Need a quasi-plush commuter car? Check out Mazda’s 2012 Mazda6 i Grand Touring. This flagship midsize 5-passenger sedan comes with an impressive 16.6 cubic feet of trunk space, good looking curves, 4-cylinder economy and a some heady agility.
At the heart of this top-shelf touring sedan is a variable-valve-timed (VVT) 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant that mates with a 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission for 170 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. Mileage, meantime, is estimated at 22 mpg city/31 highway.
Standard appearance features in this classy conveyance include 17-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof and power-adjustable mirrors. Inside, look for leather-trimmed upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats, as well as a leather and simulated alloy steering wheel and cabin accents.
Convenience amenities include remote power door locks, power windows, cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering and a rear-view camera, with dual-zone automatic climate control keeping folks cool and comfortable.
Standard entertainment comes via an MP3-capable 6-CD changer pumping tunes through 10 Surround Sound Bose premium speakers (including a subwoofer), while Bluetooth technology handles hands-free calling.
Remote engine start, satellite radio, a rear spoiler and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated Homelink universal remote garage door opener are among the standalone options available to the flagship 2012 i Grand Touring. Should these items prove inadequate to expectations, the Technology package adds push-button start, memory for driver's settings, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, outside mirrors and LED rear combination lights to the standalone extras. Should that still prove too little, an available navigation suite with 7-inch touchscreen display can be interfaced with the standard rear-view camera.
Finally, the more noteworthy standard safety features aboard Mazda’s top-shelf family sedan include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Also look for front fog/driving lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a remote antitheft alarm, with high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights remaining a safety option.
