You know what they say: If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Apparently it wasn’t broken, so the 2012 MAZDA6 will enter the market with no major changes. However, that doesn’t mean this sporty sedan isn’t a great choice for a family car. It is generally agreed that Mazda concentrates on making sure drivers have the best experience behind the wheel. The MAZDA6 has great sightlines and seating placement, and the interior is roomy with a modern design. Families will really appreciate the trunk’s 16.6-cubic-foot capacity, which is enhanced by hidden hinges that make it one of the largest in its class.

The MAZDA6's handling is top rate, and acceleration is spunky, reaching 60 mph in 6.5 seconds in V6 versions and a not-so-spunky 9.1 seconds in 4-cylinder trims. The 2012 version comes in six trims: i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, i Grand Touring, s Touring Plus and s Grand Touring. Trims with the "i" prefix come with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, while trims with the "s" prefix get a 3.7-liter V6 engine. The car's smooth looks, especially when upgraded, will make you the envy of the carpool. Its ride, however, is reported as firm in all models, especially with the 16-inch wheels, which are standard on the Sport versions. The 18-inch wheels on Grand Touring trims help this a bit, but add to the noise level with some road hum. The MAZDA6 is comparable to the Nissan Ultima for sporty handling.

Instrumentation and controls are large and easy to read, and the dashboard even comes with a two-setting light control for day and night that some have found too bright and too dim. The blind-spot warning system is easy to disengage, as it seems to be a bit sensitive. Be not afraid, commuters, the i Touring sedan comes with cruise control, an in-dash multi-CD changer, Bluetooth phone and audio hookups, and a leather steering wheel and shift knob.

The technology package that is available for the Grand Touring and Touring Plus models will be a huge selling point for a lot of buyers and offers a handy blind-spot alert and a voice-activated navigation system. Other features include wireless cell-phone links, a 7-inch touchscreen display with real-time traffic updates, rear-view cameras, keyless access/ignition, remote start and rain-sensing wipers.

Some of the items that probably detract from the 2012 MAZDA6 are the same as previous model years. Mileage is not great at 21 mpg city/30 highway for 4-cylinder versions and a paltry 18/27 for 6-cylinder versions. At least it uses regular unleaded! The interior, while sporting some new bells and whistles, is still appointed in some tacky plastic. Interior storage is average, but despite all the room in the rear seats, ironically, the car has no door-pocket storage. The noise level inside the cabin is problematic and may even interfere with the Bose upgraded sound system, particularly with the 18-inch wheels on the Grand Touring trims.

Standard safety features for all models include antilock disk brakes, front seat and full-length side curtain airbags, and stability and traction control. The MAZDA6 is rated Good for frontal impacts and Acceptable for roof strength.

Overall, the MAZDA6 is priced competitively in its class and certainly a good value. This is a family car that is just fun to drive. If you have to commute, drop off the kids, and get the groceries, the MAZDA6 will feed your need for speed and not embarrass you in a minivan.