Back at the end of March, we got a chance to test drive the new 2018 Mazda 6 Signature Edition around the time of the NY Auto Show. It was cool as we really didn't get too much of a chance to get a feel for as I only drove it around an NYC block. Last week, we were able to use one for 7-days to get a real feel for it.
Last time I drove or been inside of a Mazda, it was called the Mazda 626 back in college during the late 90s/early 2000s. Our particular vehicle is the Signature Edition that comes w/ a $36,000 price tag on it. This brings forth a turbocharged engine w/ 250hp, 11-speaker Bose sound system, heads-up display, and much, much more. Let's talk about the highs & lows w/ our experience w/ it.
- Skyactiv-G 2.5 turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic engine w/ 6-speed Sport mode that offers 250hp, 310lbs of torque, & up to 31mpg
- Smart braking system
- Rear, side, & front cameras for reversing into or getting out of a parking spot
- Heads-up display w/ lane departure & traffic sign recognition
- 8inch touchscreen display w/ HD Radio, XM Satellite radio, Bluetooth, navigation, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support
- Bose 11-speaker audio system
- Japanese Sen wood & Suede trimming on the interior
- See the long list of features & specs here
So how was driving it?
The Mazda 6 provided 2 firsts for me: driving a turbocharged engine and a car w/ a HUD (Heads-Up Display). Under the hood is a 2.5liter 4-cylinder automatic engine w/ paddle shifters to utilize 6-speed Sport mode. So when you need that kick, you will get it when you hit the pedal for yielding onto a highway, merging, etc. Also giving you a silent ride when either going 20MPH or 80MPH. It still offers great performance that handles turns & curves like a champ. I haven't used a stick in years so I stayed away from the Sport mode.
For those of you who seek a manual engine, you'll have to settle for the base Sport model w/ only 187hp. So no turbocharged manual action here. The specs sheet says 250hp for the Signature Edition but the fine print says you need to use 93 octane to achieve that bigger kick. If you use anything less than that, will only get 227hp so keep that in mind. So overall you got a quieter, more comfortable, fast machine w/ great handling.
What about the interior?
Mazda gave this a complete redesign of what I can describe as a premium cockpit. You're encapsulated w/ a trifecta of Nappa leather and trimming comprised of Japanese Sen wood & suede. The new front seats are made to be more comfortable for longer drives as angled seat cushion w/ foam to keep your posture straight & your ass comfy. Speaking of your ass, you ventilated seats along w/ heated seats BTW.
The 8inch display is touchscreen but only when you're not driving. Other than that, you'll have to use knobs/button combo behind the gearshift & in front of the cup holders. The HUD I spoke about earlier offers a lot of info on it. So along w/ our speed, you get the Speed Limit of the area you're in traffic signs like Stop signs, lane departure w/ haptic feedback on the steering wheel, and blindspot detection. Many nice touches here.
What could be better?
While there's a lot to love about the new Mazda 6, there were a few things that I didn't care for. Actually, just 2 things for me. The 8inch display on the center console is great but there is one area that didn't match the rest. The resolution on the cameras could be better for parking. The reverse & front cameras had a very low resolution which results in a grainy image of what's in front or behind you. I tried digging into the settings but didn't find anything to improve it.
And the second + last thing is the legroom in the back could be better. I got great room in the front and the trunk has a great amount of space. But it feels like the back row got the short end of the stick in regards to space. Over the weekend, I went to visit family an hour away w/ my wife, son, & mother-in-law. The 112-mile trip (to & fro) got a bit uncomfortable for my mother-in-law who was sitting behind me. I'd rather them sacrifice a bit of that trunk space to make that a bit bigger.
Huge shout-out to the folks over at Mazda & DriveShop for making this happen.
Would I Buy This Car?
I would buy this car although wouldn't completely satisfy my needs. As the 2 drawbacks are big for me as those of who drive stick would kind of be pissed at the lack of a turbocharged engine. Regardless, Mazda enthusiasts should love the new 6. Good speed/acceleration, performance, and a luxury interior. The Soul Red Crystal paint job is fire too.
