By Thom Blackett
Photos by Thom Blackett
Not long ago, family sedans were about as exciting as vanilla ice cream. You know, the generic kind with the flavor of skim milk that’s been further diluted and then frozen. Thankfully, those days have just about run their course, and a new generation of sleek models like the 2009 Mazda6 are here to fill the void.
Competing with class leaders such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, designers of the Mazda6 have bestowed their midsize sedan with aggressive styling in an effort to distinguish it from the pack. Look past that revamped bodywork and you’ll find a spacious interior with realistic room for five, a split-folding rear seat that extends the already generous trunk, a smattering of soft surfaces working to offset a plethora of hard plastics, and seats that initially feel flat but prove supportive over the long haul. On the down side, the sporty appearance is due in part to a sloped rear window that can put passengers’ heads in hot, direct sunlight.
Priced close to $29,000, our Mazda6 i Grand Touring model included niceties like adjustable headlights and a blind spot warning system with visual and audible alerts. All 2009 Mazda6 variants are fitted with front-side and side-curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes, as well as traction and stability control systems.
Out on the street, our four-cylinder-powered Mazda6 delivered sufficient pep for most situations, but when considered alongside light steering and brakes that were difficult to modulate, we had a little trouble finding the “zoom zoom” character Mazda prides itself on. That being said, the automatic transmission does feature a manual mode which allows drivers to shift on their own schedule; a V-6 is available for those who want to zip around with a bit more ease. We averaged 23.9 mpg in mixed driving, just under the EPA’s estimate of 24 mpg and on par with the 2009 Honda Accord Sedan.
Specifications
Test Vehicle: 2009 BMW Mazda6 i Grand Touring
Base Price: $19,400
Price as Tested: $28,620
Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway
Road & Travel’s Observed Fuel Economy: 23.9 mpg
NHTSA/IIHS Frontal Crash Ratings: 5 stars / Good
NHTSA/IIHS Side Impact Ratings: 5 stars / Not Rated
Also Consider: Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry
For more information see Road & Travel’s Mazda Buyer’s Guide or visit mazdausa.com.
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