Acceleration

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
4	5	6	6	5.2

Fairly peppy with 4 cyl and manual transmission; automatic dulls acceleration, but using its manual-shift feature can partly offset that. V6s don't spring off the line and need high rpm for max punch, but are lively enough with either transmission. Test manual-transmission s sedan did 7.5 sec 0-60 mph. Automatics generally smooth and responsive.

Fuel Economy

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	5	5	5.3

Test manual-transmission V6s averaged 20.9 mpg in mixed city/highway use, 18.2 with gas-eating performance runs. Test V6 automatic averaged 22.0 mpg. With manual transmission, 4-cyl manual averaged 22.3 mpg. Mazda recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	5	6	6	6.2

Taut, but generally absorbent and comfortably controlled, even with 17-inch tires. Some sharp reaction to pavement seams at highway speed.

Steering/Handling/Braking

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
7	8	7	7	6.1

Best with Sport Package, but all models agile and composed, even the wagon. Modest body lean in turns, responsive steering, fine straightline tracking. V6s show mild steering-wheel tug in fast takeoffs. Wide turning circle hurts close-quarters maneuverability. Brakes strong, progressive.

Quietness

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	5	5	5	5.8

Engines relaxed at cruise, make nice pedal-to-metal growls, but neither is super quiet. Marked rough-surface tire noise, especially with 17-inch treads. Modest wind rush.

Controls

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.4

Unobstructed gauges, but not all testers like the red lighting. Main climate controls are simple knobs, but silvery finish makes their markings tough to read by day. Same goes for audio controls, which have busy design. Climate and audio settings appear in center dashtop display, remote from controls themselves. Interior has nicely padded upper surfaces, but disappoints with hard, thin-feeling plastic below.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6

Firm but comfortable seats, though some drivers may want a longer cushion. Six-footers have ample leg room, adequate head room. Standard tilt/telescopic steering wheel a plus, but may not tilt high enough for tall drivers. Wagons provide easy all-around visibility. Rear spoiler hampers over-the-shoulder view on hatchbacks and Sport Package sedans.

Room/Comfort (rear)

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.5

Seat support nothing special. Good toe space. Leg room exceeds compact-class norm unless front seats are moved well back. Adequate head room. Entry/exit easy enough despite narrow thresholds and doors that could open wider. Center-occupant shoulder belt on wagon, hatchback is awkward to find and fasten.

Cargo Room

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
4	7	4	7	4.6

All models have roomy, nicely trimmed cargo bays with compact, noninvasive strut-type hinges on trunklid/hatch. Sedan trunk won't swallow bulky objects, but hatchback and wagon will. Convenient spring-loaded seatback releases in sedan trunk and hatchback/wagon cargo area, but seats don't quite lie flat. Decent cabin storage, plus rear under-floor storage in hatchback and wagon.

Value within Class

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6

Despite tepid 4-cyl acceleration with automatic transmission, Mazda 6 delivers on its fun-to-drive promise. Yet it's as practical as any compact sedan--and even some midsize cars. Pricing and equipment levels are competitive, and the new wagon and hatchback have little class competition. In all, Mazda 6 is a solid Recommended choice.

Total Score

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
58	61	58	61	56.1

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		44
Average Score		56
High Score		72