Car Review: 2015 Mazda 6 i Touring

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We’ve been big fans of the third generation Mazda6 since we first drove the 2014 model when it was introduced several years ago. In a midsize sedan segment that’s crowded with plenty of quality options for consumers, the Mazda6 still stands out for its styling and sporty handling.

Not much has changed for the 2015 model, though you’ll find some upgrades in the Touring trim level with keyless entry and ignition and a new option package that includes an upgraded sound system, sunroof and satellite radio.

The 2015 Mazda6 is offered in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. We had the 2015 Mazda 6 i Touring for a week and were very happy to have the manual transmission version. We expected it to be fun to drive and it was.

Exterior

Our tester came in Deep Crystal Blue with Sand interior, which works very well on this well-designed vehicle. The design is both aggressive and more refined than previous models, so we expect it to be very popular with a younger demographic. This design should also have staying power as well. Our Touring package offered 19-inch alloy wheels add to the overall appeal of the exterior.

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Interior

The interior features premium “leatherette” upholstery which we found to be just as elegant and comfortable as the leather you’d find in luxury vehicles. The clean design of the interior fits nicely with the exterior design. We liked features like the cruise control and the blind spot monitor, while the TomTom-based navigation system could use some improvement.

Performance

This is definitely the kind of car you’re happy to test drive for a week. It’s sporty but comfortable, and having the six-speed manual transmission made this car a joy to drive. Not surprisingly I enjoyed it even more than the six-speed automatic transmission version I tested for the previous model year. The shifting is smooth and the acceleration is impressive on this front-wheel drive sedan that features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque.

The sporty driving feel is firm which makes this car fun to drive around corners and all kinds of roads, but it can also offer a very smooth ride on better roads. If you’re looking for a softer ride that smooths out every bump, this may not be your best option. But we think anyone who enjoys driving will prefer the Mazda6 over many of its competitors.

Gas mileage is also impressive with the Mazda6. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 30 mpg combined (26 city/38 highway) with the automatic transmission and 29 mpg combined (25/37) with the manual transmission. The MPG rises to an impressive 32 mpg combined (28/40) with the Grand Touring’s optional i-Eloop feature.

Overview

The vehicle we tested has an MSRP of $24,840 including destination charges. The Mazda6 offers excellent value for the price considering the styling and performance, and we strongly recommend that you test drive this vehicle if you’re considering a midsize sedan.

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