Mazda 6 2013

What's New for 2013

For 2013, the Mazda 6 sees no significant changes other than gaining 18-inch wheels for the i Touring Plus and i Grand Touring. The s Touring Plus trim level has been discontinued.
Well there’s confirmation for you. Three weeks back-to-back in Mazda6 models - petrol and diesel, wagon and sedan – confirmed Mazda has a winner on its hands with the all-new mid-sizer.

Question is: which one to buy? Erm…that a tough one – style, performance, quality, value-for-money…the Mazda6 ticks all the boxes.



Where there is no question is the competence and ‘right-for-today’, smarts of Mazda’s ‘Skyactiv’ technology – engines, transmission chassis and body. More than a marketing ‘catchphrase’, making the Mazda6 lighter, better to drive and delivering breakthrough technology for performance and optimized fuel consumption is what Skyactiv is all about and why Mazda is currently at the top of its game and selling cars in Australia in record numbers.

Mazda6 What Overview

The Mazda6 Atenza boasts an impressive array of extra features even over the comprehensively-equipped GT model – items like radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, forward obstruction warning, high-beam control, cross traffic alert for the rear-view camera and smart brake support system. If you’re thinking they all sound like high-tech safety/convenience items normally found on upscale European vehicles you’d be right and Mazda is to be applauded for introducing them to its under $50,000 mid-sizer.


Over the ‘Sport’ and ‘Touring’ models, the GT (an Atenza) score LED DRLs, Bi-Xenon headlights, a glass sunroof, keyless entry, heated seats and auto-dimming rear-view mirror. GT, Atenza and Touring models get leather seats, the six-speaker Bose premium audio system and front/rear parking sensors.

Of course all Mazda6 models score the outstanding styling inside and out (Mazda’s best work we reckon), abundant interior space (appreciated by family buyers) and Skyactiv technology.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2013 Mazda 6 i versions are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the i Sport. A five-speed automatic with manual shift control is offered on the i Sport and is the only choice available on i Touring, i Touring Plus and i Grand Touring models.
Mazda 6 s Grand Touring is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 272 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque and is available only with a six-speed automatic. In Edmunds testing, this model reached 60 mph from a standstill in 6.5 seconds -- quick for its class. The four-cylinder automatic required 9.1 seconds, an average time for a four-cylinder family sedan.
The EPA estimates fuel economy at 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg in combined driving for the four-cylinder i Sport with the six-speed manual. The Mazda 6 i models with the automatic are rated at 21/30/25 mpg, while the V6 stands at 18/27/21 mpg, both of which are at the low end for this segment Mazda doesn’t have a lot of diesel-engined passenger cars (the Mazda3 is the only other offering in Australia) but the Mazda6’s Skyactiv-D 2.2 was worth the wait – it’s a cracker.

 

The turbo-diesel delivers 129kW at 4500rpm and 420Nm at 2000rpm. That actually beats Ford Mondeo turbo-diesel (120kW/340Nm).

Mazda6 petrol is the Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre with 138kW at 5700rpm and 250Nm at 3250rpm.

Both drive through a six-speed automatic transmission.

With combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.4l/100kms (diesel) and 6.6l/100kms (petrol), both Mazda6 powertrains are at the front of the field.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options 

The 2013 Mazda 6 is available in five trim levels: i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, i Grand Touring and s Grand Touring. Those with the "i" prefix come with the four-cylinder engine, while models with the "s" prefix come with the V6.
The i Sport comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlamps, a manually height-adjustable driver seat, full power accessories, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker CD sound system with an auxiliary audio jack.
The i Touring model adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a trip computer, a power driver seat (with manual lumbar support), an in-dash six-CD changer, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, upgraded interior trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Opting for the i Touring Plus will get you 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, a blind-spot monitoring system, electroluminescent instrument gauges and outside mirrors with integrated turn signals. The i Grand Touring model further adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, a multi-information display and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system. The s Grand Touring is similar to the i Grand Touring except for the powertrain.
We expect one of the more popular options will be the Technology package, which is available for Grand Touring models. It includes automatic xenon headlights, automatic wipers, heated outside mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors, satellite radio, driver memory settings and a power passenger seat. A voice-activated navigation system is available only for Grand Touring models and comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display and a rearview camera. Stand-alone options vary among trim levels and include many of the above-listed features as well as a rear spoiler, a chrome fuel-filler door and remote engine start.

Safety

Standard safety features for all 2013 Mazda 6 models include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, both the i and s Grand Touring models came to a stop from 60 mph in 125 feet, an average distance for a midsize sedan.
In government crash tests, the Mazda 6 received four out of five stars for overall crash protection, with three stars for frontal-impact protection (four stars driver, three stars front passenger) and four stars for side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Mazda 6 its highest score of "Good" for frontal-offset and side impacts, while roof strength tests yielded a second-best "Acceptable" rating.

 

Mazda6 Interior Design and Special Features

The aesthetic within the 2013 Mazda 6's cabin is thoroughly modern, with lots of curves and sweeping lines, and the car's red electroluminescent gauges are a handsome addition. The center stack forms a graceful arch; it looks great, but some of its controls are less intuitive than those seen in competing models. There's ample headroom and legroom all around, and the backseats are especially spacious, comfortably accommodating even the most long-limbed passengers. If you've got a narrow build, though, you might find the wide front seats lacking in lateral support.
Though the cabin design is attractive, the 6's interior is marred by the presence of some low-grade plastics, and more expensive trim levels come with odd black-and-silver accents that may be a turn-off for some. It's also worth noting that the sound system's performance trails that of others in this class; even the upgraded Bose system could disappoint some listeners. On the plus side, the Mazda 6's 16.6-cubic-foot trunk is one of the biggest in its class, while the trunk's unobtrusive hinge mechanisms and the 60/40-split-folding rear seats further enhance cargo-hauling capabilities.

Inside, the Mazda6 delivers a classy look and upmarket materials which really drive-home the value-for-money package – this feels like a much more expensive car. 

 

There’s some complex shaping going on in the dashboard with multiple tiers, curves and straight lines. Even the audio/satellite navigation screen is housed in a nicely-recessed binnacle atop the centre console.

Conventional gauges sit in a stylish curved binnacle and the three-spoke steering wheel (rake/reach adjustable) is sized just-right and sportily shaped.

As per our previous drives of the Mazda6 we reckon the front seats could do with more shaping/support but there’s plenty of room even for tall folk.

Rear seat accommodation must be close to best-in class for legroom.

Sedan luggage space is rated at 438-litres while the wagon affords 451-litres. Fold the rear seat flat and both balloon to a very handy 1,593-litres.

 

Mazda6 Exterior & Styling

Without doubt the Mazda6 is Mazda’s best styling work to-date. It’s large (for a mid-sizer) at 4,865mm/4800mm in length and 1,840mm in width and the proportions make for a low-wide looking which is certainly sporty and contemporary.

But it’s the blend of curves and straight lines, the stunningly-shaped front fenders and dynamic front-end with the large Mazda ‘winged’ grille and piercing headlights which has everyone talking. Even when parked, the combination of light and shade caused by the Mazda6’s abundant curves makes for a standout on-road presence.

And good as the sedan is, the Mazda6 wagon goes even further with the extended rising glasshouse and sloping roofline exuding glamour like no other Mazda.

‘Sport’ and ‘Touring’ models ride on 17-inch alloys while ‘GT’ and ‘Atenza’ models step-up to 19-inchers.

Mazda6 On The Road

Mazda6’s Skyactiv chassis has a lot in common with the CX-5 medium SUV – altered for a longer wheelbase, lighter weight and lower centre of gravity. Combined with the lightweight and rigid Skyactiv body shell, the package for the Mazda6 was all about slick driving dynamics.

Also remember the sophisticated multi-link rear suspension and handy 14.2 gear ratio for the electric power steering…there’s a lot going on underneath the Mazda6 and it’s all good.

Both the petrol and diesel engines deliver handy response and impressive refinement across the range (the petrol a tad noisy when working at the limit).


Over our high-speed mountain roads test loop, the Mazda6 got the job done with point-in precision, great balance and a flat stance. The newcomer certainly gives the previously all-conquering Ford Mondeo a genuine rival for best-in-class dynamics in the twisty stuff.

Around town, the Mazda6 was nimble, light and similarly refined. When parking you are conscious the ‘6’ – like the Ford Mondeo – is one of the larger mid-sizers so best to miss those Mazda3-size parking spots (even with the reversing camera to help).

 

Mazda6 Challenges

Regular Car Showroom readers will know we rate the Mazda6 very highly. Our main criticism is the front seats which – having regard to its excellent driving dynamics could be a bit more sporty/supportive  

Mazda6 Verdict

In a market segment populated with some great cars, the Mazda6 goes toe-to-toe with any of them and on that basis alone you must include it on your shopping list. In fact when considering this segment, no matter whether your preference is cars from Europe or cars from Asia, if the Mazda6 isn’t in your ‘Top 3’…well you’re on the wrong page.

Wagon or sedan will be dictated by your personal requirements. Both look great and are comprehensively-equipped inside.




Diesel of petrol? Now that’s a tough one.

The Skyactiv-D 2.2-litre turbo-diesel is a gem and its 5.4l/100kms fuel consumption must be factored in. And the 138kW/250Nm of Mazda’s 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine leaves many rivals lagging.

Best to test-drive both before deciding but here’s a tip which might surprise – for refinement and quiet operation it’s hard to pick between either.

Mazda6 The Competition

Toyota Camry is of course the only Aussie-made car in the mid-size segment and on the back of strong fleet business dominates sales by almost three-to-one over the Mazda6 (second-best seller). While the Camry doesn’t have a diesel option, there’s no doubting its value (starting from $30,490) and the current model’s looks are a vast improvement over previous generations. However there’s no denying the Camry isn’t in the ‘glamour’ league of the Mazda6.

Ford’s German-sourced Mondeo is a Car Showroom favourite, priced from $31,490. Diesel or petrol, the Mondeo excels at everything and comes armed with precision German quality and driving dynamics. An all-new Mondeo is due this year.

Honda Accord Euro bristles with Honda quality in every department and, priced from $30,340 is certainly good value. No diesel for the Accord and maybe just a tad short of the Mazda6 for interior space.

You should also look at the Hyundai i40 and Kia Optima although the latter doesn’t come with a diesel engine option.

Pros

Roomy cabin; big trunk; sporty handling.

Cons

Mediocre fuel economy; some cheap interior materials.