Acceleration

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
4	5	6	5.6

The base 4-cylinder is acceptably peppy with a manual transmission but is sluggish with an automatic. The V6 is noticeably stronger, but best power demands high rpm operation. A manual transmission s sedan did 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds.

Fuel Economy

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
6	6	5	5.6

No opportunity to measure with the automatic transmission. In Consumer Guide testing, manual-transmission 4-cylinder models averaged 22.3 mpg. V6 powered sedans returned 20.9-24.2 mpg, but just 18.2 with gas-eating acceleration runs. Mazda 6 uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
6	6	6	6

The ride is taut but generally absorbent. At highway speeds, all show some sharp reaction to pavement seams and slight float over dips and humps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
7	7	7	6

All models use basically the same suspension settings. The result is agile, confident cornering with modest body lean, plus fine straightline tracking. V6s show only mild torque steer. On all, a wide turning circle hurts close-quarters maneuverability. Brakes are strong and progressive.

Quietness

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
6	6	6	6

Both engines are relaxed at cruise and make nice pedal-to-the-metal growls, but neither is super-quiet. Modest rough-surface tire noise with the 17- and 18-inch tires, though sedans muffle road noise a bit better than hatchbacks do. There is no undue wind roar.

Controls

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
7	7	7	6.3

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

Details

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
6	6	6	5.5

Interior mixes nicely padded upper surfaces with hard, flimsy-feel plastic panels below. Some test cars had minor squeaks and rattles.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
6	6	6	6.7

The seats could use longer cushions. Six-footers have ample leg space and adequate headroom. The 6's standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a plus, but it may not lift high enough for some drivers. Visibility is hampered to the rear by the standard spoiler on hatchbacks.

Room/Comfort (rear)

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
5	5	5	5.1

The seat cushions are a bit soft and have subpar support. There is adequate headroom and good foot space. Occupants will find more legroom than in some like-sized cars, but it slims noticeably with front seats moved far back. Entry and exit are easy enough, despite narrow thresholds and doors that could open wider.

Cargo Room

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
4	6	4	4

All models have roomy and nicely trimmed cargo holds with compact strut-type hinges for the trunklid or hatch. The sedan's trunk won't swallow bulky objects, but the hatchback will. The folding rear seats have convenient spring-loaded releases behind the backrests, but they don't quite lie flat. There is decent cabin storage, plus rear under-floor storage in the hatchback.

Value within Class

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
6	6	6	6.2

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

Total Score

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
63	66	64	63

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		63
High Score		74