The 2016 Mazda6 i Grand Touring is a force to be reckoned within the highly competitive mid-size family sedan market niche.
The car is Mazda’s flagship model, so the Japanese automaker has a lot invested. Maybe that’s why, now in its third generation, the Mazda6 is receiving a major refresh – not that it’s really needed.
“To say we’re dedicated to making the best cars we can is an understatement,” Jim O’Sullivan, president
and CEO of Mazda North American Operations said. “We’ve taken a car already at the top of its game, the
very best car in the segment, and we’ve made it even better.”
This year’s lineup features the Mazda6 Sport, Mazda6 Touring and Mazda6 Grand Touring, all in automatic and manual configurations. Pricing starts at $21,495 and escalates to $10-grand or more.
Mazda6 seats five adults with ease, providing room and comfort for all. It includes an expansive trunk, large enough to satisfy a golfer with three friends, and it delivers – get this – 40 miles per gallon down the highway as estimated by the EPA. City and highway combined gets a 32-mpg rating.
Powered by a Skyactic-G 2.5-liter, DOHC, four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with front wheel drive. The combination produces 184 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is adequate, but left me wanting more. Although that would come with a consequence – lower gas mileage.
The top-of-the-line Grand Touring model adds a number of premium features including parchment leather seats, new instrument panel, seven-inch, full-color touchscreen display that operates the Infotainment system, LED lighting and a sport-mode button.
My tester included a technology package ($2,180) that brings even more goodies to the table. The package includes Mazda’s radar cruise control, smart-brake support, i-Eloop regenerative engine braking system, lane-departure warning, and high-beam control and active groove shutters.
What impressed me most about the Mazda6 was its comfortable seating – both the front buckets and the rear bench. The front seats are heated, and can be adjusted to form fit. Not only that, but how quiet the cabin was. On a Sunday jaunt to Bellingham, it was easy to converse with the wife – and listen to iPod tunes without having to compete with road noise.
Other amenities worthy of note include 19-inch alloy wheels, rear-view camera, navigation system, Bluetooth, rain-sensing wipers, satellite radio, power moonroof, anti-lock brakes, traction control and dualzone climate control.
Basically, the Mazda6 makes this family sedan a pleasurable experience for everyone, which makes it a credible competitor in this all-important vehicle class.
2016 MAZDA6 i GRAND TOURING
BASE PRICE: $30,195
AS TESTED: $30,195
Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.
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