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Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
As it is, Mazda has only modified its grille slightly by replacing the thicker topmost horizontal rung with two thinner slats, resulting in six uniform ribs from top to bottom. These are chromed on as-tested top-line GT trim, while all models get a thicker version of Mazda’s trademark bright metal grille surround wrapping around its lower half before becoming even more pronounced as it blends into the newly redesigned headlamps, these incorporating full LED illumination in GT trim. Last but
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Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
If you’ve ever slid behind the wheel of a modern-day Mazda6 you’ll be wowed by the 2016 model’s revisions. The first thing that catches the eye is the freestanding seven-inch tablet-style infotainment display perched atop the dash, which eliminates the previous system’s fully embedded layout. I like the look as it modernizes the interior, and while new to the 6 this system has already proven its worth in other Mazda models, as has the large metal-ringed rotating HMI Controller
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Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
If you noticed this without first seeing the gorgeous swath of stitched and padded leatherette crossing the instrument panel, I’d be concerned, as it’s a classy bit of luxury
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Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Situated right in front of the driver’s sightlines is a head-up display unit that powers up out of the dash at startup, an item that will be familiar to Mazda3 GT and new CX-3 GT owners. As with these other models it can only be had in top-tier GT trim, and is really handy for speed limit reminders and other critical warnings, but I found it especially helpful when trying to find my way via the aforementioned navigation system, as the
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Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Below the head-up display is a primary gauge package that appears identical to the outgoing model’s, which was entirely fine by me as its large backlit dials and effective shroud made for easy reading no matter the exterior lighting conditions. The steering wheel was more or less the same too, except for some metallic appliques, although to be clear the only other carryover instrument panel surfaces were the sliver of dash top just under the windshield, plus the lower dash and glove box lid ahead of the front passenger. As expected in this class the majority of that redesigned dash top as well as the carryover door uppers are made from a high
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Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
I couldn’t help but notice that the new Mazda6 was also quieter around town and on the highway, a feeling that turned to fact when research confirmed Mazda had reduced NVH levels by 25 percent at freeway speeds. As has long been the case, the big sedan is extremely comfortable in all situations, while handling is better than average in this class. Of course my GT tester’s 19-inch rims on 225/45R19 all-season rubber didn’t hurt matters, these replacing the standard 17-inch alloys on 225/55s, the larger wheels making the most of the 6’s fully independent MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspensions with stabilizer bars at both ends, while the speed-sensitive
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Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
All Mazda6 trims get four-wheel discs with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution for strong stopping power, while dynamic stability control and traction control keep things in check when road surfaces turn slippery. Mazda also includes standard Hill Launch Assist (HLA), which is especially useful with the manual, while standard tire pressure monitoring helps maintain the proper contact patch to aid handling, braking and fuel economy. Lastly, the usual number of airbags protects occupants front and rear.
If
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Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Trims
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Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
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Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
My GT tester included many of the aforementioned GX features as well as much of what comes with the mid-tier GS, including its passive keyless entry system, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone automatic HVAC system, rearview camera, six-way powered driver’s seat, rear HVAC ducts, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert.
As much as I appreciate a simple black perforated leather interior I would’ve loved to have tried out the Mazda6 with its new Pure White hides that I tested in a loaded 2016 CX-5 recently, these available with the GS Luxury package that also adds an eight-way powered driver’s seat with power lumbar support, navigation, and a moonroof. These were all standard with my $32,895 GT, which along with the
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Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
My GT tester also got the high-tech treatment including satellite radio, adaptive cruise control, auto high-beam assist, lane departure warning, forward obstruction warning, plus Smart Brake Support (SBS) and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), the latter two capable of applying the brakes automatically to avoid a collision, but unlike
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Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
So equipped the six-speed automatic gains a significant advantage over the non-i-ELOOP setup with a claimed 8.5 L/100km in the city and 5.9 on the highway compared to 8.8 city and 6.1 highway. The six-speed manual trades fuel-efficiency for fun with a five-cycle EnerGuide rating of 9.4 city and 6.4 highway. This said, all Mazda6 fuel economy ratings are excellent, a good reward for any performance penalties.
After a week behind the wheel I must admit to being mostly on side with Mazda’s new
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Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Mazda is on the right track with its flagship 6. Along with its efficiency advancements, its styling is class leading while completely original, its new interior wonderfully modernized while one of the most refined in its segment, and its handling and braking dynamics amongst the most sporting, while the model’s modest sales make it a lot more exclusive than other mid-sizers. In my opinion the much-improved 2016 Mazda6 remains a clear winner and worthy of serious consideration.
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