Flash Drive

2018 Mazda6

January 24, 2019 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2018 Mazda6 Signature

The 2018 Mazda6 is one of the more handsome midsize sedans on the market, especially in the optional Soul Red Crystal color.

Engine:2.5-liter I-4 gas, 227-horsepower, 310 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 23 mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 26 mpg combined

Base Price: $34,750

As Tested: $36,435

Performance:

Strong performance from a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine

Excellent 6-speed automatic

The rear view is as handsome as the front, but the sloping roofline affects rear seat ingress/egress.

transmission

Paddle shifters

Also available with a 6-speed manual transmission (with base engine)

Semi-sporty handling for a family sedan

Overall very pleasant driving experience

Smooth highway ride

Good size for city driving/commuting

19-inch alloy wheels

Smart Brake Support

Blind Spot Monitoring

This cutaway interior shot shows the relative front to back spacing, which favors the front row.

Lane departure warning

Lane Keeper Assist

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Comfort:

Ample front row legroom

Good rear seat legroom

Rear shoe room a little snug

Nappa leather trimmed sport seats are very comfortable

Heated and ventilated front seats

Driver’s power lumbar support

Center console is padded for driver’s right knee

The steering wheel, instrumentation, and HVAC/infotainment controls are all well executed.

Real wood interior trim

Utility:

Average size trunk (14.8-cubic feet) with wide opening

Split folding rear seats

Remote seatback releases

Medium size interior small items storage bins

Rain sensing windshield wipers

LED headlights

Adaptive Lighting System

8-inch infotainment touch screen

Head Up Display

Impressive surround view camera

The Mazda6 is a very capable and pleasant touring car, especially with one of the more powerful optional engines.

WOW Factors:

Very handsome styling

Excellent safety features

Plush, comfortable interior

Head Up Display with traffic sign recognition

Strong performance; good handling

Whines:

Gorgeous Soul Red Crystal paint is $595 extra

Stylish rear roofline means ducking into rear seat

Bottom Line:

This high angle shot shows the overall sleek styling and the smallish sunroof.

The 2018 Mazda6 is the top-of-the-line fully loaded model, so it adds extra comfort and luxury to an already great sedan. The Mazda6 is among a small number of midsize family sedans that can still be equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Mazda6 is a very well rounded midsize sedan with very few compromises.