2009 Mazda 6 GT-V6 Review
For the past few years now, Mazda has been giving us boldly styled prototypes, but these liquid lines have been slow to make it into production. For 2009, Mazda is finally launching a model graced with a cleaner version of this liquid styling and a rare elegance.
The first generation of the 6 enabled the manufacturer to successfully reposition itself in the mid-size sedan market, and this new version is upping the ante. Having corrected most of the first model’s minor defects, the manufacturer is now offering a car that just might turn the class on its head.
Taut down to the last line, the body recalls the design’s conceptual origins. The roof line is particularly striking. Diving down from the B pillar, it flows into the trunk line and amplifies the sense of liquid movement, with the added benefit of making the car seem more slender. The exhaust tips integrated into the bumper give a palpable impression of luxury. Too bad that they’re not an integral part of the exhaust system. The fog lights don’t sit well in the front fascia, as the mousy grey framing contrasts too much with the rest of the body, especially since the colour doesn’t make another appearance.
Other than that, the car has taken a healthy evolutionary step forward from the previous generation. Its main sporty traits have been enhanced and the overall quality has been maintained. The cabin has also matured, displaying Mazda’s characteristic styling elements with a nod to the RX-8 in the form of the dash.
The design is great, especially when it comes to the instrument panel. The dial plates look fabulous, the blend of orange and blue lighting is crisp and clear. The dashboard itself is conventional, but the grey plastic trim enlivens an otherwise drab interior. Some of the plastics do clash with the quality of the car though. In such a competitive class, we’re allowed to expect supple plastics that are pleasing to the touch and built to withstand life’s vagaries.
The controls are ergonomic and pleasant, and powerful backlighting guarantees their readability. The interior space is the big winner in this update: the 6 has gone from being one of the most compact cars in the class to one of the most spacious. Trunk access is also exceptionally easy, the very wide mouth enabling us to load and unload cumbersome objects in a cinch.
The interior is quite comfortable. They’ve used good quality leather for the seats, which are nevertheless a little too firm to my liking. Side support isn’t up to par for a sporty car. The driving position is correct, nothing more.
Zoom-Zoom +
The new 6 isn’t a performance hound, but it’s got everything we need to have fun, lots of fun. Powered by a 3.7-litre DOHC MZI V6 mill kicking out 272 pretty horses and 269 lb-ft of torque, the 6 is definitely flexible. Without setting the pavement on fire, the torque allows for class-appropriate acceleration, just a smidge short of sporty. Fuel consumption is a little high, averaging around 11 or 12 litres per 100 kilometres.
The well spaced transmission does a good job with its six speeds. The Active Adaptive Shift system (AAS) maintains the lowest gear in order to optimize potential acceleration. The only drawback is that steering wheel paddles are not yet available for racy shifting. This would certainly be a welcome addition to the car.
Handling is decent, however the brakes should be more enthusiastic. The steering is wonderfully precise and has you longing for more corners. The suspension is stiffer than that of the previous generation. The E-link configuration offers several advantages such as steeper inclination that’s improves handling and a lower trunk floor that increases cargo space.
Competition
Vying for supremacy in the sporty mid-size sedan class are the Honda Accord EX-V6 ($31,690), the Nissan Altima 3.5 SE ($30,298), the Toyota Camry SE-V6 ($31,350), the Chevrolet Malibu LTZ ($33,610), the Ford Fusion SEL V6 ($29,399) and the Hyundai Sonata Limited V6 ($31,495). We can also include the Subaru Legacy 3.0R Limited ($36,995) and the Volkswagen Passat 3.6L 4Motion ($42,975).
Conclusion
The 6 was already well positioned in its class, but now it’s got what it takes to become a serious threat to the segment leaders. The package has been greatly improved, with special attention given to old drawbacks. Mazda has pulled off its bold attempt to integrate concept lines into a production sedan. However, there’s a good chance that the 4-litre engine will just squeak by in terms of performance.
Tags: 2009 mazda, gt-v6, Mazda, Mazda 6, Mazda 6 Review