Acceleration

i Base sdn, auto.	i Sport hatch, man.	s Base wgn, man.	s Sport sdn, man.	Class Average
4	5	6	6	5.9

The base 4-cyl is acceptably peppy with manual transmission, sluggish with automatic. V6 noticeably stronger, but best go demands high rpm. Test manual s sedan did 7.5 sec 0-60 mph. MazdaSpeed makes fast getaways, did 6.4 sec in our test; its clutch has short pedal 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	5.1

No opportunity yet to measure with automatic transmission. With manual, test 4-cyl models averaged 22.3 mpg; V6 sedans 20.9-24.2 mpg, but just 18.2 with gas-eating acceleration runs. Test V6 wagon averaged 17.9 mpg in mostly city driving. MazdaSpeeds averaged 21.7-25.6 mpg in mostly highway driving, 16.9 with performance testing. MazdaSpeeds require premium-grade fuel; others use regular.

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 MazdaSpeed with 18-inch tires and firmer suspension. At highway speeds, all show some sharp reaction to pavement seams, slight float over dips and humps.

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	6.2

All but MazdaSpeed use basically same suspension settings. Result is agile, confident cornering with modest body lean, plus fine straightline tracking. V6s show only mild torque steer. MazdaSpeed moves like a sports car, abetted by AWD. On all, wide turning circle hurts close-quarters maneuverability. Brakes are 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 neither is super-quiet. MazdaSpeed whines under throttle. Modest rough-surface tire noise with 17- and 18-inch tires, though sedans muffle road noise a bit better than hatchbacks, wagons. No undue wind roar. Some test cars had minor squeaks and rattles.

Controls

i Base sdn, auto.	i Sport hatch, man.	s Base wgn, man.	s Sport sdn, man.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.7

Unobstructed gauges, but not all testers like red dashboard lighting in Grand Tourings and MazdaSpeeds. Some also dislike dashtop display for climate and audio settings, remote from controls, but do like the simple rotary knobs for most of those functions. Navigation system easy to use--and separate from audio, climate systems. 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	6.8

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

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	5.1

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	4.8

All models have roomy, nicely trimmed cargo holds and compact strut-type hinges for trunklid/hatch. Sedan trunk won't swallow bulky objects, but hatchback and wagon will. Folding rear seats have convenient spring-loaded releases behind backrests, but 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
6	6	6	6	6.3

Mazda 6 is a bit less refined than Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, or Volkswagen Passat. It also trails those rivals for interior materials and 4-cyl acceleration with automatic transmission. It is one of the sportiest midsize cars and competitively priced, with the practical wagon and hatchback models an added attraction for some buyers.

Total Score

i Base sdn, auto.	i Sport hatch, man.	s Base wgn, man.	s Sport sdn, man.	Class Average
56	62	62	58	59.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		47
Average Score		59
High Score		69