When it comes to midsize sedans, every manufacturer has a presence in this "family car" segment. That is no surprise as the D-segment is both a sales leader and a money maker. The competition here is also very stiff with the Toyota Camry leading the market followed by the Honda Accord.
The Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata also make a strong impression, but the big surprise just may come from one of the smallest manufacturers: Mazda. Indeed, the 2014 Mazda6 is all-new, a five passenger sedan that is packed with surprises and great value.
Background
First offered in the 2003 model year, the Mazda6 is now in its third generation. The first models shared a platform with various Ford vehicles including the Ford Fusion, but the current edition was built strictly in-house. The current edition is priced from $20,800 or toward the bottom end of the midsize sedan segment.
Engine and Transmissions
The Mazda6 is sold in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring editions. This vehicle is powered by a SKYACTIV four cylinder gasoline engine, displacing at 2.5 liters. This engine makes 184 horsepower and 185 foot-pounds of torque and is the sole engine offered with this vehicle.
Sport and Touring editions are equipped with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional, but standard with the Grand Touring edition.
Gas mileage is at the top of the midsize range with the standard models rated at 25 mpg in town and 37 mpg on the highway. When equipped with an automatic transmission, this vehicle gets 26 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. That highway figure ties the Nissan Altima for segment leadership.
Exterior Highlights
Based on the Mazda Takeri concept, the 2014 Mazda6 espouses the brands' "soul in motion" design language to deliver a sporty sedan that is stylish and crisp. This model features a powerful fascia, strong shoulders, sweeping and sculpted body lines, and an overall modern look.
Mazda6 is outfitted with 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels and features color coordinated side mirror caps and door handles. This vehicle offers standard halogen headlamps, but can be had with Bi-Xenon HID headlights and LED tail lights. An adaptive front lighting system is also available.
Interior Highlights
Inside, the Mazda6 cabin is bright, spacious and offers numerous luxury touches. This vehicle features a sport steering wheel, a three-panel dashboard display, a center stack display and easy to understand knobs and switches to control audio and climate control systems.
Standard equipment includes air conditioning, a tilt and telescopic steering column, a six-speaker audio system, power windows and power door locks, steering wheel mounted controls and intermittent wipers. Touring editions bring in a six-way power driver's seat, leatherette seating surfaces, HD radio, Pandora Internet radio, Bluetooth connectivity and larger wheels. Choose the Grand Touring edition for a power sliding moonroof, a rear lip spoiler, upgraded lighting, paddle shifters, leather treatments, heated front seats and a Bose audio system.
Mazda6 Raves
The all-new Mazda6 should be considered if you're looking at buying a five passenger front-wheel-drive sedan. Perhaps the only thing that it lacks is an all-wheel-drive option, but then it will soon offer a diesel option, something very few of its competitors are able to claim.
Matt Keegan is a freelance automotive writer. He is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Toyota Tundra wheels and Ford F-150 wheels.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan
