2016 Mazda 6 GT – Test Drive

A Lust for Style and Smooth Movement

It doesn’t take long to realize the more popular cross-over SUV’s have become a mainstream vehicle on the road in recent years.  And on the consumer’s perspective, it’d almost be silly to not opt for the trifecta of roominess, performance and styling modern cross-over SUV’s have to offer.  But this has, in no way, stopped Mazda from continuing its spirit and beliefs in its trademark Mazda 6 sedan.

New for 2016 is an added Bose/Moonroof/Satellite Radio Package at an MSRP of $22,894).  This includes an 11-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System with AudioPilot, a moonroof with a one-touch open/close feature and SIRIUS/XM satellite radio with a four-month complimentary subscription.

Owner’s of this year’s model will also enjoy updated interior, heated rear seats, manual passenger seat height adjuster, 7″ colour touchscreen display as standard equipment.  As for the GT model, standard equipment includes a new front bumper and grille design, signature grille illumination, LED head, fog and interior lights, Mazda’s Active Drive Display heads up system and power passenger seat height adjuster.

More Than Just Good Looks

Its contemporary design and sleek looks is not all the Mazda 6 has to offer.  Joining the acclaimed and proven SKYACTIV®² TECHNOLOGY is Mazda’s own i-ELOOP hybrid powertrain system utilizing capacitor-based regenerative engine braking as opposed to traditional lithium ion electrical energy storage system.

Front wheels are spun by a SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine producing 184 horsepower at 5,700 RPM and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250.  Those that demand full mechanical control are in luck as the Mazda 6 is available in a 6-speed manual transmission; though the alternative 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission can be a bit more numb to drive, but still offers electronic-sequential shift via paddle shifters.

Well Deserving Compliments

Its true beauty lies in its engineering specifically tailored for the human soul.  Cabin space is exceptionally well insulated from external wind and road sound.  Engine noise and vibration during idle is virtually non-existence once temperature has warmed up.

Driver engagement is a bit dull and the limited capability of the naturally aspirated 2.5L is mostly to be blamed.  Sequential shift mode won’t make your palms sweat either due to its weak engine tone, and ultra-forgiving transmission gearbox.

Mazda doses make a few attempts to sportify the 6 though.  Flick the switch labeled “sport” in the center console to instruct the engine to latch at higher RPMs with its steering sharpened for cornering.

Speaking of cornering, the Mazda 6 does well.  It’s more scaled towards the comfort zone.  There is a slight delay in suspension compression in corner entry, and the longer wheelbase is apparent.  But over all, the Mazda 6 is well behaved throughout the apex and corner exit.

Tech Features

The Mazda 6 is jam packed with tech features.  Our particular GT model is also equipped with a heads up display showing vehicle speed, lane departure and GPS navigation.  It’s as slick as it is a useful feature to have.  New to this year’s model is the added lane departure warning that ingeniously simulates rumble strips by playing the noise on its respective left or right stereo speakers.

Pricing is a bit out of the comfort zone with its GT model MSRP priced at $32,895.  But to be fair, the GT model comes equipped with pretty much all the latest tech and safety features out there including blind spot detector, lane departure audio warning system, radar cruise control, smart brake suport, and full fledged infotainment system including bluetooth smartphone connectivity, voice recognition and Mazda’s command center control.

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2016 Mazda 6
• Model : Mazda 6 GT
• Price as Tested : $32,895
• Vehicle Type : 5 Passenger Sedan
• Seating Capacity : 2+3
• Powertrain Configuration : FWD
• Engine : 2.5L I4
• Transmission : 6 Speed automatic
• Fuel Economy: 28/40 MPG City/Highway
• Additional Features : SKYACTIV-G 2.5L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission, intelligent key system w/push button start, Bluetooth w/ audio profile, power moonroof, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, LED fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, 19″ high lustre gunmetal alloy wheels, BOSE audio system w/11 speakers, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera, memory driver seat (2 settings), LED headlights with signature lighting, signature grille illumination, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) with automatic headlight leveling, Active Driving Display (ADD)

Pros

• Great ride quality and comfort
• Well insulated cabin sound insulation
• Excellent fuel economy
• Responsive ride handling

Cons

• Limited power from smaller 2.5L I4 engine
• Minimal thrill in driving experience.