The 2015 Mazda6 comes in three different trims: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Each is powered by a 184-horsepower, direct-injection 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, with torque rated at 185 ft-lb. A 6-speed manual transmission comes standard on the Sport, while a 6-speed automatic is optional on that trim and standard on Touring and Grand Touring.
Even the base Sport trim comes well equipped, with halogen headlights and daytime running lights, dual power side mirrors with integrated turn signals, 17-inch alloy wheels, power windows and locks, push-button start, a 60/40 split-fold rear seatback, and steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Standard safety technology includes 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, a bevy of airbags, dynamic stability control and traction control.
The Touring adds features such as 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear heat and air conditioning vents, a 6-way power driver's seat, leatherette-trimmed seats, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, a 5.8-inch color touch screen display, HD and Pandora Internet radio and SMS text message audio delivery and reply. The Touring also includes a blind spot monitoring system and rear cross traffic alert.
Finally, the fully equipped Grand Touring includes amenities like a power glass moonroof, bi-xenon headlights and LED running lights, an auto-dimming driver's side mirror, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, navigation with traffic alerts, leather-trimmed seating with heated front seats and an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat. An 11-speaker Bose audio system and Sirius XM satellite radio compatibility are included, as is a Smart City Brake Support system, which helps to mitigate low-speed front-end collisions.
Certain convenience options such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror and fog lights are available on the Sport. On the Touring model a $2,000 Touring Technology Package includes the 11-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, advanced keyless entry, Smart City Brake Support and more. For the Grand Touring, the cleverly named Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Forward Obstruction Warning Package adds the named systems, while the Advanced Package builds on the above with a land departure warning system and i-ELOOP, a regenerative braking system that uses a capacitor to store energy created during braking.
Attractive Styling
Sprightly 2.5L Engine
Athletic Handling
Excellent Safety
Impressive Fuel Efficiency
Standout Technology
The Mazda6 was redesigned for 2014; however it still gets a few updates for 2015. The biggest news is the addition of Mazda's i-ELOOP regenerative engine braking technology, which aims to boost the Mazda6's fuel economy up to 40 mpg on the highway. Less significant are a few trim modifications and the availability of an option package that includes a sunroof, a premium sound system and 1-year subscription to satellite radio services.
The mid-size sedan segment is as crowded and as competent as it's ever been, so Mazda knew it needed a new Mazda6 to rule the class. That's exactly what the company has delivered. Exterior styling is eye-catching and evocative, while interiors are spacious, with high-quality soft-touch materials throughout. Power and fuel efficiency place the Mazda6 near the top of the class, while its base price of under $21,000 means it is less expensive than the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu.
