The black and parchment interior of the 2017 Mazda6 is still one of the most compelling cabins available. (Staff Photo by Mark Kennedy)Although it's now four years into its product cycle, the Mazda6 midsize sedan is still turning heads and winning hearts with handsome design and nimble driving dynamics.
Typically, a car design this long in the tooth begins to look dated. Not so, the Mazda6. In fact, some other brands are still playing catch-up. For example, we drove the redesigned 2018 Honda Accord last week, and it almost felt like Honda had benchmarked the Mazda's windswept design and gorgeous two-tone interior.
Mazda does seem to have fallen a bit behind the curve when it comes to engine options. All 2017 Mazda6s come equipped a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 184 horsepower. Most other brands offer turbo-charged and/or six-cylinder engines in their midsize cars. (Note: The refreshed 2018 Mazda6 will reportedly have a turbo option.)
Two Chattanooga-area dealerships, Tim Short Mazda on International Drive and Gray Epperson Mazda in Cleveland, Tenn., have a selection of 2017 Mazda6s in stock this week. The 2018s have not arrived, according to digital inventories.
-Just the Facts: The Mazda6 is a five-passenger, front-wheel-drive, midsize sedan from a Japanese automaker whose products have been praised for their class-above interior and exterior designs, nimble handling and fuel-efficient powertrains. It appeals to buyers who want family-sedan practicality, but value design aesthetics, too.
-Drivetrain: Currently, the Mazda6 comes in only one engine flavor: a 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder. Because of its overall, light-weight design, however, the Mazda6 can sprint from 0-60 mph in about seven seconds - which makes it competitive in its segment. Sportiness is enhanced with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
-Design/Styling: Mazda's Kodo design language features long, flowing sheet-metal lines that emphasize the rear haunches of the Mazda6. In short, it looks like a cat waiting to pounce. Every time we climb into the Mazda6 cabin we are newly amazed at its exquisite design and quality materials. A seven-inch touch-screen in the middle of the dash is beginning to look a little small, though. On the other hand, our tester's Soul Red exterior wrapped around a parchment leather interior is our favorite color combination. To our eyes, this remains the most attractive mass-market midsize sedan you can buy.
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Looking for a used or new car?
-Where, and How Much: The Mazda6 is available locally at Tim Short Mazda on International Drive, and Gray Epperson Mazda in Cleveland, Tenn. Sport trim models start at $22,995. Step up to Touring models which begin at $25,245, or option-packed Grand Touring models at $30,695. Our tester lists for $34,695 after options.
-We Could Live Without: The $2,500 GT performance package which includes (among other things) upgraded upholstery, a regenerative braking system and trim accents.
-Why It's Good for Chattanooga Customers: Chattanooga is a small enough city that you can drive around town all day and not see another Mazda6 that looks exactly like yours. It's harder to say that for owners of other midsize cars.
-Also Look at: The Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Chevy Malibu and Nissan Altima.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com.