Introduction
In addition to being the most attractive family car, the 2021 Mazda 6 is also more pleasurable to drive and ride in than the majority of its competitors. Despite not being as faultless as the Honda Accord or as modern as the Hyundai Sonata, the Mazda offers a more upscale driving experience than either of those top-tier competitors.
The 6’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is neither very appealing nor is the more potent turbo version, and there isn’t yet an eco-friendly hybrid version, but it drives with a blend of athleticism and smoothness that increases its appeal.
Even the entry-level models in the lineup have a wealth of common driver assistance features and cutting-edge technology, however, we wish Mazda would make the car’s most luxurious features standard across the board.
The 2021 Mazda 6 is one of the classiest models in this class of family-friendly four-door, despite some flaws.
The Mazda 6 has gained a few additional features and an exterior styling package called the Carbon Edition. The latter receives all of the Grand Touring Reserve trim’s features and is painted Polymetal Gray with black exterior accents and dark 19-inch wheels.
Black trim accents and a red leather interior with grey stitching inside continue the concept. Now available on every Mazda 6, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The turbocharged engine in the Mazda 6 has also been modified to produce an additional 10 pound-feet of torque (for a total of 320), but you must use 93-octane fuel to do it.
The Signature variant also includes a driver attentiveness monitor and rear automated emergency braking. Additionally, Mazda has stated that it will not be bringing back the 6 for the 2022 model year because it will be discontinued.
There are suggestions that the mid-size car may come back for a new edition with an inline-six cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive.
The 250-hp turbocharged engine makes the 6 seem more like a true sports sedan than the original four-cylinder ever could, and the Grand Touring is the most affordable way to obtain it. Additionally, it includes a number of improvements over the less luxurious Touring model, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles, a Bose audio system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility, and more.
The build procedure is simple because the trim level has few options. The color of the paint will be the only thing left to choose. Furthermore, may we add that the 6 looks very good in Mazda’s distinctive Soul Red Crystal metallic?
Mazda 6 Engine and Performance
The Mazda 6 doesn’t have a hybrid option, unlike the majority of mid-size competitors. However, Mazda does offer two sporty 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines as options. The optional turbocharged engine has a maximum output of 250 horsepower compared to the normal engine’s 187 horsepower.
The turbo 2.5-liter’s torque increased by 10 pound-feet for 2021, bringing its power to 320 pound-feet, however, doing so necessitates the use of premium fuel. Each engine is mated to a superb six-speed automatic transmission that excels at selecting the ideal gear, whether downshifting for added oomph or upshifting for stable driving.
The Mazda 6 has smooth controls and handling that are unheard of at any price, providing above-average driving enjoyment for a family sedan.
Furthermore, Mazda delivers the thrills without compromising on elegance or ride comfort. The top-of-the-line Signature model performed worse in our tests than the 2016 model in terms of absolute grip and stopping distance.
This can be attributed, at least in part, to the vehicle’s new tires, which the manufacturer installed to help reduce tire noise. All of this does not take away from how wonderfully the Mazda 6 rides and drives, especially when you consider how quiet the inside is. Without a doubt, it remains the segment’s most entertaining sedan to drive.
The 6 is one of the few family saloons that is actually enjoyable to drive, boasting racy driving characteristics and some outstanding engines that expertly balance potent performance and efficient fuel use. Fleet drivers will also like Mazda’s low CO2 emissions and its competitive pricing, which makes rivals appear a little on the pricey side.
The saloon and Tourer estate both offer ample inside space for five people as well as large boot sizes, despite not being offered as a hatchback. Though it is not the most practical in this class, the sharp, sporty lines don’t have a big impact on the available space. The car has improved even more as a result of frequent updates.
Mazda 6 MPG
According to the EPA, this sedan should achieve 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway when powered by the standard four-cylinder. Although the fuel economy of the turbocharged variant is still unknown, the 2020 model was predicted to get 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
The latest turbo 6 achieved a C/D rating of 36 mpg on our 200-mile real-world route, beating the government’s highway projection. On that road, the model with the base engine achieved 37 mpg, outperforming its EPA highway rating by 2 mpg.
Mazda 6 Interior and Looks
The 6 seems much more expensive inside than it actually is. The upmarket, sophisticated design and understated craftsmanship, along with the high caliber of the materials, are impressive. The cabin is excellent and among the best in class, with a few small annoyances with some of the controls.
Surprisingly, the Mazda 6 is just as practical as other mid-size sedans while having such a seductive appearance. The Mazda leads the market in terms of cargo space thanks to the six carry-on bags we could place in the trunk and the 17 we could stow with the back seats folded down. There is only one complaint we have… Folding the back seats is not possible from the inside. It is done by pulling the seat-release handles in the trunk.
Additionally, the Mazda 6’s infotainment system and connectivity are The Mazda infotainment system, which is primarily controlled by an upscale-feeling center console knob similar to those used by BMW and Audi, has the tactile feel and visual impact to wow. The dashtop display also functions as a touchscreen, although it can only be used while the car is stopped.
Even while the knob is pleasurable and simple to operate, the options it activates aren’t as clear as they may be. Every model comes equipped with well-liked connectivity options including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Starting with the Grand Touring model, wireless CarPlay software is standard.
The Mazda 6 has a front engine and front-wheel drive, like the majority of big family vehicles. However, unlike many of its competitors, Mazda has prioritized weight reduction to assist the 6 offerings of decent economy, with the agile handling serving as a bonus. Instead of shrinking and adding turbos to its lineup of petrol engines, as most of its competitors have done, Mazda has opted for a “right-size” strategy for its engines. As a result, you get large-capacity 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter engines, dubbed SkyActiv-G. There is also the SkyActiv-D 2.2-liter turbodiesel, however, it was phased out at the end of 2020 and has a larger capacity than most competitors.
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