The 2008 Mazda MAZDA6 s Sport Touring improves on the Sport Value Edtion by adding standard leather seats, heated seats and side mirrors, and a 7-speaker Bose sound system. It improves upon the i Sport Touring by adding a more powerful 24-valve, 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine with 212-hp and 197 ft-lbs of torque. Matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, the powertrain achieves 18/25 mpg. Both the sedan and hatchback share a double wishbone front and multilinke rear suspension and ride on new 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires.

Standard features in the front-wheel drive 2008 MAZDA6 s Sport Touring include an 8-way power driver's seat, power windows, locks, and mirrors, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, a garage remote, and remote entry. Remote start is optional. A 6-CD changer offers MP3 playback, and can be supplemented with satellite radio. Intermittent front wipers, leather steering wheel trim, tilt and telescopic steering, six cupholders, a tachometer, and a temperature gauge are also standard. The car seats four, with 60/40 split-folding rear seats and fold-down armrest. Trunk capacity ranges from 15.2 cubic feet in the sedan to nearly 59 cubic feet in the hatch (with the seats down). Cargo tiedowns, a net, and organizer are offered separately.

The 2008 MAZDA6 s Sport Touring performs well in crash tests, thanks to standard 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, dual-stage dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows (with crash sensors and front passenger deactivation), a rear stabilizer bar, and traction control. Also standard are a tire monitor, halogen lamps, and automatic headlights. An auto-dimming rearview mirror is optional. Other options include chrome trim, various rear spoilers, and a sunroof.