I just picked up the new Mazda6 Grand Touring and I must say the car is shockingly good. No other car in this segment can even come close to the new 6. I work for an auto company and I have driven virtually every D segment car available in the US. The new 6 is styling masterpiece, a true drivers car, with simple yet classy, functional and quality interior. The performance is fantastic. Engine is just right, transmission is spot on, handling wow and fuel efficiency spectacular! 10 out of 10!
I see comments questioning the l-4 engine and power. I have had my 6 for a week now and it can scoot. I took it out yesterday, Saturday, and went into our local mountains. Never hesitated, chugged, or balked at any situation or hill. I checked the engine at one point to make sure all was well, it was cool as ever. Great engine!
In my opinion, your previews are the best. They're very thorough, precise, and informative, with just a touch of humor and plenty of visuals of every crevice of the car. I really enjoy the exterior shots while on the road. And you pick the nicest neighborhoods to drive through. Your "split personally" shots are great. Doing so you simultaneously show front and rear legroom. I look forward to seeing future car reviews. Thanks.
... and I sympathize. I have traveled to Europe a number of times and wonder how you all do it. But this is the US and the market forces are different. Take some consolation in that your roads are in much better shape.
Accord vs. 6? It's a personal choice. Really, you have to test drive and decide which one fits you. Don't let some guy from Seattle make your choice. It's your money
We test drove the Mazda 6 Grand Touring (black interior/exterior) and were very, very impressed. It's coming down to the Mazda 6, Altima, and Passat. I love the Tom Ford at Nordstrom Rack comment.
Mazda really killed it with this car. Absolutely fantastic and when my mom decides to sell her Altima this will most likely be the replacement. The new Altima is very nice but I see it everywhere now, and the Accord is great as well but the 6 beats it by a sharp edge. Love it!!
I like the gear box on the 6 just fine. No issues. Sorry, I have only driven the V6 Accord so I can't comment on the CVT. Glad you're enjoying the videos. I've always wanted to go to Dubai. And Brazil.
Actually there is a very attractive wagon version of the 6, the US doesn't get it. I called Mazda up and Beverly Braga, the world's most awesome PR person said "we'll see where the market goes but at the moment, a Mazda6 wagon is not the current focus for the U.S." Hope that helps. TV
I drove an Accord sport with the 6 speed manual. Cars MSRP was $24K. That seemed like a huge value at MSRP. I'm an enthusiast for sure. I've owned the 1st generation 6 in hatchback form and loved it. I would assume this 3rd gen 6!is a sweet ride. I surely hope they drop in some sort of a turbo 4 cylinder in the 260 HP range with a manual trans!! That seems to be the 6's only achilles heal...power. The diesel will fly off the lot! So at this point the Accord sport would get my nod...
Even though it seems like its not a lot of power, it really is more than adequate. It drives more like a free-revving V6 than a 4 cylinder. 7.5 seconds to 60? That's AMAZING for a car that size with that little power. Mazda has always been about fun to drive cars, not drag racers. One word: Miata.
I had a Mazda 3 back in 04/05 and it was a very nice little car. Since the Mazda 6 new body came out, I'm leaning toward it soon, but I'm holding out for the D version and w/ a larger display screen. We'll see.
Yeah I have a Mazda3 05 too. I saw the Mazda6 commercial when it first came out; I wasn't impressed. I thought it was just like any ordinary car commercial. Then one day I was on break, sitting at the parking lot in front work, and a car passes by. This was the time when I didn't care about cars btw, but I fell in love with the design right away (made me think I needed to get a new tv because it was more striking in real life than on tv). Plus the Soul Red colour really did up the attractiveness of the car. I asked the driver enthusiastically what car this was - he answered: "Mazda6". I got hooked right away and ended up working for Mazda for awhile promoting the car at car shows lol. Yeah the new 2016 is going to be more sleek in the cabin with a bigger screen. Don't have the specs yet but it seems like it's a 7" just like the CX-3 and Mazda3. Honestly such a beautiful car.
Great review, Tom, and the video was beautifully shot and edited (except for the styling sequence with a old steel building as a backdrop). So many "car experts' " videos use cheap, shaky, and out of focus dslr's handled by amateurs. This video is up to broadcast standards.
I think it might be the shipping brackets. all older cars made in Japan used to have them to tie down the vehicle for shipment across the ocean, so they don't move around in transport.. I could be mistaken tho. :)
I wished Mazda would have kept the concept car at 0:29, that car was very very nice. If I was in the market to buy a new midsize sedan, I would skip the Mazda 6, and the reason is because all the other cars are at least assemble here in the U.S. which helps my country. Besides that, Mazda did a very good job on the Mazda 6 and should be 1 of the top competitors on this segment. Oh yeah, GREAT REVIEW TOM !!!!
I care. Deeply. Unfortunately I get hundreds of emails a day. It's why I tell people to leave questions at my website where it's easier for me to keep track. As for the Accord vs. 6 question, it's a personal choice. Really, you have to test drive and decide which one fits you. Don't let some guy from Seattle make your choice. It's your money.
Re Car & Drivers latest mid-size sedan comparo and their recent 6 review, their @ 70 mph noise level dBA numbers put the 6 Sport quieter than the Passat 2.5 SE, and as quiet as the Accord EX-L. Also, the 6 Sport doesn't have the hi-end Bose system (i.e., engine/wind/road noise cancellation) while the GT tested by DrivenCarReviews does. That tells me that DCR is pretty much spot on re interior noise in its drive. (Assumption: C&D readings are taken under identical exterior noise conditions.)
I really like the design of this car. It's definitely one of the best in the segment. The only thing stopping me from considering this as my next car is the lack of powerful engine option. The Accord is the alternate.
Absolutely love your reviews, Tom. Great quality and honest feedback. I do have a question, though. Can you give the major differences in the 6 and the new Accord? I just don't see many other than the split folding rear seat and overall driving experience. Thanks!
Common misconception, the Bose comes with noise adjustment, which is able to tell how much road/wind noise there is and increase the volume to adjust, it does not "cancel" noise, Bose makes that very clear. Do you have a link for the decibel testing?
Hi Tom, greetings from a Brazilian currently living in Dubai. (yes, you are THAT famous around the globe). What did you think about the car's transmission, and how does it compare to the CVT in the Accord? Which one did you think is the best, nowadays? (By the way, you have a great show. Keep up the great work)
Let me throw my hat into the ring and say my biggest gripe with this car is the lack of "POWER", to quote Jeremy Clarkson! With such a sinfully-gorgeous design portfolio and driving dynamics to die-for, the lack of either a v6 option or v6-like competitive power makes me query, "Mazda, where's the Zoom Zoom"?!?!
I have always liked your review and this one is no exception. I take your reviews and Cnet reviews a lot more seriously than others. Though I didn't quite understand when you mentioned wind noise as 'mid pack' lol not sure if that's up par with Accord or Camry. I'd put Mazda 6 on my list right next to Accord then Optima.
Best looking FWD in the business. It will be getting a bigger satnav soon. Great review but some occasional reckless drifting wouldn't be superfluous, either letting off the gas through the corner and countersteering plus re-accelerating or simply yanking up on the e-brake. With a RWD, however, it's almost too easy ;)
Haha Tesla Model S. Admittedly, I have mistaken this car for the Infiniti Q50 when seen on the road. The new Mazda 6 might be my next vehicle. Very nice.
The Mazda 6 seems like a 1st rate offering. It looks like Mazda is getting their feet under them. The diesel should be interesting. The only problem will be the competition because, lets face it, the competition is very, very good. Who would have thought 20 years ago that the segment that gave us such beauties as the Ford Tempo and Chevy Celebrity would one day be stocked like this?
I really wish they would come out with some different engine options. A turbo four or V6 would put this thing on my list of cars to look at. But as for now, The 2.5L and Diesel just don't cut it. The competition offers bigger powerplants.
Nice review .I like Mazdas kinda like Subaru you know do their own thing philosophy . I still don't get why the Toyota Camry is the leader in this segment. I think all the other cars in this segment are better looking and some are more fuel efficient not to mention more fun to drive.
Nicer looking 6 not crazy about the grill but ok. Have to compare with Accord and decide next year. The new Altima is already having problems being in the shop, from my Nissan source.
To the haters, stop a moment and think, you guys may be the kind of people that buys a V6, congrats you are a VERY small percentage of car buyers, in the past when fuel was cheap v6s use to represent around 10 to 15% of sales, in the next few years they will be around 5% at most, face the facts V6s are in an extinction process,10 years from now the only cars with V6s will be the ones that have v8s nowadays, and there´s nothing that will change that unless oil start falling from heaven.
the CVT of the Honda Accord is terrible. It's noisy, growling when you press the gas pedal. It always feels weak going up the hill. it doesn't give you that kick when you want to pass other slower cars on the road. ALL CVT ARE BAD NO MATTER WHAT BRAND OF CAR THEY ARE FROM. STICK TO TRADITIONAL TRANSMISSION OF 6 SPEED MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC. CVT IS NOT GOOD.
Alot of people saying its pricey. I don't think it's so bad since it does offer a diesel engine. And that's the only reason I like the 6. It looks good, but I'm sure I'll say it looks like BS after everybody buys one.
You'd be surprised. Everytime I'm on the road, I see a lot of Mazda3 2014 out and about. And everytime I see a Mazda6, it's almost always a guy with a business suit, ha! There's most and more of them out there, either that or I'm subconsciously looking for Mazda cars.
I just picked up the new Mazda6 Grand Touring and I must say the car is shockingly good. No other car in this segment can even come close to the new 6. I work for an auto company and I have driven virtually every D segment car available in the US. The new 6 is styling masterpiece, a true drivers car, with simple yet classy, functional and quality interior. The performance is fantastic. Engine is just right, transmission is spot on, handling wow and fuel efficiency spectacular! 10 out of 10!
I see comments questioning the l-4 engine and power. I have had my 6 for a week now and it can scoot. I took it out yesterday, Saturday, and went into our local mountains. Never hesitated, chugged, or balked at any situation or hill. I checked the engine at one point to make sure all was well, it was cool as ever. Great engine!
Very good. I was strongly considering a nissan maxima but this is winning so far.
In my opinion, your previews are the best. They're very thorough, precise, and informative, with just a touch of humor and plenty of visuals of every crevice of the car. I really enjoy the exterior shots while on the road. And you pick the nicest neighborhoods to drive through. Your "split personally" shots are great. Doing so you simultaneously show front and rear legroom. I look forward to seeing future car reviews. Thanks.
... and I sympathize. I have traveled to Europe a number of times and wonder how you all do it. But this is the US and the market forces are different. Take some consolation in that your roads are in much better shape.
Finally a reviewer brings up the fact that Mazda and Ford are not related anymore. Good job! :)
Accord vs. 6? It's a personal choice. Really, you have to test drive and decide which one fits you. Don't let some guy from Seattle make your choice. It's your money
6 is better. Better fuel efficiency, better design, better handling.
We test drove the Mazda 6 Grand Touring (black interior/exterior) and were very, very impressed. It's coming down to the Mazda 6, Altima, and Passat.
I love the Tom Ford at Nordstrom Rack comment.
Mazda really killed it with this car. Absolutely fantastic and when my mom decides to sell her Altima this will most likely be the replacement. The new Altima is very nice but I see it everywhere now, and the Accord is great as well but the 6 beats it by a sharp edge. Love it!!
I got around 26 mpg, 3 less than the EPA average rating. My apologies for any confusion Mr. Hammer.
Your reviews should be used as an example to everyone else, like always great job tom voelk!!!!
The wagon is such a beautiful model! Being a wagon lover in North America is hard!
"30 grand, that's a lot of money." We'll said Tom. I always love your reviews because of how well balanced and grounded they are.
Generally, I photograph cars with the parking lights on but headlamps off which is the case here.
I like the gear box on the 6 just fine. No issues. Sorry, I have only driven the V6 Accord so I can't comment on the CVT.
Glad you're enjoying the videos. I've always wanted to go to Dubai. And Brazil.
Thank you for reviewing this car - I had been wanting to see you review it and now you have.
You can change the person doing the voice feedback. Why am I so impressed by this?
Drove one today and loved it.
Actually there is a very attractive wagon version of the 6, the US doesn't get it. I called Mazda up and Beverly Braga, the world's most awesome PR person said "we'll see where the market goes but at the moment, a Mazda6 wagon is not the current focus for the U.S."
Hope that helps. TV
for the emissions system, most cars have them, they are considerably wider and larger in rwd though
I drove an Accord sport with the 6 speed manual. Cars MSRP was $24K. That seemed like a huge value at MSRP. I'm an enthusiast for sure. I've owned the 1st generation 6 in hatchback form and loved it. I would assume this 3rd gen 6!is a sweet ride. I surely hope they drop in some sort of a turbo 4 cylinder in the 260 HP range with a manual trans!! That seems to be the 6's only achilles heal...power. The diesel will fly off the lot! So at this point the Accord sport would get my nod...
To be honest, I only included that because of an Aussie friend. He found it hilarious.
Nice review tom!!
Such a beautiful car! Great review as always, Tom :)
Even though it seems like its not a lot of power, it really is more than adequate. It drives more like a free-revving V6 than a 4 cylinder. 7.5 seconds to 60? That's AMAZING for a car that size with that little power. Mazda has always been about fun to drive cars, not drag racers. One word: Miata.
Always like your reviews. Thanks!
I had a Mazda 3 back in 04/05 and it was a very nice little car. Since the Mazda 6 new body came out, I'm leaning toward it soon, but I'm holding out for the D version and w/ a larger display screen. We'll see.
Yeah I have a Mazda3 05 too. I saw the Mazda6 commercial when it first came out; I wasn't impressed. I thought it was just like any ordinary car commercial. Then one day I was on break, sitting at the parking lot in front work, and a car passes by. This was the time when I didn't care about cars btw, but I fell in love with the design right away (made me think I needed to get a new tv because it was more striking in real life than on tv). Plus the Soul Red colour really did up the attractiveness of the car. I asked the driver enthusiastically what car this was - he answered: "Mazda6". I got hooked right away and ended up working for Mazda for awhile promoting the car at car shows lol. Yeah the new 2016 is going to be more sleek in the cabin with a bigger screen. Don't have the specs yet but it seems like it's a 7" just like the CX-3 and Mazda3. Honestly such a beautiful car.
Really. I feel road noise to be mid pack and at a steady 75 find no wind noise.
Great review, Tom, and the video was beautifully shot and edited (except for the styling sequence with a old steel building as a backdrop). So many "car experts' " videos use cheap, shaky, and out of focus dslr's handled by amateurs. This video is up to broadcast standards.
I think it might be the shipping brackets. all older cars made in Japan used to have them to tie down the vehicle for shipment across the ocean, so they don't move around in transport.. I could be mistaken tho. :)
Thanks for the driving lesson but occasional reckless drifting in a neighborhood is not the kind of example I'm trying to set.
Excellent review Tom. The diesel model will lily off the shelves in Canada where our diesel is priced the same as regular gas.
I wished Mazda would have kept the concept car at 0:29, that car was very very nice. If I was in the market to buy a new midsize sedan, I would skip the Mazda 6, and the reason is because all the other cars are at least assemble here in the U.S. which helps my country. Besides that, Mazda did a very good job on the Mazda 6 and should be 1 of the top competitors on this segment. Oh yeah, GREAT REVIEW TOM !!!!
I care. Deeply. Unfortunately I get hundreds of emails a day. It's why I tell people to leave questions at my website where it's easier for me to keep track. As for the Accord vs. 6 question, it's a personal choice. Really, you have to test drive and decide which one fits you. Don't let some guy from Seattle make your choice. It's your money.
Re Car & Drivers latest mid-size sedan comparo and their recent 6 review, their @ 70 mph noise level dBA numbers put the 6 Sport quieter than the Passat 2.5 SE, and as quiet as the Accord EX-L. Also, the 6 Sport doesn't have the hi-end Bose system (i.e., engine/wind/road noise cancellation) while the GT tested by DrivenCarReviews does. That tells me that DCR is pretty much spot on re interior noise in its drive. (Assumption: C&D readings are taken under identical exterior noise conditions.)
Great review, as always. And, boy, that car is nice.
2:30 Did you have an intern standing around the corner to test the auto-stop?
My first choice for a midsize sedan!
Awesome review tom!!
GORGEOUS PIECE OF ART! Mazda did a great job. The only down fall is the navi is wayyy to small, no v6 and its pretty pricey
Love your reviews. Thanks!
I really like the design of this car. It's definitely one of the best in the segment. The only thing stopping me from considering this as my next car is the lack of powerful engine option. The Accord is the alternate.
just wondering was the rear tail lights on with DRL or you turned them on with the headlight switch..
Absolutely love your reviews, Tom. Great quality and honest feedback. I do have a question, though. Can you give the major differences in the 6 and the new Accord? I just don't see many other than the split folding rear seat and overall driving experience. Thanks!
What a gorgeous red!
Hope you do a review when the diesel arrives. Nice review.
Yeah, like someone was holding off on reckless drifting until he/she would see it in your review of Mazda 6... great logic
Common misconception, the Bose comes with noise adjustment, which is able to tell how much road/wind noise there is and increase the volume to adjust, it does not "cancel" noise, Bose makes that very clear. Do you have a link for the decibel testing?
Hi Tom, greetings from a Brazilian currently living in Dubai. (yes, you are THAT famous around the globe). What did you think about the car's transmission, and how does it compare to the CVT in the Accord? Which one did you think is the best, nowadays? (By the way, you have a great show. Keep up the great work)
Brilliant review!
Great review, like always! :)
Let me throw my hat into the ring and say my biggest gripe with this car is the lack of "POWER", to quote Jeremy Clarkson! With such a sinfully-gorgeous design portfolio and driving dynamics to die-for, the lack of either a v6 option or v6-like competitive power makes me query, "Mazda, where's the Zoom Zoom"?!?!
beautiful front. the rear reminds me of elantra yet still beautiful.
choosing a car becomes harder and harder these days:)
Is it possible you can do a review on the Tesla model s and maybe the model x if you can ?
I have always liked your review and this one is no exception. I take your reviews and Cnet reviews a lot more seriously than others. Though I didn't quite understand when you mentioned wind noise as 'mid pack' lol not sure if that's up par with Accord or Camry.
I'd put Mazda 6 on my list right next to Accord then Optima.
Best looking FWD in the business. It will be getting a bigger satnav soon. Great review but some occasional reckless drifting wouldn't be superfluous, either letting off the gas through the corner and countersteering plus re-accelerating or simply yanking up on the e-brake. With a RWD, however, it's almost too easy ;)
I am torn between an Accord Coupe EX or this in a Touring trim. Both real nice cars.
Haha Tesla Model S. Admittedly, I have mistaken this car for the Infiniti Q50 when seen on the road. The new Mazda 6 might be my next vehicle. Very nice.
The Mazda 6 seems like a 1st rate offering. It looks like Mazda is getting their feet under them. The diesel should be interesting. The only problem will be the competition because, lets face it, the competition is very, very good. Who would have thought 20 years ago that the segment that gave us such beauties as the Ford Tempo and Chevy Celebrity would one day be stocked like this?
I absolutely love the new 6. Brilliant review by the way !
I really wish they would come out with some different engine options. A turbo four or V6 would put this thing on my list of cars to look at. But as for now, The 2.5L and Diesel just don't cut it. The competition offers bigger powerplants.
thank for correcting.
Will you do a review on Tesla Model S?
Nice review .I like Mazdas kinda like Subaru you know do their own thing philosophy . I still don't get why the Toyota Camry is the leader in this segment. I think all the other cars in this segment are better looking and some are more fuel efficient not to mention more fun to drive.
Can't wait, picking one up this Saturday for $17K
Justin C. May get one for 15k and ira beautiful full loaded! 50k miles
bought one this novermber for 10k.
@@robert-vh6qi is it running well ?
@@pankajchaudhary6399 Completely perfect after two years and 30K miles bringing it from 100K to 130K! absolute recommend.
wonderful review....thanks from Sri Lanka
It's hard to put a price on Soul...you own one XD
any chance the wagon variant will become available
1:28 - Cup holders on the engine. Nice feature.
great exterior design, should be pleasant to drive for some enthusiasts. Interior looks great as well, nav system looks a bit dated though.
I'd spend my 30k on this car I think it the blend of power, looks, tech, and price is just right.
Mazda's new design is very good :D
mazda is on a roll.
Looks very nice & more expensive than it really is! I probably would consider buying one, but no V6 turns me off.
Does anyone know if the diesel engine will be offered with a manual?
Ready for the diesel
why is there a center tunnel? it's fwd
So do you prefer the 2013 Accord or the 2014 Mazda 6? Which is the better car? I welcome everyone's input.
Nicer looking 6 not crazy about the grill but ok.
Have to compare with Accord and decide next year.
The new Altima is already having problems being in the shop,
from my Nissan source.
To the haters, stop a moment and think, you guys may be the kind of people that buys a V6, congrats you are a VERY small percentage of car buyers, in the past when fuel was cheap v6s use to represent around 10 to 15% of sales, in the next few years they will be around 5% at most, face the facts V6s are in an extinction process,10 years from now the only cars with V6s will be the ones that have v8s nowadays, and there´s nothing that will change that unless oil start falling from heaven.
which is better this or the nissan altima 3.5 SL?
the headlights look cool, kinda like a bmw and audi combined
Made in Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture. (about an hour and a half drive east of Hiroshima).
Does the Mazda 6 offer Xenon headlights as an option?
Yes, on the Grand Touring trim.
Dinh Tran
Bi-Xenon to be exact.
The Mazda 6 has always been a excellent sporty ride in an otherwise boring segment.
Really? No wind noise? And road noise isn't above mid level? This is going against what a lot of other reviews have said..
dtoften That's the aerodynamics. 2014 Mazda6 Grand Touring
doesn't link my link to RUclips.. watch?v=mkcdQMbfGYc
Its base price at 23000. Just to let u know@CoryWilliams
Ha ha ha ha *fist bumps The Voelk*
Yea, but hopefully since it is made in Hiroshima now, I hope it has the legendary Japanese quality in it.
Lots of Lexus influence in the styling
Damn, so nice
the CVT of the Honda Accord is terrible. It's noisy, growling when you press the gas pedal. It always feels weak going up the hill. it doesn't give you that kick when you want to pass other slower cars on the road. ALL CVT ARE BAD NO MATTER WHAT BRAND OF CAR THEY ARE FROM. STICK TO TRADITIONAL TRANSMISSION OF 6 SPEED MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC. CVT IS NOT GOOD.
Why can't Mazda build a skyactiv v6 or turbocharge 4 engine,needs a more powerful option.please don't tell me about the 2.2 liter diesiel
That means you don't really understand what is Zoom Zoom. It was never about pure power, Is about how it handles@Dirkdunning
Its a damn nice car.
Alot of people saying its pricey. I don't think it's so bad since it does offer a diesel engine. And that's the only reason I like the 6. It looks good, but I'm sure I'll say it looks like BS after everybody buys one.
similar body style to the old azera
It's too bad no one's buying this car because it seems like a good choice.
You'd be surprised. Everytime I'm on the road, I see a lot of Mazda3 2014 out and about. And everytime I see a Mazda6, it's almost always a guy with a business suit, ha! There's most and more of them out there, either that or I'm subconsciously looking for Mazda cars.
Brazilian in Dubai? That's awesome haha