Sittin Waitin Wishin: 2014 Mazda 6

"Jonathon Klein" (jonathon-klein)
03/24/2014 at 09:17 • Filed to: Sittin Waitin Wishin, Mazda 6

What is the Mazda 6; well it's what happens when you give a designer and an engineer the time and the cash to bring out a fabulous looking and brilliantly engineered car. Supplemented by SkyActiv and one of the best looking family sedan bodies in production right now. But wait, this is Sittin Waitin Wishin, we don't care about the exterior or the engineering! We only care about the interiors! So what does this brilliantly engineered and beautifully designed car have going for it on the inside? Well…

I'm not sure what exactly happened to it, from what this car has going for it on the exterior and in the engine bay whoever designed and implemented the interior completely missed the bus. It's good but utterly confusing when you take into consideration all the time and effort of the body and engine. First of all the dash is ridiculous. As in, it looks like the control panel of a Nuclear Class Submarine from the 1980's. There is about a million buttons on it. Not like where the Volvo had a vintage phone dialing system, but rather a single button for every single option you could think of. There are buttons and a touch screen in the center of the dash. Then there are buttons and knobs for the climate control. Moving down, you have buttons and the gear selector. Then you have, take a wild guess… more buttons and another BMW-esque selector at the base near the armrest to control who knows what!

(Why is this here?)

Then to complement all the shiny buttons on the dash, you have… wait for it… even more buttons on the steering wheel! I counted, on the steering wheel alone you have 17 different buttons not including the paddle's on the backside of the wheel or the indicator or windshield wiper stalks! Seriously, why are there so many freaking buttons? Did the people designing the interior just say, "You know what people want? Buttons. They are tired of the single knobs that control three separate things, or the touch screens! They want buttons, and a lot of them! Also, give them a touch screen. People love touch screens!" So essentially, these engineers decided to put every known knob, button and touch screen into this car and said, "Look at the awesome controls we made!" But in reality, WHY THE HELL DO WE NEED THAT MANY BUTTONS? According to Mazda, the average age of the Mazda 6 buyer is 41 years old. Now most 40 year olds have a good understanding of buttons and technology. But what about those that make up the older segment of buys, won't this confuse the hell out of them? I would love to put a few people in their 60's in this car and say ok, "identify all the ways to turn on the radio," they might get one of the million different options available to them.

Other than ranting about the buttons, the steering wheel actually feels really nice in your hands. It has the grooved thumb cutouts that make driving feel more enjoyable. The wheel is wrapped in leather with the stitching being a nice tactile feel on your hands and the paddles actually feel nice right behind the wheel, not as intrusive or rather, in my case tempting as they do in say the Mitsubishi Outlander !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

However, the interior plastics feel about as cheap as you can get. As if Mazda spent so much money on the exterior and engine that they needed to cut costs somewhere. That place is the interior. The entire interior of the car just feels cheap. The dash looks and feels like a 5yr old VW dash. Not like a new 2009 VW dash, but a used 2009 VW dash. It wouldn't surprise me if you had scuffs and scrapes on the dash within a matter of weeks. It just doesn't feel nice at all. I do like the seats. Both the back and the front seats are very comfortable. In addition to the comfy seats, the rear leg room was great. Being 6'4" right behind the driver seat, where at the time another 6' tall gentleman was sitting, I had plenty of room to stretch out.

I can see a family of 4 and no more than that, enjoying a long road trip in this car in complete comfort. Nevertheless, where the seats are comfortable, the material covering them isn't all that great and will not stand the test of time. Those seats will be destroyed in a few years. Lookout second hand buyers! What also made me not like the car and this I really can't fault the cars build quality, but rather whoever cleaned it before the show, was the smell. I don't know how to describe it. It wasn't the normal new car smell, but rather a combination of old bacon grease, pine, and some other smell I couldn't identify.

Therefore, this car is kind of a mish mash of fabulous and utterly terrible. The car to me is marred by the enormity of buttons, the cheap interior, and the confusing nature of whom Mazda is trying to attract with it? The styling, engine, and cheap cost tell me that they are trying to go for the younger buyer, but those people are in the Mazda 3. Moreover, anyone in the age range that actually tends to buy this car is going to look at the cheap interior and run the hell away. Why not just make a bit nicer interior and bump the price up just a bit? It couldn't hurt. You spend 99.9% of your time in the interior of the car, and .1% looking at it. You would think that they understand that the interior needs to be just as nice as the exterior. Somehow, that idea is lost on this car. For me, this is a classic case of no Zoom Zoom .

( Don't pay attention to the Jag symbol in the steering wheel, I didn't forget to take this pic for the Mazda! I swear! )

Follow me here on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Also check out !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ?

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

And this story I did for !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! !

Photo credit: ME!

DISCUSSION (37)

N/A POWAAAHH > Jonathon Klein
03/24/2014 at 09:27

If only there was a MazdaSpeed version, I'd be all over it.

spanfucker retire bitch > Jonathon Klein
03/24/2014 at 09:38

Hopefully what I've read about the refreshed Mazda6 interior is true. Apparently the Mazda6 and CX-5 will be taking design cues from the new Mazda3, which is very good because IMO, it has probably the nicest interior of any currently available Mazda.

Jonathon Klein > spanfucker retire bitch
03/24/2014 at 09:42

I did like the interior of the Mazda 3, which will be up in the coming weeks, all except one piece in the interior where I was like WTF is that! More to come!

Jayhawk Jake > Jonathon Klein
03/24/2014 at 09:49

I don't understand why this car gets so much love on here. It's not bad, but I'd take an Optima over it and the Fusion any day. The 6 might have the edge a bit in exterior:

Kinja'd!!!

But the Optima's interior is super nice

Kinja'd!!!

I've been in both the 6 and Fusion, and their interiors leave a lot to be desired IMO

spanfucker retire bitch > Jonathon Klein
03/24/2014 at 09:52

I can only assume it's the aftermarket looking infotainment screen. I'm still torn on that one. I think it could be better, but at the same time, I think it still looks a helluva lot better than Merc's infotainment screens - at least Mazda placed a nice looking slot on the dash.

Jonathon Klein > Jayhawk Jake
03/24/2014 at 09:59

Oh god the Fusion IMO is terrible.

Jonathon Klein > spanfucker retire bitch
03/24/2014 at 10:00

It looks like someone just put a iPad on the dash, really shadily.

Jayhawk Jake > Jonathon Klein
03/24/2014 at 10:27

And yet people around here think it's the best thing since sliced bread next to the Mazda 6

Jonathon Klein > Jayhawk Jake
03/24/2014 at 10:31

I sat in that car, and the Taurus SHO, what utter pieces of shit.

Textured Soy Protein > Jonathon Klein
03/24/2014 at 10:50

Personally I'll take a few too many buttons rather than burying frequently-used controls in the infotainment system.

Jonathon Klein > Textured Soy Protein
03/24/2014 at 10:53

This was just going over the top though, you can have buttons but you don't need this many. It makes it just as bad as burying it in those Infotainment systems.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Jonathon Klein
03/24/2014 at 11:48

These are some awesome reviews keep the work up, again I wonder how do you not write for jalopnik

Jonathon Klein > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
03/24/2014 at 11:57

I'm still new and have to make my bones first I'm guessing, and honestly I don't think I'm ready just yet. I need to still keep on striving to become better, and Jalopnik, TheSmokingTire, and Oppo are really helping with that. I only really started writing a lot around December. But thanks for the support!

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Jonathon Klein
03/24/2014 at 12:06

It is easy to support a writer with the gift of writing.

Takuro Spirit > Jonathon Klein
03/24/2014 at 12:49

I like the little control mouse thingy. You can keep one hand on the wheel LYKABAUCE and use the other hand to rest on the knob and not need to press any buttons for the radio/nav. Comes in handy.

Rico > Jonathon Klein
03/24/2014 at 14:17

You hit it on the nose. After riding in the back of a 6 I just felt that the interior and dash looked extremely cheap. The interior of the 2013 Honda Accord EX-L looks and feels much nicer.

Rico > Jonathon Klein
03/24/2014 at 14:19

Agreed. I don't like the Fusion inside or out. It has a nice ass but that's about it.

Rico > Jonathon Klein
03/24/2014 at 14:21

Yo dawg heard you like buttons...

Rico > Jonathon Klein
03/24/2014 at 14:22

Looking forward to your piece on the 3!

George McNally > Jonathon Klein
03/24/2014 at 20:54

I looked at it when I was at the dealership (they sold both Hyundai and Mazda)....I loved the exterior, but the interior felt like a cave.

I ended up with a Elantra with most of the same features (less powerful engine though) and saved a few thousand bucks.

abc4 > Jayhawk Jake
03/26/2014 at 17:01

Those cars might look better, but the fun to driveness of the 6 is lightyears ahead

G/O Sucks > Jayhawk Jake
03/26/2014 at 18:04

It's just a lot better quality of driving experience, which is the typical focus here and Jalopnik. I've driven both and the Optima doesn't compare, in that regard.

I've had a new 6 for a year and, while it's a great driver, Mazda has totally failed to stand behind the terrible and defective infotainment system. It shouts out random commands, doesn't recognize iPhone, can't stream music... It's barely drivable but those pricks refuse to fix it.

G/O Sucks > Jonathon Klein
03/26/2014 at 18:20

Having driven my Mazda6 GT for the past year, I'd say this is a very fair review in most regards. I was exactly 41 when I bought it too! Here's a couple things I think you missed:

- The "commander" (iDrive) knob & button combo are actually very nice. Your hand falls right to them when on the arm rest. Unfortunately, they're necessary because reaching up to that tiny little screen is too far for comfort (and I'm over 6'1"!).

- The number of buttons isn't bad — That's the most direct way to get functionality. The problem is mostly in how disparate and random they are. It's clear that different teams designed different systems.

- The infotainment system is f***ing garbage. It's barely more sophisticated than an Atari 2600 and less reliable (if only I had a cartridge to blow the dust out of). It's a pathetically weak effort and doesn't work consistently. Most of the features have never actually functioned for any buyers, despite marketing statements (SMS messaging, bluetooth streaming, nav problems, etc.). Mazda refuses to address or fix any of it either since they're replacing it next year.

- It's a great car if you get the Sport or the Touring without the tech package as you're paying $20k-$23k for a LOT of car. But getting it loaded like mine or paying more than $25k is a waste. Mazda does not take care of customers very well so the things that can go wrong likely will and you'll be stuck (like me) with a car that isn't enjoyable or worth driving.

ZeedGTI > Jonathon Klein
03/26/2014 at 19:14

As the owner of a 2014 Mazda 6 purchased in May 2013, I felt the mildly-humorous analogies this review concluded after what appears to be a 5 minute sampling of an auto show special are a bit off base. Or perhaps I am just a new car owner trying to affirm my purchase decision. Read on and I guess you can be the judge.

After driving this car for the last year I can confirm the reviews of the driving characteristics of this car are all spot on. The shortcomings of the interior (and other things I will discuss) are completely over shadowed by the sheer brilliance of this vehicle's driving dynamics. It makes my previous 2008 VW GTI feels like a pre-bankruptcy GM P90 platform. It's that good. If driving dynamics are at the top of your list this is the car to go with. Now on to some of those shortcomings…

Millions of buttons? Sorry I don't see it (literally). I see dash buttons for things like HVAC, Infotainment, and…that's it? As much as I would like to have my car adjust my butt warmer subconsciously, we just are not there yet. We still need an interface to control these systems. Also, there are no buttons for the gear selector. It still uses a traditional mechanical shifter. Perhaps this was confused with your forthcoming Lincoln MKZ review? I will be excited to read that when it is ready. And I am happy you noticed the command controller. This is by far the best feature of the infotainment controller. I don't think I have used the touch screen yet as the knob is much more intuitive. I am happy Mazda gave so many options for these controls. I don't see it mentioned here but the voice control of these systems in this car is also excellent. If you are looking for more, bigger LCD Screens perhaps you would be interested in the new Honda Accord. It can be optioned with TWO LCD screens on the dash and a myriad of buttons!

As you mentioned, the steering wheel is excellent and has a very high quality leather wrap. It is clear this is one of the points of the interior Mazda splurged on. It creates a very solid case to encourage you to keep your hands on the wheel at all times. I like that. I also counted 19 buttons on my specific vehicle (including the optional paddle shifters and radar cruise control options…eliminating these would bring it to 15). I counted 17 on the Honda Accord and 22 on the Fusion (24 if it happens to have paddle shifters). The automotive steering wheel button business must be booming! You are right on the whole 60 year old experiment. Although I imagine you would get similar results putting a senior in any brand new vehicle on the face of the planet *insert Grandma finds the internet meme here*

I actually find the dash material very good with a nice padded and soft touch material. Very nice fit and finish as well. I have had it almost a year and no scratches or scuffs yet. Piano black and (if equipped with the almond interior) the dash is accented with a "soul red" veneer looks great in the sun too. I will confirm that the door panel plastics are sub-par. Feels like they were sourced from a Mazda 2. I was also disappointed to find that only the driver's side window switch is illuminated at night. This is something being addressed in 2015 though. Unlike you I have grown to dislike the front seats. I can't get it adjusted to be comfortable and the short bottom cushion leaves my lower legs begging for more support on long trips. The leather however is excellent quality and still has a nice leather smell, especially on a warm day. You may have sampled a version equipped with the leatherette seat material? The Porky's Pine Forrest Cleaner sounds like it was supplied by the auto show cleaning team.

The most glaring problem with the interior is the increased wind noise and overall lack of sound deadening. Mazda would be much better off focusing on these areas and then you would have a near perfect car* (*obligitory 250+ HP and AWD request)

hike > Jayhawk Jake
03/26/2014 at 19:45

The Optima really does have a great interior, when you get the high end model. I sat in both the top of the line and a more basic model at the auto show this year and couldn't believe how crappy the base model seemed in comparison. Without that big screen, fancy gauges, leather doors, and leather seats, it's just another cheap midsize sedan. The Mazda6, in comparison, felt nicer than the Optima when comparing the basic models. I also prefer the way the 6 drives and I think it gets better gas mileage (I could be wrong). The Optima is quite nice though, I'd recommend it to someone looking for a well equipped midsize.

hike > Jonathon Klein
03/26/2014 at 19:47

Good write up. The Mazda CX-5 has the same problem of having the similar interior to the 6. I'm hoping in the next year or two, they'll update the interior to something more similar to the Mazda3, which has a much better integrated screen. I'd also imagine they will get rid of either that knob in the middle (which I kind of like) or all the buttons around the screen (like in the 3).

ZweiDeutschesAutos > Jayhawk Jake
03/26/2014 at 21:49

It's not bad, but you have to stare at that horrible Kia badge all day.

Plus, the CC exists...

Kinetis > Jonathon Klein
03/27/2014 at 02:10

Kinja'd!!!

17 buttons? That's nothing...

Maxis47 > George McNally
03/27/2014 at 08:16

The interior is one of the reasons I went with the MS3 over the 14 6...the hatchback bodystyle, 6 speed manual, and turbo 4 are a few of the other reasons...

Jonathon Klein > ZeedGTI
03/27/2014 at 09:08

This series is strictly a 5 minute write up of immediate thoughts of what I noticed and what other people will notice when they first get in. Here is the premise.

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/the-chicago-au…

Also I want to drive it, I'm just not a famous Auto journalist with Cadillac V school graduate certificate!

Xazzaphonic (previously known as Vicarious-Chair) > Jonathon Klein
03/27/2014 at 09:37

You really think the interior is that bad? Step into one of the american interiors. At first glance, they generally look better, but none work better and many don't have any truly nice materials. Mazda just didn't spend the time to make a cheap interior look nice while still being cheap like everyone else does. Because as long as it feels open, comfortable drives well and can bring a smile to your face, then that's all that matters. Their interiors are more bare-bones; sorta a do what you want with them philosophy.

Jonathon Klein > Xazzaphonic (previously known as Vicarious-Chair)
03/27/2014 at 09:51

I'm getting to those on my list.

lemonsmark > Jonathon Klein
03/27/2014 at 10:07

that bad? explain please

Jonathon Klein > lemonsmark
03/27/2014 at 10:17

It feels claustrophobic, everything is so chunky that you lose all sense that you are in a car, but are actually in carbonite! The buttons feel so badly made it's frankly hysterical. That and the Taurus are just bad.

lemonsmark > Jonathon Klein
03/27/2014 at 10:21

Wow I was kind of looking into the Fusion, Taurus, Fiesta as my possible next ride. I may need to reconsider.

Jonathon Klein > lemonsmark
03/27/2014 at 10:27

The Fiesta is fine as long as you don't get the Recaro's, but the rest aren't good. But try them out for youself, that's really the only way of gauging how you will like it. The Taurus is super cramped in the back and the A pillars are about the size of a Nimitiz class aircraft carrier.

lemonsmark > Jonathon Klein
03/27/2014 at 10:45

Thanks buddy