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2016 Mazda6 Heels on Wheels Review by Katrina Ramser +VIDEO


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2016 MAZDA6

HEELS ON WHEELS: 2016 MAZDA6 REVIEW
By Katrina Ramser San Francisco Bureau
The Auto Channel


INTRO TO THE MAZDA6 VEHICLE
The Mazda6 injects sportiness and a certain savior faire for commuters who want more out of their mid-size sedan ride. This is a promise backed by Madza’s high-performance SKYACTIV technology. You also get outstanding fuel economy, decent interior space and a long list of useful interior features built into the trim levels.

I drove a 2016 Mazda6 sedan with the SKACTIV-G 184-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to the SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed Sport automatic transmission. Available in three trims – the base Sport, Touring and my Grand Touring test drive – my vehicle came with the following standard features: dual-zone climate control; Bluetooth; backup camera; advanced keyless entry; push-button start; eight-way power driver’s seat and power passenger seat; heated front seats; leather upholstery; USB port and auxiliary input jack; HD radio; steering wheel mounted controls; 5.8-inch display; Pandora radio; SMS text function delivery and reply; navigation; adaptive front lighting system; a sunroof; and some safety technology like Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Total price as described came to $30,195.

For 2016, the Mazda6 continues to make noticeable adjustments, including restyled front fascia for the Grand Touring with new LED headlights, a larger seven-inch touchscreen, and upgraded interior trim. Main competitors are the Kia Optima, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu and Nissan Altima.

HEELS ON WHEELS REVIEW CRITERIA

Stylish But Comfortable Results: The Mazda6’s cabin uses rich leather upholstery complimented by a functional center stack featuring intuitive dials and buttons. It’s as spacious as competitors with attention to rear head- and legroom. The truck space is deep and functional. Mazda’s telematics system links quickly with little fuss, and the larger touchscreen brings the graphics to life. Mazda features a host of excellent equipment depending on the trim level – basically, you aren’t going to get gouged by having to buy a bunch for packages to get the conveniences you want.

Reliability & Safety Factor: The 2016 Mazda6 is a Top Safety Pick with The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with ratings of “Good” in all crash testing areas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the vehicle an overall 5-Star review. Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability control, hill-start assist, and an advanced airbag system. There is an optional safety package for the Grand Touring trim that includes a Lane Departure Warning System and Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning.

Cost Issues: The pricing another bright sport for the Mazda6: the base Sport trim starts at $21,495; the mid-level Touring at $23,945; and my Grand Touring test drive at $30,195.

Activity & Performance Ability: The powertrain is surely the Mazda6’s show stopper, with responsive acceleration paired to tidy handling behavior. Expect this sedan to match your spirited driving expectations on highways. As I stated with last year’s model, so keep in mind the larger nineteen-inch wheels make for a stiffer suspension with the coupe-like design adding a slightly snug ride. Yet the rear doorway is workable for child seats with plenty of space for front passenger legroom.

The Green Concern:

FINAL PARTING WORDS
The Mazda6 doesn’t monkey around where value, performance and refinement are concerned – this is a sedan that will put more than a little pizzazz into your everyday commute and weekend trips. Mazda hits it right with a strong 2.5-liter than benefits from unique fuel-saving technology for 32 miles-per-gallon combined.

©2015 Katrina Ramser




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