Test Drove the Redesigned '09 Mazda 6
08-29-2008, 06:01 PM
#1
Test Drove the Redesigned '09 Mazda 6
Stopped in at the Mazda dealer and test drove the 4 cyl. (comfort package) version of the new Mazda 6.
Didn't bother with the V6 to compare to the 4 cylinder, since we figured the extra ~100 hp/~100 ft. tq. would definitely be a huge improvement, and knew that without taking it out. Had we been in serious consideration for a car, we probably would've taken the time to drive the V6, but we stopped in mostly out of curiosity.
The exterior looked great in Sangria Red, and I loved most of the styling.
The interior materials were nice - felt to me like a definite step up from the previous version (which turned me off just by sitting in it...cheap).
The front seats were comfortable, and the backseats were roomy, even with the front seats all the way back....They even left enough room for someone to sit in the middle spot in the back --- I've found a lot of manufacturers don't do that anymore.
The trunk huge --- very deep in terms of length and height, and will provide tons of room!
A slight disappointment in that the side mirrors don't fold (yes, I do fold them when parked on a busy street), and that there aren't rear HVAC vents.
The steering wheel felt pretty small (go-cart-like), and for some reason, I can only describe it as plastic-ky and hollow (even though it's leather wrapped). It felt very similar to the Hyundai Santa Fe's wheel...although who notices these things but me. I've come to the conclusion that I'm just used to the stickier, heavier feel from the TL, and also the feeling of heavy stitching around the inside.
The full lighting system looked great turned on, IMO (HIDs on some models, halogen on others). I'm not sure how the projectors will illuminate the road..it was still light out.
Visibility was alright, but I guess I'm used to cars with a lower belt line.
The suspension felt somewhat similar to my stock '99 TL...not too soft (a la Toyota) and not too hard. It had a decent amount of response so you felt connected to the road.
The turning radius was great, and the car didn't seem to sway too much when turning or swerving back and forth.
Acceleration on the 4 cyl. was hard to get used to, but gave me a similar experience to test driving the 4 cyl. '09 Forester a while back. This is where it was very obvious that the V6 would make a huge difference. The RPMs would rise and rise before providing any power feedback while under WOT....It just seemed to lag. I'm sure my feelings regarding the lack of power are mostly because I've been spoiled with more powerful cars. For some reason, the 4 cylinder Altima and Accord just seemed to provide more immediate response in power and acceleration.
I think the most impressive thing (at least in Canada) is the very reasonable pricing for a sedan of this size, with some nice option packages. In fact, I believe you can get at least one of the Mazda 6 models/packages for the price of a fully loaded Mazda 3 here.
Didn't bother with the V6 to compare to the 4 cylinder, since we figured the extra ~100 hp/~100 ft. tq. would definitely be a huge improvement, and knew that without taking it out. Had we been in serious consideration for a car, we probably would've taken the time to drive the V6, but we stopped in mostly out of curiosity.
The exterior looked great in Sangria Red, and I loved most of the styling.
The interior materials were nice - felt to me like a definite step up from the previous version (which turned me off just by sitting in it...cheap).
The front seats were comfortable, and the backseats were roomy, even with the front seats all the way back....They even left enough room for someone to sit in the middle spot in the back --- I've found a lot of manufacturers don't do that anymore.
The trunk huge --- very deep in terms of length and height, and will provide tons of room!
A slight disappointment in that the side mirrors don't fold (yes, I do fold them when parked on a busy street), and that there aren't rear HVAC vents.
The steering wheel felt pretty small (go-cart-like), and for some reason, I can only describe it as plastic-ky and hollow (even though it's leather wrapped). It felt very similar to the Hyundai Santa Fe's wheel...although who notices these things but me. I've come to the conclusion that I'm just used to the stickier, heavier feel from the TL, and also the feeling of heavy stitching around the inside.
The full lighting system looked great turned on, IMO (HIDs on some models, halogen on others). I'm not sure how the projectors will illuminate the road..it was still light out.
Visibility was alright, but I guess I'm used to cars with a lower belt line.
The suspension felt somewhat similar to my stock '99 TL...not too soft (a la Toyota) and not too hard. It had a decent amount of response so you felt connected to the road.
The turning radius was great, and the car didn't seem to sway too much when turning or swerving back and forth.
Acceleration on the 4 cyl. was hard to get used to, but gave me a similar experience to test driving the 4 cyl. '09 Forester a while back. This is where it was very obvious that the V6 would make a huge difference. The RPMs would rise and rise before providing any power feedback while under WOT....It just seemed to lag. I'm sure my feelings regarding the lack of power are mostly because I've been spoiled with more powerful cars. For some reason, the 4 cylinder Altima and Accord just seemed to provide more immediate response in power and acceleration.
I think the most impressive thing (at least in Canada) is the very reasonable pricing for a sedan of this size, with some nice option packages. In fact, I believe you can get at least one of the Mazda 6 models/packages for the price of a fully loaded Mazda 3 here.
08-29-2008, 06:10 PM
#2
The sizzle in the Steak
Nice review. Good to hear the interior materials are better.
Was the 4cyl "buzzy" under hard acceleration?
Was the 4cyl "buzzy" under hard acceleration?
08-29-2008, 06:11 PM
#3
My next car does not have to be a V6. I'd be very happy with a 4 cylinder engine if it cut it. But, IMO, this one didn't, especially when you consider it will pretty much always hold myself, Dan, our soon-to-be 100+ dog, possible passengers, and all the gear we'd travel with.
08-29-2008, 06:13 PM
#4
It's been a while since I drove the Altima and last gen. Accord, but I did not come away with the same feelings after driving the 4 cylinder models of those cars.... In fact, if you ignore that there's a really nice engine in the V6 Altima, I think I'd be fine with the 4 cylinder there.
08-29-2008, 06:25 PM
#5
The sizzle in the Steak
Yep.
It's been a while since I drove the Altima and last gen. Accord, but I did not come away with the same feelings after driving the 4 cylinder models of those cars.... In fact, if you ignore that there's a really nice engine in the V6 Altima, I think I'd be fine with the 4 cylinder there.
It's been a while since I drove the Altima and last gen. Accord, but I did not come away with the same feelings after driving the 4 cylinder models of those cars.... In fact, if you ignore that there's a really nice engine in the V6 Altima, I think I'd be fine with the 4 cylinder there.
The Mazda 6 must be crazy buzzy.
08-29-2008, 07:24 PM
#6
Go Giants
A fully loaded V6 was on my list, but never got to it...
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08-29-2008, 08:26 PM
#9
Just browsing through the brochure and it appears as though there are rear vents. I consciously went looking for them when checking out the car and couldn't see any. I guess I missed them, or they're hidden under the seat.
08-29-2008, 08:26 PM
#10
fap fap fap
i finally saw one in person. a black v6 grand touring. i thought it looked great, better than the accord/camry/altima/malibu. i like that they have memory seats standard on the grand touring while none of the others in its class offer it.
08-29-2008, 08:31 PM
#11
They had many dark grey 6's, one black, and a few red ones at this dealer. Based on those three, I liked red the best, then black; the grey looked so-so to me. The grey just looked kinda boring and lifeless to me -- not much depth.
08-29-2008, 08:57 PM
#12
E92
I LOVED my v6 Mazda 6 that I had for a few years. It was a blast to drive, very reliable, everything was great. The only reason I replaced it with the TSX is the interior, which was definitely very plain, and they have really improved on that with the new one
and dark gray ftw!
and dark gray ftw!
08-30-2008, 08:11 AM
#13
Drifting
It's funny that you posted this, because I just saw my very first 2009 Mazda 6 on the road last night.
To be honest with you, I was disappointed with its design. It really reminded me of some GM cars (e.g. Pontiac) and just a bit down-market. I would still prefer it over something as drab as the Camry but then the current Honda Accord and Nissan Altima are way more handsome than this. Just my opinion.
To be honest with you, I was disappointed with its design. It really reminded me of some GM cars (e.g. Pontiac) and just a bit down-market. I would still prefer it over something as drab as the Camry but then the current Honda Accord and Nissan Altima are way more handsome than this. Just my opinion.
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