2010 Mazda MAZDA6

After a major redesign in '09, the 2010 MAZDA6 is bigger and heavier, essentially becoming the family-oriented sedan it was touted as from the get-go. Five trim levels, the base i SV, mid-level i Sport and i Touring, the new-for-2010 i Touring Plus, and i Grand Touring characterize the MAZDA6. Additionally, both the Touring Plus, and Grand Touring trims are available in “s” versions, indicating they’re equipped with a V6 powerplant, rather than the inline four-cylinder (I4) engine carried by the “i” trims. The 2010 MAZDA6 also loads up on styling and amenities, while featuring one of the largest trunks in the segment at 16.6 cubic feet.

As noted, all 2010 MAZDA6 “i” trims offer a 2.5-liter I4 engine and six-speed manual transmission, with the combo capable of 170 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, a five-speed automatic can be substituted for the manual transmission. For the pair of “s” trims, the Touring Plus and Grand Touring, a 272-hp 3.7-liter VVT V6 engine is offered, with a six-speed auto-manual transmission. This matchup puts out some 269 lb-ft of torque. Mileage for each engine works out to 20/29 mpg for the I4, and 17/25 for the V6. Curiously, in an effort to gain a bit of extra mileage, the high-end gears on the manual transmission have been tweaked for 2010, but the result has been a noticeable degradation in performance.

Standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features for the 2010 MAZDA6 include, for the i SV, 16-inch steel wheels, cloth front bucket seats, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, front and overhead storage consoles, air conditioning, front, rear, and cargo floor mats, and a single-CD player with six speakers. The i Sport trim adds cruise control and steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls. The i Touring offers 17-inch alloy wheels, a power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a 6-CD changer. The brand-new i Touring Plus sports a power sunroof and Bluetooth communications technology, while the i Grand Touring adds standard leather upholstery, heated front seats, remote door lock and window operation, and a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system. Each of the “s” trims is equipped identically to its “i” counterpart. Options for the various 2010 MAZDA6 trims, meanwhile, run the gamut from foglights, universal remote transmitter, upgraded audio, and remote start to auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a stainless-steel rear bumper guard, and a voice-activated DVD navigation system.

Safety-wise, the 2010 MAZDA6 boasts such standard features as four-wheel disc ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted side airbags, and front and rear head airbags. Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety give this stylish family sedan high marks for passenger protection.

Great handling, terrific styling, and plenty of standard features and options are among the praiseworthy items that owners of the ’09 MAZDA6 note most often. Downsides, however, include mediocre fuel economy with the V6-equipped trims, a certain lack of punch with the I4 engine, and some less-than-impressive cabin accents. Despite these few faults, virtually everyone who owns the redesigned 2009 MAZDA6 would recommend the car to friends and family, especially friends with families.

By Eric Tallberg