Reading the latest issue of Car and Driver.

"mazda616" (mazda616)
03/01/2016 at 15:06 • Filed to: Car and Driver

The family sedan test caught my eye, as they tested almost my exact car: a 2016 Mazda6 i Touring with the 6-speed automatic. Only differences between theirs and mine are color and the fact that mine has the optional sunroof. They also tested a new Camry, Malibu, and Accord.

Their perennial favorite, the Accord, has slipped a little as it came in third, just ahead of the Camry. The Malibu was ranked second and the 6 took home the win.

And, for everyone that laments the Mazda6's apparent lack of power, it was quicker than all of its competitors in this test in just about every category. Four-cylinder family sedans aren’t meant to be drag racers, but the ones on sale today are more than enough in my opinion.

Car and Driver’s complaints about the 6 were right on par with mine, too. It’s a bit noisy. And the steering wheel doesn’t seem to telescope even as far as the one in my former car (‘08 Mazda3) did. I haven’t noticed anything odd about brake feel in mine, though. Other than the road noise (and my stupid seat upholstery needing a warranty repair), I've honestly had zero complaints.

DISCUSSION (14)

Party-vi > mazda616
03/01/2016 at 15:13

The problem with the Mazda 6 is that there is no better engine available. I can get an Accord with almost 280hp, or a new Malibu with 250hp, but Mazda only offers a piddly 184hp as the only option.

Tekamul > mazda616
03/01/2016 at 15:14

That Accord CVT. Who the hell still thinks these are a good idea? I can’t believe they lasted this long (outside of hybrids).

Takuro Spirit > mazda616
03/01/2016 at 15:15

The Camry’s slalom speed must be due to it being... GROUNDED TO THE GROUND.

mazda616 > Party-vi
03/01/2016 at 15:17

But when you look at the sales numbers of the bigger engined cars, I think you'll see why. They're a small company and they've made what they think sells best.

Party-vi > mazda616
03/01/2016 at 15:19

If there were just an option, maybe for their 2.3L.

dogisbadob > Party-vi
03/01/2016 at 15:23

If only they made a MS6 :p

mazda616 > Party-vi
03/01/2016 at 15:24

I think they’ll eventually put the new CX-9s turbo SkyActiv motor in the 6. But if they don't, I could understand why. The 6 has plenty enough power to be a competent daily driver.

BigBlock440 > mazda616
03/01/2016 at 15:26

The car with the most power was the quickest? I guess that makes sense. I don’t think anybody’s saying the 4 cylinder versions of those cars are rocket ships, but they all have a bigger engine available. This comparison was against the Mazda’s top engine versus the competitions base engines.

GMart > mazda616
03/01/2016 at 15:28

Agreed and agreed.

By their naming convention, they’ve left the door open for a more powerful model. Ever since the first 6 launched in 2003, Mazda’s done that -i and -s for their car models, with the i’s being the “little” engine and the s’s being the more powerful engine. Ever since the 2014 redesign, there have only been “6i” models, no -s. the SkyactivT would make for a great 6s powerplant. ...and would make a great replacement for my ‘04 6s, especially if they decide to keep the MTX option.

shop-teacher > Takuro Spirit
03/01/2016 at 15:53

Obligatory!

Tekamul > mazda616
03/01/2016 at 15:53

Also of note : The new BMW M2 is 300+ pounds heavier than a Malibu

Just think about that.

mazda616 > BigBlock440
03/01/2016 at 16:08

And I think Mazda’s reasoning for only offering one motor during the new 6's first few years (at least) is that the sales numbers gravitate towards that making the most financial sense. Look at the Camry. At least 80% of all ones you see for sale are four-cylinders. Same with the other cars in this test. The upmarket motors cater to a select few. Mazda is a small automaker and the fact that they’ve developed this motor while allowing it to obtain the fuel economy it does is pretty neat.

That being said, I really hope the 2.5 turbo SkyActiv motor from the upcoming CX-9 finds its way to the 6 in the future.

BigBlock440 > mazda616
03/01/2016 at 16:49

Sure, but the reason Mazda’s often said to be underpowered is because that 184 horse is it’s top engine, while the 170-180 hp’s of the others are just the bottom rung. Just because it may make sense as a business decision doesn’t mean it’s not underpowered compared to the competition. It just means that it being underpowered doesn’t really matter.

hike > Tekamul
03/01/2016 at 18:44

I can’t believe the Malibu is lighter than the Mazda. GM must be really working hard to shave weight on their cars.