Acceleration

i Base sdn, auto.	i Sport hatch, man.	s Base wgn, man.	s Sport sdn, man.	Class Average
4	5	6	6	5.6

The i versions are acceptably peppy with manual transmission, sluggish with automatic. V6s lively, but need high rpm for maximum punch. Test manual s sedan did 7.5 sec 0-60 mph. MazdaSpeed rewards with strong takeoffs, did 6.4 sec 0-60 in our test. MazdaSpeed clutch pedal has short travel but some testers complain of imprecise engagement.

Fuel Economy

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

No opportunity yet to measure with automatic transmission. With manual, test i models averaged 22.3 mpg. Test s sedans averaged 20.9-24.2 mpg, but 18.2 with gas-eating performance runs. Test s wagon averaged 17.9 in mostly city driving. MazdaSpeed averaged 21.7 mpg in mostly highway driving, 16.9 including performance tests. MazdaSpeeds require premium-grade fuel. Other 6s use regular-grade.

Ride Quality

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

Taut, but generally absorbent, even with MazdaSpeed's 18-inch tires and firmer suspension. All show some sharp reaction to pavement seams at highway speed. And highway-speed dips, rises trigger slight float.

Steering/Handling/Braking

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

All models except MazdaSpeed use basically same suspension settings. All models tested corner with agile confidence, modest body lean, and have fine straightline tracking. V6 versions show only mild torque steer--pulling to the side in fast takeoffs. MazdaSpeed moves like a sports car, abetted by AWD. On all, wide turning circle hurts close-quarters maneuverability. Brakes strong, progressive.

Quietness

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

Non-turbocharged engines relaxed at cruise, make nice pedal-to-metal growls, but none are super-quiet. MazdaSpeed whines under throttle. Modest rough-surface tire noise with 17- and 18-inch tires, though sedans muffle road noise slightly better than hatchbacks, wagons. No undue wind roar. Disappointing squeaks and rattles noted in some test cars.

Controls

i Base sdn, auto.	i Sport hatch, man.	s Base wgn, man.	s Sport sdn, man.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.8

Unobstructed gauges, but not all testers like red dashboard illumination in Grand Touring and MazdaSpeed models. Some also dislike design that displays climate and audio settings in center dashtop display, remote from controls. Simple rotary knobs for most audio, climate functions a plus. Navigation system easy to use, operates independently of audio and climate controls. Interior mixes nicely padded upper surfaces with hard, flimsy-feel plastic panels below.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

i Base sdn, auto.	i Sport hatch, man.	s Base wgn, man.	s Sport sdn, man.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.6

MazdaSpeed's bolstered sport seats snug occupants in fast turns; other seats less adept at lateral location and could use longer cushions. Six-footers have ample leg room, adequate head room. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel a plus, but may not lift high enough for tall drivers. Visibility great in wagons, hampered to rear by spoiler on hatchbacks and Sport sedans, but not MazdaSpeed.

Room/Comfort (rear)

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

Seat cushions a bit soft, have subpar support. Adequate head room, good toe space. More leg room than in some like-sized cars, but it slims noticeably with front seats moved very far back. Entry/exit easy enough, despite narrow thresholds and doors that could open wider.

Cargo Room

i Base sdn, auto.	i Sport hatch, man.	s Base wgn, man.	s Sport sdn, man.	Class Average
4	8	8	4	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. Note that MazdaSpeed rear seat does not fold. Decent cabin storage, plus rear under-floor storage in hatchback and wagon.

Value within Class

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

For overall refinement, Mazda 6 is just slightly off the pace set by such rivals as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat. Interior materials and 4-cyl acceleration with automatic-transmission also fail to inspire. Wagon and hatchback body styles are unusual for this class, however, and there's enough overall competence, roominess, style, and sportiness in any Mazda 6 to warrant our Recommended badge.

Total Score

i Base sdn, auto.	i Sport hatch, man.	s Base wgn, man.	s Sport sdn, man.	Class Average
58	64	64	60	58.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		44
Average Score		58
High Score		70