prashok
Dec 1, 08, 2:53 am
After a grueling stint of boring cars at Avis, I'm back to renting at Hertz again! :D Spotted one of these in the lot and asked if I could "downgrade" my F reservation to try one out.
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=mazda6
From the Mazda website, my particular 6 was in i SV trim with no additional options (except for an automatic transmission) -- for a total MSRP of $21,820.
Powertrain: The base 6 model is powered by Mazda's new 2.5L four-cylinder motor, which produces 170 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque (or 168 hp for those of us in California, thanks to emissions). Acceleration is fairly standard for a four-cylinder midsize sedan, but the real improvements are in the engine note -- while not as pleasant as say, the 2.4L four-banger in the Accord, the 2.5L provides more refined sounds and better NVH when compared to the racket the old 2.3L used to make in the last-generation 6. The available five-speed automatic was generally well-behaved and provided timely shifts. Fuel-economy is an estimated 21/30 mpg city/highway, and my mixed driving has been inline with that.
Ride/Handling: The previous 6 was a family sedan for enthusiasts, and the new 6 generally continues down that path. Steering is lighter than was expected, but still provides decent feedback. The chassis feels solid (but also a bit heavy), and the suspension tuning is firm without being jarring. Ride quality is comfortable, though road and wind noise can be slightly intrusive. Brake feel is solid though, and stopping distances are on par. Stability control is standard. Overall, the last 6 felt like a smaller car than it was. The new 6 is still entertaining, but feels like the larger sedan it is.
Interior: The new 6 interior shows huge improvements in comfort, but my particular example had a few missteps as well. Tactile quality is excellent and materials quality is generally good, but some lower dash plastics feel noticeably hard and cheap. There were one or two build quaility issues as well (ill-fitting trim panels and a loose dome light switch). The newest-generation world-market 6 was apparently stretched into a different version for the American market, and it shows. Passenger room is generous in both the front and rear, though taller passengers in the rear may be bothered by the sweeping roofline. Cargo capacity is inline for a vehicle of this size. Seats are relatively more supportive than other cars, given the 6's sporting pretensions -- but are wide enough to fit most sizes. Ergonomics are solid across the board.
Design: Partly inspired by both the RX-8 and previous 6, the new 6 IMO has a pleasing and aggressive shape that is distinct from some of the other cookie-cutter midsize sedans. The rear-end was modified for the American market versus the rest-of-world edition, but it's also executed well. Inside, the dash layout is simple and elegant, and the red lighting theme continues for the gauges (with white needles) and controls. There is also an interesting blue light in the center of the audio system as well, which pulses as you change tracks or volume. The base model has an odd fabric pattern (http://image.motortrend.com/f/9883273/112_0808_26z+2009_mazda6i+fabric_closeup.jpg) on the seats though, which I could probably do without.
Features: The base 6 comes with the requisite power and convenience features -- nothing more, nothing less.
Value: The 6 continues to be classed as a C, putting it in contention with the Sonata, Fusion, G6, Corolla and Altima. Instead of being just the enthusiast's alternative along with the Nissan in the Hertz lot, the newest Mazda 6 also trades some of its performance to do battle with the Accord and other larger cars. Still, the car remains on the sporty side of the equation, so if you're looking for something more involving than a Sonata or Sebring, the 6 remains one of your best bets.
To sum it up:
The Good
Aggressive styling
Roomy interior
Still sportier than other midsizers
The Bad
Gone softer and more mainstream
Some interior issues
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=mazda6
From the Mazda website, my particular 6 was in i SV trim with no additional options (except for an automatic transmission) -- for a total MSRP of $21,820.
Powertrain: The base 6 model is powered by Mazda's new 2.5L four-cylinder motor, which produces 170 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque (or 168 hp for those of us in California, thanks to emissions). Acceleration is fairly standard for a four-cylinder midsize sedan, but the real improvements are in the engine note -- while not as pleasant as say, the 2.4L four-banger in the Accord, the 2.5L provides more refined sounds and better NVH when compared to the racket the old 2.3L used to make in the last-generation 6. The available five-speed automatic was generally well-behaved and provided timely shifts. Fuel-economy is an estimated 21/30 mpg city/highway, and my mixed driving has been inline with that.
Ride/Handling: The previous 6 was a family sedan for enthusiasts, and the new 6 generally continues down that path. Steering is lighter than was expected, but still provides decent feedback. The chassis feels solid (but also a bit heavy), and the suspension tuning is firm without being jarring. Ride quality is comfortable, though road and wind noise can be slightly intrusive. Brake feel is solid though, and stopping distances are on par. Stability control is standard. Overall, the last 6 felt like a smaller car than it was. The new 6 is still entertaining, but feels like the larger sedan it is.
Interior: The new 6 interior shows huge improvements in comfort, but my particular example had a few missteps as well. Tactile quality is excellent and materials quality is generally good, but some lower dash plastics feel noticeably hard and cheap. There were one or two build quaility issues as well (ill-fitting trim panels and a loose dome light switch). The newest-generation world-market 6 was apparently stretched into a different version for the American market, and it shows. Passenger room is generous in both the front and rear, though taller passengers in the rear may be bothered by the sweeping roofline. Cargo capacity is inline for a vehicle of this size. Seats are relatively more supportive than other cars, given the 6's sporting pretensions -- but are wide enough to fit most sizes. Ergonomics are solid across the board.
Design: Partly inspired by both the RX-8 and previous 6, the new 6 IMO has a pleasing and aggressive shape that is distinct from some of the other cookie-cutter midsize sedans. The rear-end was modified for the American market versus the rest-of-world edition, but it's also executed well. Inside, the dash layout is simple and elegant, and the red lighting theme continues for the gauges (with white needles) and controls. There is also an interesting blue light in the center of the audio system as well, which pulses as you change tracks or volume. The base model has an odd fabric pattern (http://image.motortrend.com/f/9883273/112_0808_26z+2009_mazda6i+fabric_closeup.jpg) on the seats though, which I could probably do without.
Features: The base 6 comes with the requisite power and convenience features -- nothing more, nothing less.
Value: The 6 continues to be classed as a C, putting it in contention with the Sonata, Fusion, G6, Corolla and Altima. Instead of being just the enthusiast's alternative along with the Nissan in the Hertz lot, the newest Mazda 6 also trades some of its performance to do battle with the Accord and other larger cars. Still, the car remains on the sporty side of the equation, so if you're looking for something more involving than a Sonata or Sebring, the 6 remains one of your best bets.
To sum it up:
The Good
Aggressive styling
Roomy interior
Still sportier than other midsizers
The Bad
Gone softer and more mainstream
Some interior issues