New 2009 Mazda Mazda6 [ 2008 , 2007 ]
Mazda Mazda6 - What the Auto Press Says
The Mazda6 has been a decent alternative to the Accord and Camry since its introduction, but never a spectacular one. Mazda positioned the 6 as a sporty-handling vehicle, but it lacked a few of the amenities common to other family-haulers, and was slightly underpowered. For 2009, Mazda has enhanced the appeal of the car's exterior, beefed up the drivetrain, and brought the cabin upscale. We await safety test results, but barring some unexpected bad news there, the 2009 Mazda6 should be competitive with the top of its class.
Almost all automotive writers love the 2009 Mazda6 -- it's hard to find a negative comment in the materials published so far. Most think it will shake up the mid-size market. Its sleek look sets it apart from more staid offerings common in this class, it is more powerful than its predecessor at every trim level, and interior options can make it competitive with near-luxury sedans. Upper trims are near $30,000, but that has become commonplace in this class. The base model, with a more powerful engine than previous generations and a starting price under $20,000, is generally seen as a lot of car for the money.
Here is what the press has to say about the 2009 Mazda6:
- "It's bigger, it comes in three trim levels, and it's still got our favorite quality: The Mazda6 is a hoot to drive, unlike its less sporty foes in the marketplace." - Popular Mechanics
- "Clearly the 2009 Mazda6's pricing, power, and features place it head-to-head against the current champions of the midsize sedan segment. And if the car offers enough of Mazda's trademark "zoom zoom" fun to drive quotient, it should put up an excellent fight." -- Motor Trend
- "With its crisp new look, refined interior and composed ride quality, available luxury amenities and quiet cabin, Mazda's all-new 6 sedan is a poor man's Lexus." -- Road and Track
- "After a few hours of driving early preproduction samples around Southern California, we think mission accomplished. Steering is light and alive, yet it grooves in on straight-ahead when the path calls for it. Slack has been zeroed out of brake-pedal motion. Ride is well controlled without being harsh, and noises, both road and wind, are dialed way back. Bottom line: The Mazda 6 was never like this. Think Mazda 7."-- Car and Driver
What's New
The 2009 Mazda6 is offered in SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring editions. Power comes from either a 170-horsepower four-cylinder engine, or a 272-horsepower V6.
Six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions are available with the base engine, while the V6 comes only with a six-speed auto with a manual shift mode.
The new interior design takes inspiration from Mazda's RX-8 sports car. In top-level grand touring trim, it can be had with nearly every option you'd expect of an entry-level luxury car, including leather seats, keyless entry and remote start, rain-sensing wipers, blindspot monitoring, satellite radio, and Bluetooth compatibility.
Stay tuned for a complete 2009 Mazda6 review, which is coming soon. Check out prior Mazda6 models, where there are some great clearance deals available right now.