2004-2005 MAZDA6 Mazda added two new models to the Mazda6 lineup in the course of the 2004 model year to bolster the sedan, the Mazda6 Sport hatchback sedan and Mazda6 Sport Wagon. The station wagon comes with a V6 engine whereas the other two models can also be ordered with a four-cylinder engine. All three models are available in GS or GT trim. Also new for 2005 is a six-speed transmission, which replaces the five-speed with the V6 engine. It reduces fuel consumption by 0.3 litres in city driving and 0.2 litres on the highway. Interior and trunk The front seats are relatively easy to reach. For average to tall people, the seats are marginally comfortable because the backrest is too low, with the top section on shoulder-blade level, and the cushion is short and narrow. People who fit the seats find them very comfortable, with good side support. The tilt-telescopic steering column helps achieve a very good driving position for all but short drivers, who may bump their knees on the steering column. It is easier to get in to the back than to get out. The backseat provides comfortable seating for two adults. Foot room under the front seats is a bit tight, and head and leg room are limited for tall people. Each section of the 60/40 seatback folds automatically when you pull the corresponding handle in the trunk. The sedan has a big trunk with a rather narrow opening. The Sport version’s hatch opens wide, and the Sport Wagon’s rear door provides easy access to the roomy cargo area. The wagon also has a vertical net that can be used with the seatbacks up or down. In many respects, the station wagon is roomier than the Subaru Legacy/Outback and the Volvo V70. To avoid frequent trips to the drycleaners, we suggest passing on the GFX package, which includes side skirts guaranteed to soil your clothes on your way in and out. Convenience and safety Well soundproofed and very well finished, the cabin has lots of practical storage spaces. The cup holders should be moved from behind the gearshift lever; the tall containers they can accommodate get in the way when shifting the manual transmission. Instruments and controls are well located and easy to use. However, the turn signal and wiper levers feel and sound cheap. Photos : www.mazda.ca The heating system warms up quickly and provides plenty of heat. Safety equipment includes two front air bags, ABS brakes, bright headlights, and head restraints that provide proper whiplash protection. Visibility is good on all sides but to the rear. All but the four-cylinder GS and GS station wagon versions have front side air bags and inflatable air curtains. The Sport hatchback and Sport Wagon have two rear head restraints, unlike the sedan, which has none at all in the back, in any version. Engine and transmission Two engines are available for the Mazda6. The first, a 2.3-litre Four, develops 160 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration and pickup are good when the engine is running over 3,000 rpm. Torque is weak below this level. The engine is smooth and climbs easily through the rev range. Despite its 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, the V6, too, has to be running above 3,000 rpm for good acceleration. The V6 is livelier than the Four, but it doesn’t turn the Mazda6 into a muscle car. It is distinctively smooth and progressive. The manual gearbox is easy to shift, precise and well-geared, with a smooth clutch. The five-speed automatic shifts very smoothly. On the road Superbly tuned, the fully independent suspension provides a combination of ride comfort and road holding that is almost ideal. You’d have to turn to much more expensive European models to find a firm yet compliant ride of this calibre. When the reaction stiffens up, it is due more to the 17-inch, 50-profile tires than to the suspension. The Mazda6 follows whatever trajectory the driver dictates, no matter what the road surface, and feels very solid. All versions are comfortable and truly fun to drive. Adding to the driving pleasure and well matched to the lively suspension, the power steering is quick, stable and precise. It provides some road feedback, but the turning circle is a bit long. Braking is powerful and fade resistant. In our inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre, the Mazda6 proved to be very well designed both underneath and under the hood. The only thing missing in the engine compartment is a light. The only irritant is the lack of space between the tires and the fender liners. When the build-up of wet snow and slush freezes, the wheels can be hard to turn. Photos : www.mazda.ca Conclusion For all drivers (but especially those who really like to drive), the Mazda6 is one of the best vehicles in its category. It is nicely packaged, comfortable, well balanced and well assembled, and fun to drive (are we repeating ourselves?), with an attractive price-to- quality ratio. And with three different models, there’s all the versatility you could wish for. PROS: road holding, ride, transmissions, trunk, assembly, steering, choice of models. CONS: no rear head restraints (sedan), torque at low rpm, trunk opening (sedan), backrest and cushion, cup holders, snow build-up in fenders 2004-2005 MAZDA6 Engine: 16-valve, 2.3-litre 4-cyl., 24-valve, 3.0-litre V6 Horsepower: 160 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 220 hp @ 6300 rpm Torque: 155 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm; 192 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual; 4-, 5- or 6-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: 4-wheel disc Length: 474.5 cm Width: 178 cm Height: 144 cm Wheelbase: 267,5 cm Weight: 1,380 to 1,502 kg Tires: 205/60R16; 215/50R17 Towing capacity: non-recommended Air bags: standard front. Side air bags and inflatable air curtains (except base models) Fuel consumption (4-cylinder engine and manual transmission) − Transport Canada rating: city: 9.6 L/100 km (29 mpg); highway: 6.7 L/100 km (42.5 mpg) − Test result: 10.5 L/100 (27 mpg) Fuel tank capacity: 68 litres Acceleration (4-cylinder engine and manual transmission): 0-100 km/h: 8.7 seconds 60-100 km/h: 4.8 seconds Photos : www.mazda.ca Competition: Buick Century, Regal and Allure; Chevrolet Malibu; Chrysler Sebring; Ford Taurus; Honda Accord; Hyundai Sonata; Kia Magentis; Mitsubishi Galant; Nissan Altima; Oldsmobile Alero; Pontiac Grand Am and G6; Saturn L; Subaru Legacy; Toyota Camry; Volkswagen Passat Warranty: − Full basic coverage: 3 years/80,000 km − Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km − Surface corrosion: 3 years/80,000 km − Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited kilometrage − Emissions control system: 3 years/80,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/128,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and onboard diagnostic device) Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $467 Front brake disk: $87 Brake pads: $113 Muffler: $297 Front fender: $144 Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $831 to $1,191 Price according to trim line (2005 models): GS 4-cyl. sedan: $23,795 GS 4 cyl. Sport Sedan: $25,495 GT 4-cyl. sedan: $29,795 GT 4-cyl. Sport sedan: $30,795 GS V6 sedan: $25,895 GS V6 Sport sedan: $28,495 GT V6 sedan: $32,795 GT V6 Sport sedan: $32,995 GS Sport Wagon: $26,995 GT Sport Wagon: $31,495 Photos : www.mazda.ca Main options: Automatic transmission: $1,200 (6-speed: $1,300) Sport package: $900 to $1,600 GFX/Sport package: $1,205 GFX/Sunroof package: $1,765 Price of models tested: $28,495 and $31,495 Dealers: Quebec: 53; Canada: 159 CAA-Quebec, August 2004 Photos : www.mazda.ca .