Sedans no longer have as much to say as they did a few years ago, but they continue to be an excellent canvas for brands to show their constructive skills. The Mazda 6 It is the largest sedan of the Japanese firm, above the other unit available in the house, the Mazda 3 Saloon. A classic model for modern times.
We have tested this car:
Test Mazda6 Wagon 2.0 Skyactiv-G 145 CV ZenithTest Mazda 6 2.2 Skyactiv-D 175 Luxury, the Japanese dressed in GermanMazda 6 SKYACTIV-D 150 CV test, equipment, price and conclusionsTest Mazda 6 SKYACTIV-D 150 CV, exterior and interior designIn other markets such as Chinese or Japanese, the Mazda 6 is known as the Mazda Atenza. Its history starts in 2012 as a replacement for the Mazda 626, which was never marketed in our country. Since then it has garnered modest sales figures, but good reviews and opinions, as it is a sedan with very good qualities.
There are four generations that have reached the market. The last one was launched in 2012. Since then it has remained practically unchanged, although in 2018 Mazda presented the corresponding commercial restyling, which was slightly repeated in 2022. It is sold under two different bodies, the four-door saloon and the Mazda 6 Wagon family.
Technical characteristics of the Mazda 6
Mazda vehicles are known for excellent driving dynamics. Much of that recognition is due to a very well-tuned chassis. For its fourth generation, it uses the group's GJ platform, a specific derivation of the G architecture that models such as the Ford Mondeo.
Due to its measurements, the Mazda 6 is included in segment D. Externally, it reaches the 4,87 meters long, 1,84 meters wide and 1,45 meters high. Interestingly, the family unit is slightly shorter: 4,8 meters long, 1,84 meters wide and 1,47 meters high. To these dimensions must be added a wheelbase of 2,83 meters for the Sedan and 2,75 for the Wagon.
These measures leave us with an interior space for a maximum of five passengers, where three adults behind will travel with some discomfort through a more uncomfortable central square. Regarding load capacity, the Mazda 6 offers a trunk volume of 480 liters, while the Wagon raises the minimum figure to 522 liters despite its smaller dimensions.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Mazda 6
When choosing a mechanical variant, the Mazda 6 offers us a portfolio not adapted to the new concepts of electric mobility. The saloon offers a powertrain portfolio focused exclusively on diesel and gasoline variants. Its well-known Skyactiv units that manage to reduce consumption and have a front-axle drive system at all times.
The range starts with 2.0 Skyactiv-G 145 hp powered by a four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol block with 213 Nm of torque. It can be associated with a six-speed manual transmission or, optionally, a six-speed automatic transmission. The most efficient gasoline unit is the 2.5 Skyactiv-G with 194 horsepower and 258 Nm of torque. It's always mated to a six-speed torque converter automatic.
Diesel engines offer a single engine. A turbocharged four-cylinder block with 2.191 cubic centimeters. The access unit is 2.2 Skyactiv-D with 150 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. It is always offered with a six-speed manual transmission. The most powerful of the family is the 2.2 Skyactiv-D with 184 horsepower and 445 Nm of torque. In this case, a six-speed torque converter-type automatic transmission is always fitted.
Mazda 6 Equipment
Mazda's excellent work in creating well-presented environments must be recognized. Despite being considered a generalist brand, the quality of its interiors is much higher than average, even standing up to models from premium firms. The Mazda 6 is no stranger, as its cabin with a great sense of perceived quality demonstrates.
As usual in the Japanese house, the range of equipment is structured in levels. From its base finish, the saloon offers extensive equipment, although it can be increased as we jump to higher levels. From lowest to highest endowment we find: Evolution Tech, Zenith, Homura and Signature. The changes are mainly focused on technologies, since in terms of design they are all practically the same.
Although at the time it presented cutting-edge technologies, the Mazda 6 begins to attribute a clear problem of obsolescence with respect to newer models. Even so, elements such as Head-Up Display, browser, connectivity for mobile devices, multimedia system with touch screen of up to 8 inches, adaptive Full LED headlights, 360-degree camera and a complete safety equipment and driving assistants should be highlighted.
The Mazda 6 on video
The Mazda 6 according to Euro NCAP
The Mazda 6 was subjected in 2018 to the demanding impact test organized by Euro NCAP receiving the highest possible score, 5 stars. The safety tests were passed with the following percentages. In the event of an impact, protection for adult and child occupants was 95 and 91 percent, respectively. A 66 percent of protection was obtained in the event of being hit by pedestrians or cyclists. Finally, in terms of active driving aids, it achieved 73 percent protection. These valuations are still valid today.
The Mazda 6 of Km 0 and second hand
Although we have already said that it is an excellent general saloon with a lot of premium focus, the Mazda 6 goes unnoticed in the markets. However, given its extensive experience and four generations, we can easily find units available in alternative sales channels. Its well-deserved reputation for durability and quality allow it to offer a depreciation percentage of around 31%., a figure similar to that offered by some of its rivals.
If we take a look at the used and second-hand market, we see that the cheapest units date from the first of their generations (2002 – 2007). Prices start below 1.000 euros for diesel models with more than 200 thousand accumulated kilometers. The offer available in the Km 0 market is much more limited as it has lost fame in the market. In this case, prices start from 26.000 euros for gasoline alternatives with 145 horses and base finish.
Rivals of the Mazda 6
The large general saloons have less and less weight in the markets. The SUV trend has made many manufacturers let their models die. Nonetheless the general D segment continues to offer interesting purchase alternatives, all of them rivals of the Mazda 6. In that list of enemies we find names like: Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Superb, Renault talisman, Opel Insignia, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Arteon, DS 9 y Citroen C5 X. All of them are similar in terms of dimensions, characteristics and prices, although it must be recognized that the Japanese stands out for its quality of equipment, although it penalizes state-of-the-art technologies.
Highlight
- Good quality/equipment/price ratio
- Engine response and consumption
- elegant aesthetic
To improve
- Narrow trunk loading opening
- Behavior of the suspension in support changes
- outdated model
Mazda 6 prices
When it comes to setting prices, Mazda wants to position itself as a brand midway between the general and premium segments. The starting price of the Mazda 6 is 34.655 euros, without offers or promotions. That value corresponds to a sedan with an Evolution Tech finish and a 2.0 horsepower 145 Skyactiv-G engine with manual gearbox. The most expensive model of the entire family is the Mazda 6 Wagon 2.5 Skyactiv-G with 194 horsepower and six-speed automatic transmission with Signature finish. Its price is announced from 45.205 euros, without offers or promotions.
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