2009 Mazda6: A change of course...

A few whales, some majestic landscapes, an almost infinite number of little bars (more than 70 in less than two kilometres) and a completely new Mazda6…that is what the Mazda Canada team that invited us to the St. John’s, Newfoundland helped us discover.  Obviously, having us visit a record number of Irish pubs was not the manufacturer’s goal.  Rather, it was to introduce us to this second generation of the Mazda6. The manufacturer’s choice of this faraway part of the country was an original and colourful destination where a car like the 6 could perform to its capabilities.

However, I do not know if the parallel between the whales we saw a few kilometres from the coast and this new sedan was intentional, but this is the most imposing Mazda sedan has ever made.  Mazda wanted nothing more than to increase its sales volume both here and south of the border and chose for the first time to develop a car specifically for our market.  So forget about the Mazda6 sold in Europe and Asia, that car is no longer meant for us. Stiff competition from the Accords, Altimas, Camrys and Malibus of the world required the new Mazda6 to be much bulkier. It is getting new engines, a brand new platform and everything that will help it face the big names in this category.

Sedan only

It is no surprise that the Mazda6 is no longer available in the five-door Sport version for the simple reason that this configuration, so popular in Europe, is not as successful in Canada, where the Sport version accounted for 35% of the Mazda6 models sold. In the US, that figure drops to less than 20%. So when the time came to develop a new Mazda6 targeting the North American market, it was an easy decision to make. 

Very fortunately, although the Mazda6 has been enormously Americanized, its unique character has been preserved, as evidenced by its fluid and refined lines that still make it the most beautiful intermediate sedan on the market. Examine its graceful look, the curves of its front fenders or the unique shape of its chrome-outlined side windows and you will realize that this intermediate sedan has more than its share of flavour. Moreover, these are the aesthetic features that make a Mazda a Mazda.  This is what gives the car its famous Zoom-Zoom!

On board, the presentation is meticulous and higher quality materials are used. The very modern passenger compartment has a tilted dashboard with flawless ergonomics, trim with a contemporary design and warm and inviting ambient lighting. Naturally, the car’s more generous dimensions increase interior space considerably, which means more space for its occupants. The space in the back seat and the comfort of the bench will leave the rear passengers feeling particularly spoiled. And as for baggage, the Mazda6 has one of the most spacious trunks in the intermediate category. In fact, the only complaint will be with the vertical adjustment of the driver’s seat, which does not have a low enough base.

GS or GT

The Mazda6 is still offered in the GS and GT versions, which differ only in their cosmetic details and equipment. Mazda tells us that the GS version equipped with an options package and an automatic transmission accounts for 45% of the total sales of the Mazda6 and since the price has been lowered this year, clients are unlikely to pass on certain options.

The Mazda6 is powered by a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, 170-horsepower engine which is derived directly from the old 2.3-litre engine. It is responsive, refined and fuel-efficient, using only about 9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. The six-speed manual transmission that comes standard obviously helps to maximize the engine performance, although the automatic is also very good. The only criticism is that the manual mode still works backwards compared to most transmissions - the stick shift has to be pulled downwards to gear down.

Even though the vast majority of buyers will opt for the four-cylinder engine, the V6 still remains in the catalogue. Fortunately, the 3.0-litre V6 that was previously used has been replaced by the 3.7-litre V6 Ford engine that is also used in the CX-9. The competition has nothing on this engine when it comes to output. Its performances are xceptional, its torque is well-distributed and it proves very smooth. However, fuel consumption remains higher than that of the V6 engines offered by Nissan, Toyota and Honda, rarely using less than 12 litres per 100 kilometres.

A touring car now more than ever

Of all of the intermediate sedans on the market, whether they are North American, Asian or German in origin, the Mazda6 is certainly the one with the most dynamic ride. Its agility is even better than that of its predecessor despite the fact that the car is substantially heavier. It owes its incisive ride to a better chassis, a better calibrated suspension and more precise steering. And of course, fun is front and centre. Can you say that about a Camry or an Altima? No way.

Too small for North American tastes, the Mazda6 has not had the success it deserves. The manufacturer’s best performance in Canada was 12,000 units sold, but the Mazda6 was still outsold by too many of its competitors. A few Quebec buyers may be disappointed to see their beloved car “go North American”, but most will prefer this formula in the long run. In any case, Mazda engineers were able to combine the best of the old model with a car that it now better suited to our market, so it seems to be a win-win situation for customers, and especially, for Mazda.