2014 Mazda6: Find Out Why!

The definitive version of the Mazda6 was unveiled in January 2013 and it impressed the public right from the get-go. One of the big stars of the Paris Auto Show in September 2012, this elegant sedan features a stylish shape and several innovative technical solutions. Back then, it joined the CX-5 to become the second Mazda vehicle to integrate 100% SKYACTIV technology. A few months later, the even more spectacular Mazda3 burst onto the scene, featuring all the same technology and a silhouette that was every bit as refined as that of the Mazda6. Thus, everyone expected that the more recent model would take home the title of AJAC’s (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada) “Car of the Year.”

So imagine our surprise when the Mazda6 won the award. As we will see, however, this title was completely deserved. In general, cars that are unveiled early in the year have less chance of winning than more recent models, but this proved to be an exception to the rule.

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A sporty silhouette

Most mid-size sedans have a relatively formal, even conservative, shape. Mazda bucks this trend, and the 6 has much sportier and dynamic lines inspired by the design philosophy known as Kodo, which means “soul of motion” in Japanese. With its extended front end, shorter tail end and plunging roofline, the car has basically the same exterior shape as a four-door coupe, though muscular fenders and sweeping lines making it even more attractive.

The modern passenger compartment features quality materials and an impeccable finish, but the dashboard is too understated and a tad outdated. Its screen seems rather small, as seven- or eight-inch screens are now the norm. On the other hand, the controls are accessible and easy to use. The control centre on the console houses a large, easy-to-use button to navigate the management screen.

The driving position is good and the front seats offer good lateral support. Then again, because of the slope of the roof, you have to lean a little more than usual to get in to the back seats.

Well devised mechanics

Like all new models launched since the CX-5, the Mazda6 uses the full SKYACTIV system. That means that not only does the 184-horsepower 2.5-litre engine use this technology, but so does the transmission, platform and suspension. This helps reduce fuel consumption, while favouring handling, comfort and safety. Mazda’s engineers reinvented the internal combustion engine by reducing internal friction, and improved combustion by using a compression ratio of 13:1, a ratio usually seen in racing engines. The six-speed automatic transmission has also been revised, to an extent, while the six-speed manual has been refined.

The Mazda6 includes other technological innovations, such as the i-ELOOP system that is probably one of the cleverest inventions we’ve seen in years in the automobile world. Intelligent Energy Loop is the world’s first brake energy recovery system with capacitors. It supplies power to all of the vehicle’s electric mechanisms. i-ELOOP is more compact and lighter than the classic systems, and the capacitors recharge and unload quickly, and are more resistant to deterioration than batteries despite prolonged use.

Among the safety features, there’s Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system. Designed to help the driver prevent collisions when the vehicle is going from 5 to 30 km per hour, if the laser sensor detects an object in the way, it pre-charges the brakes to reduce brake caliper travel and decrease stopping distances. If the driver doesn’t make a move to avoid the object, the SCBS will activate an automatic braking function. For a mid-size sedan, the technological refinement is advanced, although many of these features are offered only as options.

The Mazda6 was also supposed to be offered with a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 173 horsepower and 310 lbs.-ft. of torque. Unfortunately, it has been delayed several times and we’re still waiting. Too bad, since after driving a Mazda6 powered by this engine, I must admit that it would be great if this model came to our market. Same goes for the wagon version, which isn’t available in North America either.

Easy to explain

The Mazda6 is deserving of the 2014 Canadian Car of the Year honour, the result of a vote of dozens of AJAC members. What won them over won me over too, namely this car’s handling and fun ride. Not only is the handling balanced, but the steering is precise and well assisted.

Although the suspension is well adjusted, some may find it a bit too firm at low speed, but it’s nothing dramatic. As for the 2.5-litre engine, it has adequate power and it goes from 0-100 km/hr in less than eight seconds. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts very smoothly, but the torque converter locks quickly, which makes some drivers think that there’s something wrong with the transmission. This setting helps it engage the economical gears (4-5-6) faster. But for most users, this detail will go unnoticed. By the way, the manual gearbox, a tad more popular in this category, is a delight to use both for flawless shifting and a well adjusted clutch.

Overall, it’s easy to understand why this Mazda was named 2014 Car of the Year. It’s harder to understand why this sedan isn’t as successful as it should be on our market.