The 2012 Mazda 6 is perfect. Even the base car with a 170-hp four-banger with a six-speed manual transmission is fun to drive. Mazda engineers know how to tune the suspension and dial in the type of response that driving enthusiasts enjoy. Quick turn-in response and steering feel kind that lets you know where the front wheel at all times is all part of the package.
This is a heck of a lot of car for the money. I have always been a fan of Mazda 6, and this is no exception. It has the engine-gearbox combination is good, handsome exterior and light-on-its-feet-up and handling.
The chassis is tight, and there is no creaking or vibrate. For a little less than $ 22,000, you do not get a lot of extras such as navigation, and seat fabric. Materials in could use a little upgrade.
I will give credit to 6 has excellent interior space, ironically, we rented one in Florida a few months ago and was able to stuff all the luggage in the trunk for a week at Disney with two children, plus the said children and booster seats Mazda fits in with room to spare.
This example does not suffer the same humiliation, but rear legroom was appreciated, and the car never felt crowded despite the cheap trim. But it was not fun to drive, dynamics, electrical, braking, steering - all normal, but nothing extraordinary. The Mazda 6 just feels like a cheap basic sedan.
If you need space, Mazda 6 Sport up against the perennial best-sellers such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the buyer would also do well to look at the Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion. But the real competition for something like this coming from the car step down in size. A well-equipped Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus or Chevrolet Cruze will be a much more attractive option in this price range.
Also, it was a joy to get a midsize car with a manual transmission. The 6 four-banger pumps out 170 hp and winds up revs eagerly. Six-speed shifter is fine, there is some play in there so you do not get the urge to try and film it through the gears quickly. But the smooth clutch takeup and predictable, which makes it easy to launch the car smoothly.
Travel shade leans toward the corporate side, just enough for you to get now discarded "zoom-zoom" Mazda stance without worrying about being hit by rough roads.
My one gripe: the sticker price is a touch too high for my liking as it rises to the base. I would bet that some negotiation and some incentives can you below the $ 20,000, where the package is starting to look pretty solid.
Mazda face some stiff competition in the base-sedan segment. My short list would also include the Nissan Altima (which is also on the verge of a redesign) and a basic version of the Ford Fusion.
2012 Mazda 6
Base Price: $21,035
As-Tested Price: $21,665
Drivetrain: 2.5-liter I4; FWD, six-speed manual
Output: 170 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 167 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,272 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 24/24.2 mpg
Options: Sirius satellite radio ($430); pearl paint ($200)
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