Acceleration

i Base sdn, auto.	i Sport hatch, man.	s Sport sdn, man.	s Base wgn, man.	Class Average
4	5	6	6	5.3

Quite peppy with 4-cyl and manual transmission; automatic dulls acceleration. V6 models lively enough, but don't feel that much faster than the fours; they don't spring off the line, and need high rpm for maximum punch. Test manual-transmission s sedan did 7.5 sec 0-60 mph. No opportunity yet to test new 6-speed automatic.

Fuel Economy

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

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

Ride Quality

i Base sdn, auto.	i Sport hatch, man.	s Sport sdn, man.	s Base wgn, man.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.1

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 Base sdn, auto.	i Sport hatch, man.	s Sport sdn, man.	s Base wgn, man.	Class Average
6	7	7	7	6.1

Suspension settings basically the same regardless of trim level, though 17-inch tires furnish more grip in fast turns than 16s. Still, all models agile and composed, even the wagon. Modest body lean in turns, responsive steering, fine straightline tracking. V6s show mild "torque steer" steering-wheel tug in fast takeoffs. Wide turning circle hurts close-quarters maneuverability. Brakes strong, progressive.

Quietness

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

Engines relaxed at cruise, make nice pedal-to-metal growls, but neither is super quiet. Modest rough-surface tire noise with 17-inch treads, though sedan body style slightly better at muffling road noise than hatchback, wagon. No undue wind roar.

Controls

i Base sdn, auto.	i Sport hatch, man.	s Sport sdn, man.	s Base wgn, man.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.6

Unobstructed gauges, but not all testers like Grand Touring versions' red illumination. 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--a design not all testers like. Interior has nicely padded upper surfaces, but disappoints with hard, thin-feeling plastic panels below.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

i Base sdn, auto.	i Sport hatch, man.	s Sport sdn, man.	s Base wgn, man.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.3

Comfortable seats, though some drivers may want a longer cushion, others better lateral support in fast turns. Six-footers have ample leg room, adequate head room. Standard tilt/telescope 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 sedans.

Room/Comfort (rear)

i Base sdn, auto.	i Sport hatch, man.	s Sport sdn, man.	s Base wgn, man.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.7

Seat cushion slightly soft, so support nothing special. But good toe space, and leg room exceeds that of most like-sized cars, though tightens noticeably if 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 and hatchback is awkward to find and fasten.

Cargo Room

i Base sdn, auto.	i Sport hatch, man.	s Sport sdn, man.	s Base wgn, man.	Class Average
4	7	4	7	4.5

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 Base sdn, auto.	i Sport hatch, man.	s Sport sdn, man.	s Base wgn, man.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	5.7

In terms of overall refinement and interior materials, the Mazda 6 is a shade off the pace set by the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in this class. But despite tepid 4-cyl acceleration with automatic transmission, it's a match for any rival in terms of driving satisfaction. It's roomy, pricing and equipment levels are competitive, and the wagon and hatchback have little class competition. This is a solid Recommended choice.

Total Score

i Base sdn, auto.	i Sport hatch, man.	s Sport sdn, man.	s Base wgn, man.	Class Average
58	63	60	63	56.5

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		45
Average Score		56
High Score		71