Mazda6 I Touring

By Kevin Ransom

The Mazda6 was a hit from the start. When it was first launched, it won kudos for its  impressive handling, stylish body design, attention to detail and grin-inducing performance – and because it was a mid-size sedan that didn’t always act like one.

For the 2010 model year, Mazda6 offers some relatively minor trim and package enhancements. Otherwise, it’s a carryover, but a handsome and appealing one. 

One new enhancement is offered at the service of streamlining the way the most popular options are offered: To whit, a new Touring Plus version is added to both the i and s model lines.  This package includes power moonroof, ground illumination, Bluetooth, electro-luminescent gauges, Blind Spot Monitoring System and anti-theft security alarm, in addition to Touring trim features. 

Also, a new Technology Package is offered on Grand Touring models, and a Multi Information Display (MID) for the audio and Bluetooth is standard on Grand Touring trims with the Technology Package.

My test model was the handsome, brawny, high-line i Touring edition.
The Mazda6 is a head-turner, that’s for sure. The exterior is bold, and the front fascia recalls the one on the current RX-8. The sculpted body lines out front accentuate the front-wheel opening, in order to emphasize the tires themselves – and therefore underscore the Mazda6’s high-revving performance. Additionally, the synergy of sharp edges and nicely curved elements is a striking one – accentuated by the imposing-looking wheel arches.  

Inside the cabin, the appearance is equally striking, with round instruments, a three-spoke steering wheel, T-shaped instrument panel, blacked-out instrument faces and bright metallic markings, needles and trim. And it doesn’t skimp on space. A bi-level theme was employed to deliver a spacious lower zone as well as a robust upper area.

The luxe-looking seats employ comfy cushions, and the curved surfaces allow the console to nicely segue into the instrument panel.
Given its sporty visual design, one would assume that it has the engine muscle to back up the looks, and the Mazda6 does not disappoint on that front. Two engines are available. First, there’s the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 167 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. 

Then there’s the asphalt-gobbling 60-degree 3.7-liter MZI V6 engine, which delivers a heart-tripping 272 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm I told you all that so I could tell you this: My Mazda6 i Touring edition was an absolute blast to drive, with power to spare. It tore up the pavement on the e-way, and negotiated the hairpins with the muscle and finesse of an Adrian Peterson, zig-zagging through the defensive backfield, stopping on a dime, changing direction, and shedding tacklers along the way to a touchdown.

Of course, helping the engine deliver this kind of performance is the close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. But buyers who prefer an automatic transmission with a manual shift mode can choose the an electronically-controlled five-speed automatic with overdrive ratios for the top two gears.

On the handling / safety front, the vehicle’s Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) control senses winding road conditions, and then delivers the gear ratio (usually third) that provides you with optimum acceleration response when exiting a corner.  Or, when down-shifting and decelerating as you come out of a twisty, the AAS hastens the down-shift speed to make sure you get maximum engine braking. And, when punching it to pass a slower vehicle – allowing you to more saferly merge into flowing traffic -- the AAS holds lower gears longer to maximize acceleration.

I also liked the range of features and options offered in the Mazda6. It comes with such standard features such as air conditioning with a pollen filter, power door locks and windows, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, Center IP display, mp3 compatible stereo, 16-inch wheels, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), side air bags and curtains, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control (TCS).

And then, if you step up to either the i Sport or s models, you get such features as remote key-less entry, cruise control and steering wheel mounted controls; or 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55R17 tires, fog lights, 8-way power driver's seat, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, in-dash 6-disc CD changer and trip computer. 

The i Touring Plus edition adds power moonroof, ground illumination, electroluminescent gauges, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio operations, anti-theft security system and Blind Spot Monitoring System, while the MAZDA6 i Grand Touring includes leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose® audio system and welcome lighting system.

So many fine options to choose from, so little time!

At any rate, whichever trim line you choose, the Mazda6 i is a fine machine – precisely- designed, with a svelte, sexy body design, and, with that 3.7 V-6, enough fire-breathing power to satisfy your Speed Racer alter-ego – even though you’re still driving a sedan, after all.