Mazda 6 2017 Review

Trusted Performer
A strong sales performer and segment favourite, the trusted Mazda6 has been overwhelmingly triumphant in previous comparisons. It also took the title of Best Family Car over $30k in the Carsales Car of the Year 2016.

But Mazda’s mid-sizer is faced with increased competition from segment rivals, as well as a sea of contenders in the ever-popular SUV market. Its very own siblings, the CX-5 and CX-9, undoubtedly steal their share of potential buyers too.

A segment in steady decline, recent updates to the Mazda6 see it safer, quieter and with more equipment... all without a price increase.

The Mazda6 range retains a familiar model line-up: entry level Sport, Touring, GT and the range topping Atenza. Our test vehicle for this comparo was the GT, which featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (138kW/250Nm) matched to a six-speed automatic transmission – it retails from $42,690.

The Japanese-built Mazda6 offers a three year/unlimited kilometre warranty and service intervals are scheduled every 12 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first). Redbook.com.au suggests a three-year old Mazda6 will retain around 67 per cent of its as-new value – bettering all rivals on test, despite the Kia Optima’s stronger aftersales support.

Conservative and composed
Pitched against larger-capacity and several turbo-powered rivals, the naturally-aspirated Mazda6 was the least powerful car on test and, by comparison, felt underpowered.

That notwithstanding, the Mazda6’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit proved to be both strong and flexible, but felt a little laboured under hard acceleration. This was amplified with four occupants on board pushing through winding country roads. Owners won't be left wanting for around-town performance however. That smaller-capacity engine was efficient as well, returning a fuel consumption figure on test as low as 10.9L/100km. The Mazda6 is also fit to tow up to 1500kg (braked).

And while Mazda has taken steps to improve insulation and overall refinement, there was still an element of road noise that intruded. But it wasn’t alone in that regard, and it was noted that a variety of wheel and tyre combinations on test contributed to noticeably different results across the bunch.

The Mazda may have been upstaged in terms of sheer power, but the mid-sizer’s steering took the fancy of all judges. Around town and at moderate speeds the Mazda’s feel at the wheel blended into the pack.

Under power however, it was a different story. The recent update sees the Mazda6 gain G-Vectoring Control, giving the Mazda not only a more relaxed and enjoyable steer for long freeway journeys, but much better feel on turn in. On par with the Kia Optima and Skoda Octavia, it was one of the most communicative and predictable steers on test and somewhat of a surprise on test day... despite all the bright and shiny distractions at hand.

A good turning circle (11.2m) made for great manoeuvrability, aided by front and rear park assist and a reversing camera.

Room to grow
Under constant pressure from smart small cars and a sea of versatile SUVs, the medium sedan needs many tricks in the bag. The Mazda6 manages this ‘in-betweener’ role well - dynamically rewarding, room for five and 474-litres of boot space. And it does this with sophistication and attention to detail.

With interior space on its side (albeit around 20mm narrower than the Kia), the Mazda6 was comfortable and ergonomically sound – it was an easy place to settle into. Mazda’s familiar MZD connect infotainment interface remains a good, intuitive system, but lacks some functionality of its rivals, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto being the obvious omission. A seven-inch touchscreen is home to a solid suite of tech, including satellite navigation and the premium 11-speaker Bose audio (Touring, GT and Atenza only). The collective forces of a central controller dial and touchscreen (when stationery) make for a winning combination.

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Second-row occupants were comfortable and amenities included two directional air vents, back seat pockets and a centre armrest with two cup holders and oddment storage. Heated seats (also found in Mondeo and Octavia) lifted the benchmark, only to be let down by the lack of charge points, as for the Skoda.

One of the widest second rows on test, the Mazda’s space was bettered only by the Kia Optima. Two ISOFIX and three top-tether child seat anchor points as well as three-point seat belts were standard.

The boot (474-1507L) was generous, but the lack of any usable tie-down or anchor points a disappointment. The 40:60 seating flexibility was good, but the Skoda’s lift-back tailgate and through-load functionality trumped all, where flexibility was concerned.

Steady she goes
Small steps forward continue to make the Mazda6 a popular choice. Not least of which was the extensive list of safety credentials including: blind spot monitoring, emergency brake assist, rear cross traffic alert and Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support (aiding forward and rearward motion).

The tweaked Mazda6 continues to build on a good base. It’s safer, easier to drive and still represents good value for money. It’s not the most powerful or most dynamically rewarding pick of the bunch but it does many things consistently well.

The dependable Mazda6 found itself in the middle ground in many of our test criteria. While it didn't excel in any one area, the sum of many things done well makes the Mazda6 a strong contender in this segment.

2017 Mazda6 GT pricing and specifications:
Price: $44,390 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 138kW/250Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.6L/100km (ADR Combined) 10.9L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 153g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP