2009 Mazda6 Grand Touring

Just how important is the all-new Mazda6 to the Mazda’s American portfolio? “The Mazda6 is one of the biggest launches we’ll have this decade,” commented Jim O’Sullivan, President and CEO of Mazda North America. Coming from a company that already launched an impressive array of new products in the last few years, that’s quite a statement.

The outgoing Mazda6 wasn’t what one would call a disappointment, per se. It just failed to set the world on fire. Where its competitors sold 300,000 and 400,000 of the Accord and Camry, respectively, the little Mazda6 scooted under the radar, moving just under 100,000 units—hardly a blip better than the outgoing Protegé.

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For 2009 Mazda realized it needed to take a fresh look at its mainstream people-mover: Unlike the previous iteration, which was a “world car,” this new one would be specifically tuned and designed for the American market. Yes, we like our cars bigger, comfier and more powerful—for the bread and butter market, this is reality.

Penned from the same group responsible for the first and second generation RX-7s, the first MX-5 Miata and the recently lauded Furai concept (Mazda’s California Design Studio), the new Mazda6 has progressive, purposeful lines. Where the new Honda Accord has grown to near Lexus-sized proportions, Mazda made the new Mazda6 larger where it needed to be, without resorting to excessive bloat. The design is clean and modern, the trunk spacious, and the back seat can actually hold a normal sized adult without causing leg cramps. This is progress.

First up, the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. This is the model that will attract the fuel-conscious buyer. With an economy rating of 21 mpg city and 29 highway, it’s not exactly running with the Toyota Prius in terms of economy, then again, it’s priced thousands less—which could buy a lot of extra gas. Buyers have a choice of either a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission attached to this mill, the latter of which is the least expensive, as usual: starting at just under $19,000.

I didn’t much care for 4-banger. This motor would probably feel at home in its smaller brother, the Mazda3, where it will also be living, starting with the newly-introduced 2010 model. In the Mazda6, however, it comes off as buzzy and underwhelming. Sure, enough power to hit the freeway and to probably impress teetotaler, but just barely.

The Ford-designed and Mazda-built 6-cylinder, on the other hand, was right at home in the new chassis. Equipped with a 6-speed sport automatic transmission as the only powertrain, it felt smooth and commanding and was well mated to the sedan’s plucky suspension dampening. In short, around the windy roads of Malibu and Carmel, it was the most fun I’ve had in a mainstream 4-door since I first drove the Acura TSX years ago (and that was a fantastic car). But, where the TSX was a joy because of its high-strung VTEC 4-cylinder, the Mazda6 both costs considerably less and has more grunt at the bottom of the powerband — where most folks will want it.

Pricing on the 6-cylinder model starts at $24,130 for the Sport, topping out at $28,260 for the loaded Grand Touring edition. Add another $1760 for the thumpin’ Bose sound system and moonroof. For the Full Mean Deal, the navigation is yet another $2,000 option on top of all that. Add up all that funk and you get a ticket price of over $32,000. Still, significantly less than a comparably equipped Audi A4 and a lot more fun to drive than the $31,000 V6/Nav Honda Accord.

Regardless of the motor, all Mazdas6’s have a much greater attention to fit and finish than ever before. Robert Davis, SVP of Research and Design, commented, “the previous Mazda6 didn’t meet consumer needs in term of quality.” Looking at the new model you would never have guessed that fit and finish were ever a concern. The interior materials are very nice, and everything fits like a glove. It is, indeed, an interior that would suit a much more expensive car.

Overall, the new Mazda6 impresses: It’s about as much fun as you would really want in basic transportation without breaking the bank, and if you have a growing family or just need something bigger than a little compact, it should be on your short list.