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is rated at 184 hp at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm.
With the manual transmission, the Mazda 6 is rated at 25 mpg city/37 mpg highway/29 mpg combined MPG. The automatic does slightly better at 26 mpg city/38 mpg highway/30 mpg combined.
Those numbers put the 2014 Mazda 6 amid the crop of redesigned midsize sedans launched for 2013, including the redesigned Nissan Altima that achieves 27 mpg city/38 mpg highway/31 mpg combined when equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission.
Mazda will make the SkyActiv 2.2-liter diesel engine available in the Mazda 6 in the second half of this year. Final specifications and pricing will be released then.
The gasoline-powered 2014 Mazda 6 is on sale now and available in three trims.
Standard equipment on the base i Sport includes the manual transmission, push-button start, air conditioning with pollen filter, power windows with a driver-side one-touch up/down feature, a tilt-and-telescopic adjustable steering column, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control functions, 17-inch alloy wheels and auxiliary and USB connection ports.
With the optional automatic transmission on the i Sport, added features include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 5.8-inch color touchscreen display, a rearview camera, HD radio, Pandora Internet radio compatibility, SMS text message receipt and delivery, automatic emergency notification and voice commands.
The mid-level i Touring trim is $25,290 with shipping charges. Additional equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat vents, leatherette-trimmed sport seats, a six-way power driver's seat and a switch for operating functions on the 5.8-inch display screen.
The Touring Technology package, a $2,000 option, adds a navigation system, Bose 11-speaker surround sound system, keyless entry, automatic on/off headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, an auto-dimming driver's side outside mirror, heated outside mirrors and the new brake support system that reduces brake pedal travel if a potential collision is detected when traveling at speeds less than 19 mph.
The top-of-the-line Mazda 6 trim is the i Grand Touring, which is $30,290. It builds on the i Touring with Touring Technology package and adds platinum silver 19-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, a rear lip spoiler, bi-xenon high-intensity discharge headlights with auto leveling, leather-trimmed sport seats with heated front seats, an eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, a four-way power front passenger seat, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifter and Sirius satellite radio with four months free.
Two package options are available with the i Grand Touring. The Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Forward Obstruction Warning package ($900) adds those safety features. The Advanced package will be available in the second half of 2013 and adds those safety features and lane departure warning, high beam control and a braking energy regen system, named i-ELOOP, for a fuel-efficiency boost. Pricing has not been released.
#723
TQ > MPG
I went to the Detroit auto show yesterday and surprisingly my "favorite" car in the show was the Mazda 6.
Was the Stingray badass? Of course. But its not realistic for me. I am looking to replace my 192k mile CLS6 in the next couple years.
I was really impressed with everything about the Mazda 6. Great styling without trying too hard (looking at you Sonata), awesome interior & trunk space, and seriosuly great fuel economy engines.
A decently optioned example stickers for mid 20's and comes with leather, bluetooth audio, Pandora, 19" wheels, dual zone climate, 11 speaker Bose, rear view camera, and much more.
I sat in a Fusion, Passat, Accord, Optima, and Malibu. They all are very good cars, but I think the Mazda has the best combination of price, mpg, quality, and roominess. I think its gonna be a home run for Mazda, and the diesel will really open some eyes. I mean hell, if the gasoline engine gets 38mpg what will the diesel get? 45? 50?......
Was the Stingray badass? Of course. But its not realistic for me. I am looking to replace my 192k mile CLS6 in the next couple years.
I was really impressed with everything about the Mazda 6. Great styling without trying too hard (looking at you Sonata), awesome interior & trunk space, and seriosuly great fuel economy engines.
A decently optioned example stickers for mid 20's and comes with leather, bluetooth audio, Pandora, 19" wheels, dual zone climate, 11 speaker Bose, rear view camera, and much more.
I sat in a Fusion, Passat, Accord, Optima, and Malibu. They all are very good cars, but I think the Mazda has the best combination of price, mpg, quality, and roominess. I think its gonna be a home run for Mazda, and the diesel will really open some eyes. I mean hell, if the gasoline engine gets 38mpg what will the diesel get? 45? 50?......
#725
TQ > MPG
I dont think the online builder is available yet, but I'm sure a dealer could.
The more I think about it I may wait for the diesel, especially if you can get it with the manual trans and grand touring trim level. The GT has some nice features that I would really prefer, like HID, fog lights, moonroof, and memory/heated seats. Not to mention the radar cruise control, lane departure warning, and regenerative braking if you wanted all those items (I wouldnt really care).
The more I think about it I may wait for the diesel, especially if you can get it with the manual trans and grand touring trim level. The GT has some nice features that I would really prefer, like HID, fog lights, moonroof, and memory/heated seats. Not to mention the radar cruise control, lane departure warning, and regenerative braking if you wanted all those items (I wouldnt really care).
Last edited by Joe5.0; 01-24-2013 at 11:29 AM.
#728
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Mazdaspeed6 Coupe with AWD... wow
#729
Moderator
#731
You'll Never Walk Alone
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Age: 37
Posts: 9,521
Received 846 Likes
on
526 Posts
Can't wait to see a comparison test.
Is it just me or does the Mazda6 really cost that much in Canada? Am I missing something?
The Mazda6 GT is $32.2k. Add the tech package for $2k and you are at $34.2k, excluding the $1700 freight and PDI. You also need to add $200-$300 for some colors.
The Accord Touring I4 is $30.4k with the 6MT or $31.6k with the CVT and it's fully loaded (i.e. nice looking 18" rims, LED headlights, etc). That's quite a bit cheaper than the Mazda6 GT with Tech.
In fact, the top of the line Accord Touring V6 is $35.3k in Canada, just about $1k more than the Mazda6 GT Tech.
Is it just me or does the Mazda6 really cost that much in Canada? Am I missing something?
The Mazda6 GT is $32.2k. Add the tech package for $2k and you are at $34.2k, excluding the $1700 freight and PDI. You also need to add $200-$300 for some colors.
The Accord Touring I4 is $30.4k with the 6MT or $31.6k with the CVT and it's fully loaded (i.e. nice looking 18" rims, LED headlights, etc). That's quite a bit cheaper than the Mazda6 GT with Tech.
In fact, the top of the line Accord Touring V6 is $35.3k in Canada, just about $1k more than the Mazda6 GT Tech.
#732
Senior Moderator
Didn't look at GT pricing too closely. If that's the case if will be a hard sell at that price. Not that it's not be worth it or whatever, but perceived value and name recognition isn't exactly stellar on the 6.
The fact that 6MT is available on the GT makes no sense. Even if the take rate is higher in Canada, the volumes are so low compared to the US it doesn't made any sense. Same goes for the 6MT I4 Touring on the Accord.
The fact that 6MT is available on the GT makes no sense. Even if the take rate is higher in Canada, the volumes are so low compared to the US it doesn't made any sense. Same goes for the 6MT I4 Touring on the Accord.
Last edited by dom; 01-25-2013 at 03:31 PM.
#733
You'll Never Walk Alone
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Age: 37
Posts: 9,521
Received 846 Likes
on
526 Posts
It also seems like the Mazda6 isn't as light as I thought. I heard that it would start at below 3000lb. But looking at the specs, all 6MT models are rated at 3183lb and all 6AT models are rated at 3232lb. I'd imagine those are figures are the sport trim. I doubt that all trims have the same weight. For reference, the Accord LX 6MT is 3192lb and CVT model is 3254lb.
#734
Can't wait to see a comparison test.
Is it just me or does the Mazda6 really cost that much in Canada? Am I missing something?
The Mazda6 GT is $32.2k. Add the tech package for $2k and you are at $34.2k, excluding the $1700 freight and PDI. You also need to add $200-$300 for some colors.
The Accord Touring I4 is $30.4k with the 6MT or $31.6k with the CVT and it's fully loaded (i.e. nice looking 18" rims, LED headlights, etc). That's quite a bit cheaper than the Mazda6 GT with Tech.
In fact, the top of the line Accord Touring V6 is $35.3k in Canada, just about $1k more than the Mazda6 GT Tech.
Is it just me or does the Mazda6 really cost that much in Canada? Am I missing something?
The Mazda6 GT is $32.2k. Add the tech package for $2k and you are at $34.2k, excluding the $1700 freight and PDI. You also need to add $200-$300 for some colors.
The Accord Touring I4 is $30.4k with the 6MT or $31.6k with the CVT and it's fully loaded (i.e. nice looking 18" rims, LED headlights, etc). That's quite a bit cheaper than the Mazda6 GT with Tech.
In fact, the top of the line Accord Touring V6 is $35.3k in Canada, just about $1k more than the Mazda6 GT Tech.
Didn't look at GT pricing too closely. If that's the case if will be a hard sell at that price. Not that it's not be worth it or whatever, but perceived value and name recognition isn't exactly stellar on the 6.
The fact that 6MT is available on the GT makes no sense. Even if the take rate is higher in Canada, the volumes are so low compared to the US it doesn't made any sense. Same goes for the 6MT I4 Touring on the Accord.
The fact that 6MT is available on the GT makes no sense. Even if the take rate is higher in Canada, the volumes are so low compared to the US it doesn't made any sense. Same goes for the 6MT I4 Touring on the Accord.
#735
Race Director
It also seems like the Mazda6 isn't as light as I thought. I heard that it would start at below 3000lb. But looking at the specs, all 6MT models are rated at 3183lb and all 6AT models are rated at 3232lb. I'd imagine those are figures are the sport trim. I doubt that all trims have the same weight. For reference, the Accord LX 6MT is 3192lb and CVT model is 3254lb.
#737
Moderator
#739
Some dude
From Autoblog:
In an automotive landscape dominated by platform sharing, technology exchange and any number of other cross-fertilization/cost-saving/amortization exercises, it's actually pretty rare that we get to drive a new car that is as "all-new" as this, the 2014 Mazda6. With brand-spanking new Skyactiv architecture throughout – engine, transmission, body and chassis all included – this 6 represents a new era of flexible production and cutting edge running gear for the happily lithe car company.
Our own Jonathon Ramsey did a cracking job of running the Mazda6 through its First Drive paces a few months ago, and sufficiently impressed upon us just how good looking a car this is for the midsize sedan segment. Suffice it to say, now, then, that this is easily the most interesting (and quite possibly the most beautiful) midsize sedan in the segment today. However, as Mr. Ramsey reviewed a fully contented example of the 6 – one equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission – we took advantage of Mazda's North American launch event of the car to suss out the base Mazda6 i Sport, complete with its six-speed Skyactiv manual gearbox. This may not shock you, but the stripper's pretty good, too.
Driving Notes
We'll get right down to the meat of it: The manual transmission is far better than the average do-it-yourself gearbox in this segment. Throws of the gearlever are light, short, and easy to put home with confidence. The clutch pedal, similarly, is very low-effort, but with a broad catch point that's simple to operate in every driving situation we encountered. This isn't a hewn-from-billet shifting experience, naturally, but it is a manual transmission that can be used with satisfaction in spirited driving, or mindlessly on the shopping run. The transmission is just perfectly suited to the power delivery of the smooth 2.5-liter motor, too.
The Sport trim car we tested had zero options – quite a rarity in the media fleet. Still, we found the cabin to be pretty accommodating and comfortable. The most noticeable interior bits on this base-level are the all-cloth seats and the old school head unit where the touchscreen display usually lives. The seats were fine – soft to the touch and seemingly resilient, with just a bit of gloss and texture to make them feel upscale without the cowhide. The head unit, meanwhile, while perfectly functional (and sure to be embraced by the Luddite set in our comments section), was both drab and old-fashioned looking. Naturally, the instrument panel was designed to accommodate a touchscreen – this is the 21st Century, after all – so its lack of one hampers the design. For one thing, the lack of color and brightness afforded by the display makes the dash look sort of dark and dreary by comparison.
So, just how inexpensive is the base model Mazda6 i Sport? The literal answer is $21,675 after the $795 destination fee has been added on. That's pretty good, we thought. The relative answer is, of course, slightly more complicated. In a tooth-and-nail segment like this one, you'd expect pricing among the heavyweight players to be very close, and it is. Still, the new 6 is almost the class-leader. Comparing optionless, base-model MSRPs, plus destination charges, we find this: Toyota Camry is $23,030, Nissan Altima is $22,550, Honda Accord is $22,470 and Ford Fusion is $22,245. Volkswagen's most basic Passat is just $21,640 though – about a night at the movies with your wife (not the kids) cheaper than the Mazda.
Mazda is in zero danger of loosing its ballyhooed Zoom-Zoom appeal with this 6 – the handling experience is impressive. While we were perhaps a bit less bullish about the car's nimbleness on our test drive through some very hilly, winding Texas Hill Country roads than when cruising through the French countryside (again, see our First Drive), we still found the thing to be pretty tossable. Reactions to steering inputs, especially, were impressively fast for a car this big and long. The steering experience itself was a bit weightless, with not enough of a transition from on-lock to off-lock feeling of heft, but still very accurate and easy to modulate in a quick corner. Suspension response was admirable, too, on fast switchbacks. For all of that, the cruising ride didn't suffer, though road and tire noise on the freeway was higher than we'd like.
Mazda will doubtlessly sell a lot of examples of this new Mazda6 based on its stunning sheetmetal and high levels of content in the middle/upper trims. Good to know that the base car is still pretty sweet then; and still a pleasantly differentiated product in a segment filled with one-upmanship.
Our own Jonathon Ramsey did a cracking job of running the Mazda6 through its First Drive paces a few months ago, and sufficiently impressed upon us just how good looking a car this is for the midsize sedan segment. Suffice it to say, now, then, that this is easily the most interesting (and quite possibly the most beautiful) midsize sedan in the segment today. However, as Mr. Ramsey reviewed a fully contented example of the 6 – one equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission – we took advantage of Mazda's North American launch event of the car to suss out the base Mazda6 i Sport, complete with its six-speed Skyactiv manual gearbox. This may not shock you, but the stripper's pretty good, too.
Driving Notes
We'll get right down to the meat of it: The manual transmission is far better than the average do-it-yourself gearbox in this segment. Throws of the gearlever are light, short, and easy to put home with confidence. The clutch pedal, similarly, is very low-effort, but with a broad catch point that's simple to operate in every driving situation we encountered. This isn't a hewn-from-billet shifting experience, naturally, but it is a manual transmission that can be used with satisfaction in spirited driving, or mindlessly on the shopping run. The transmission is just perfectly suited to the power delivery of the smooth 2.5-liter motor, too.
The Sport trim car we tested had zero options – quite a rarity in the media fleet. Still, we found the cabin to be pretty accommodating and comfortable. The most noticeable interior bits on this base-level are the all-cloth seats and the old school head unit where the touchscreen display usually lives. The seats were fine – soft to the touch and seemingly resilient, with just a bit of gloss and texture to make them feel upscale without the cowhide. The head unit, meanwhile, while perfectly functional (and sure to be embraced by the Luddite set in our comments section), was both drab and old-fashioned looking. Naturally, the instrument panel was designed to accommodate a touchscreen – this is the 21st Century, after all – so its lack of one hampers the design. For one thing, the lack of color and brightness afforded by the display makes the dash look sort of dark and dreary by comparison.
So, just how inexpensive is the base model Mazda6 i Sport? The literal answer is $21,675 after the $795 destination fee has been added on. That's pretty good, we thought. The relative answer is, of course, slightly more complicated. In a tooth-and-nail segment like this one, you'd expect pricing among the heavyweight players to be very close, and it is. Still, the new 6 is almost the class-leader. Comparing optionless, base-model MSRPs, plus destination charges, we find this: Toyota Camry is $23,030, Nissan Altima is $22,550, Honda Accord is $22,470 and Ford Fusion is $22,245. Volkswagen's most basic Passat is just $21,640 though – about a night at the movies with your wife (not the kids) cheaper than the Mazda.
Mazda is in zero danger of loosing its ballyhooed Zoom-Zoom appeal with this 6 – the handling experience is impressive. While we were perhaps a bit less bullish about the car's nimbleness on our test drive through some very hilly, winding Texas Hill Country roads than when cruising through the French countryside (again, see our First Drive), we still found the thing to be pretty tossable. Reactions to steering inputs, especially, were impressively fast for a car this big and long. The steering experience itself was a bit weightless, with not enough of a transition from on-lock to off-lock feeling of heft, but still very accurate and easy to modulate in a quick corner. Suspension response was admirable, too, on fast switchbacks. For all of that, the cruising ride didn't suffer, though road and tire noise on the freeway was higher than we'd like.
Mazda will doubtlessly sell a lot of examples of this new Mazda6 based on its stunning sheetmetal and high levels of content in the middle/upper trims. Good to know that the base car is still pretty sweet then; and still a pleasantly differentiated product in a segment filled with one-upmanship.
The following users liked this post:
00TL-P3.2 (02-01-2013)
#741
Moderator
Mazda dealer by my office has a soul red '14 Mazda 6 (Sport AT, I think) on their lot.
Looks very very nice. Don't recall the sticker price though. I think it was around $24k.
Would be really tempting if the higher trims had a 6MT.
Looks very very nice. Don't recall the sticker price though. I think it was around $24k.
Would be really tempting if the higher trims had a 6MT.
#742
Niner Faithful
I saw a black one on the PA Turnpike this weekend - looked VERY nice in black. It looked longer than the current Accord but maybe it was just the design - but great road presence.
#743
TQ > MPG
Its been confirmed that you can get the Touring model with manual trans, and the diesel will be available with a manual trans in all trims.
I have read alot of positives about the automatic, so I wonder how well the stick shift will sell? Its actually rated slightly worse for mpg, even though in the real world I'll bet the manual trans does slightly better.
I have read alot of positives about the automatic, so I wonder how well the stick shift will sell? Its actually rated slightly worse for mpg, even though in the real world I'll bet the manual trans does slightly better.
#745
TQ > MPG
Yeah, but supposedly if theres enough demand maybe they will? Maybe it can be special ordered......?
Either way I think the diesel with GT package and manual trans will be a pretty cool car. 40+mpg highway, all the techy goods, and somewhere close (hopefully) to $30k.
I dont think I could buy a daily driver without HID's, sunroof, and heated seats. All of which are standard on the GT and not available in the touring. :/
Either way I think the diesel with GT package and manual trans will be a pretty cool car. 40+mpg highway, all the techy goods, and somewhere close (hopefully) to $30k.
I dont think I could buy a daily driver without HID's, sunroof, and heated seats. All of which are standard on the GT and not available in the touring. :/
Last edited by Joe5.0; 02-05-2013 at 10:00 PM.
#746
Moderator
Its been confirmed that you can get the Touring model with manual trans, and the diesel will be available with a manual trans in all trims.
I have read alot of positives about the automatic, so I wonder how well the stick shift will sell? Its actually rated slightly worse for mpg, even though in the real world I'll bet the manual trans does slightly better.
I have read alot of positives about the automatic, so I wonder how well the stick shift will sell? Its actually rated slightly worse for mpg, even though in the real world I'll bet the manual trans does slightly better.
Maybe that will change. After all, it's only Feb '13 & this is a '14 model car.
Either way, it look fantastic in person.
#748
Moderator
Local Mazda dealer had a Liquid Silver Sport (I'm assuming) sitting out front when I passed by after work yesterday.
Didn't look nearly as good as the Soul Red Sport that I saw when I stopped in there recently.
Didn't look nearly as good as the Soul Red Sport that I saw when I stopped in there recently.
#749
Senior Moderator
Went to the Toronto car show, the 6 throughly impressed me. Interior fit and finish was IMO the best of all the family sedans I looked at. Only negative in the interior was the screen. Looks aftermarket, small and not well integrated into the dash. But the plastics were great and love the soft toch materials. Even the faux (I think) metal accents were nice. I'd rate the interior above the Accords. The 19 inch wheels looks great as well but I'm a bit concerned what the 17's might look like since I'd likely be going for a GS model.
I wish it was slightly chepaer but I definitly have to drive one of these.
I wish it was slightly chepaer but I definitly have to drive one of these.
#750
Fahrvergnügen'd
Went to the Toronto car show, the 6 throughly impressed me. Interior fit and finish was IMO the best of all the family sedans I looked at. Only negative in the interior was the screen. Looks aftermarket, small and not well integrated into the dash. But the plastics were great and love the soft toch materials. Even the faux (I think) metal accents were nice. I'd rate the interior above the Accords. The 19 inch wheels looks great as well but I'm a bit concerned what the 17's might look like since I'd likely be going for a GS model.
I wish it was slightly chepaer but I definitly have to drive one of these.
I wish it was slightly chepaer but I definitly have to drive one of these.
#751
TQ > MPG
I test drove a Touring model last week. Black on black with the automatic.
It drove the way I expected it to, firm but pliable ride, great turn-in, and flat cornering. The brakes were a little softer than I expected, but it had only 23 miles on it and it was 20* outside. Maybe some break-in miles and warmer weather would help.
There was some wind/road noise, but nothing that was intolerable. The radio (for a factory unit) was pretty awesome. It was the Bose centerpoint, and with some quick bass/treble adjustments I was thoroughly impressed. I would still want a small subwoofer in the trunk, but 99% of people will be happy with it. It was definitely louder and more "surround sounding" than the 6 speaker Bose in my CL-S.
I was also surprised that I didnt feel it needed a TON more power. The midrange torque was very decent, and the gearing is spot-on. It is a little soft until about 2k rpm, but its a friggin N/A 4 banger, cant expect a ton of low end power.
Overall the test drive affirmed my desire to possibly buy one in the future. I do think I'd wait for a Grand Touring with a 6 speed manual. Being able to choose gears and have a little more control over the rpms would be nice.
The Touring is nicely optioned, but I also sat in a Grand Touring in the showroom. The real leather is very nice, and I dont know if I could give up the use of a moonroof. So, if they ever start building a manual trans GT that'd be my ride. I'll bet the manual gets the same, if not not better mpg in the real world due to lower parasitic loss and complete control over the engine speed.
edit: and I dont think the nav screen was too small at all. I have never had a navigation system in a car, and I would most likely use my phone most of the time anyways. The touchscreen for the radio controls was quick to respond, and the controller knob was easy to use.
I didnt try the shift paddles, and I kinda forgot about them. The sales girl said the car shifts a little better & faster with the paddles & manual mode, so maybe that would change my outlook on the manual vs. automatic comment.
It drove the way I expected it to, firm but pliable ride, great turn-in, and flat cornering. The brakes were a little softer than I expected, but it had only 23 miles on it and it was 20* outside. Maybe some break-in miles and warmer weather would help.
There was some wind/road noise, but nothing that was intolerable. The radio (for a factory unit) was pretty awesome. It was the Bose centerpoint, and with some quick bass/treble adjustments I was thoroughly impressed. I would still want a small subwoofer in the trunk, but 99% of people will be happy with it. It was definitely louder and more "surround sounding" than the 6 speaker Bose in my CL-S.
I was also surprised that I didnt feel it needed a TON more power. The midrange torque was very decent, and the gearing is spot-on. It is a little soft until about 2k rpm, but its a friggin N/A 4 banger, cant expect a ton of low end power.
Overall the test drive affirmed my desire to possibly buy one in the future. I do think I'd wait for a Grand Touring with a 6 speed manual. Being able to choose gears and have a little more control over the rpms would be nice.
The Touring is nicely optioned, but I also sat in a Grand Touring in the showroom. The real leather is very nice, and I dont know if I could give up the use of a moonroof. So, if they ever start building a manual trans GT that'd be my ride. I'll bet the manual gets the same, if not not better mpg in the real world due to lower parasitic loss and complete control over the engine speed.
edit: and I dont think the nav screen was too small at all. I have never had a navigation system in a car, and I would most likely use my phone most of the time anyways. The touchscreen for the radio controls was quick to respond, and the controller knob was easy to use.
I didnt try the shift paddles, and I kinda forgot about them. The sales girl said the car shifts a little better & faster with the paddles & manual mode, so maybe that would change my outlook on the manual vs. automatic comment.
Last edited by Joe5.0; 02-24-2013 at 07:39 AM.
#755
TQ > MPG
The mpg of the Accord V6 is really nice though, but the lack of a manual trans is a bummer.
#756
Race Director
http://www.autonews.com/article/2013...esting-delays#
LOS ANGELES -- Mazda has postponed the U.S. launch of its diesel-powered Mazda6 mid-sized sedan until April because of delays in emissions testing, the company said today.
Instead of hitting showrooms before year end as planned, Mazda6 sedans powered by the automaker's Skyactiv-D 2.2-liter turbodiesel will arrive in late April, Robert Davis, senior vice president of U.S. operations for Mazda North American Operations, disclosed to Mazda employees today in a letter obtained by Automotive News.
Mazda later confirmed in a brief statement that the diesel launch would be delayed until late-spring 2014, "to accommodate final emissions testing and certification."
The delay is a speed bump in the company's plan to become the only Japanese automaker to sell a diesel-powered passenger car in the United States. While most other automakers have launched hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles to meet tougher fuel economy standards, Mazda charted its own course by making diesel-powered vehicles a key part of its fuel economy strategy.
In the letter, Davis said final emissions certification testing on the powertrain is taking longer than the company expected.
"I know we had discussed it being in showrooms before the end of the year, and everyone involved in the program is disappointed it will not be, but final certification testing -- the results of which are looking encouraging -- is taking longer than we had initially expected," Davis wrote.
A Mazda source close to the situation says that in lieu of the Mazda6 diesel, U.S. dealers will receive about 4,000 additional units of the Mazda6 sedan with regular gasoline engines in the first quarter next year than initially planned. The car is in short supply after sales more than doubled compared to the prior year in June, July and August.
Instead of hitting showrooms before year end as planned, Mazda6 sedans powered by the automaker's Skyactiv-D 2.2-liter turbodiesel will arrive in late April, Robert Davis, senior vice president of U.S. operations for Mazda North American Operations, disclosed to Mazda employees today in a letter obtained by Automotive News.
Mazda later confirmed in a brief statement that the diesel launch would be delayed until late-spring 2014, "to accommodate final emissions testing and certification."
The delay is a speed bump in the company's plan to become the only Japanese automaker to sell a diesel-powered passenger car in the United States. While most other automakers have launched hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles to meet tougher fuel economy standards, Mazda charted its own course by making diesel-powered vehicles a key part of its fuel economy strategy.
In the letter, Davis said final emissions certification testing on the powertrain is taking longer than the company expected.
"I know we had discussed it being in showrooms before the end of the year, and everyone involved in the program is disappointed it will not be, but final certification testing -- the results of which are looking encouraging -- is taking longer than we had initially expected," Davis wrote.
A Mazda source close to the situation says that in lieu of the Mazda6 diesel, U.S. dealers will receive about 4,000 additional units of the Mazda6 sedan with regular gasoline engines in the first quarter next year than initially planned. The car is in short supply after sales more than doubled compared to the prior year in June, July and August.
#757
Race Director
This is what you get when the idiots at CARB make the rules for the entire country. Regs so stringent that folks like Honda just give up (with the TSX) and Mazda may also. And it's not as if the Euro version is some great polluting car - just the opposite, it's very clean already. But, no that's not enough for the tree huggers that want to dictate what you should be driving.
The following users liked this post:
ttribe (09-23-2013)
#758
Not surprisingly, the 6 is the driver's car of the segment.
Mazda is doing pretty much everything right; just too bad they aren't seeing the gains in sales in the midsize segment that they should be getting (the new 3, otoh, should be another sales success for Mazda).
But I do agree that the nav is poorly integrated into the dash/center stack.
Mazda is doing pretty much everything right; just too bad they aren't seeing the gains in sales in the midsize segment that they should be getting (the new 3, otoh, should be another sales success for Mazda).
But I do agree that the nav is poorly integrated into the dash/center stack.