Mazda facelifted the ‘6’ sedan at the end of last year, giving it a lot of enhancements both in the design department as well as under the hood.
Described as being “stylish and engaging to drive without breaking the bank” by Consumer Reports, the 2018 Mazda6 offers just about everything one could wish for from a car in this segment.
It has decent feedback from the steering, feels athletic through corners and is a delight to drive. Also, with the new turbocharged engine, it’s even more engaging, so if the budget allows it, this should be the one to go for.
Also Read: Driven: 2018 Mazda6 Facelift With 2.5 Turbo Is A Working Man’s Luxury Sedan
However, the naturally aspirated mill, combined with the six-speed automatic transmission, is no slouch either, given that it packs 187 hp (190 PS / 140 kW) and 186 lb-ft (252 Nm) of torque.
Inside, everything feels well put together. The quality is very impressive for a mid-size, mass-produced sedan, there’s just enough legroom at the back for taller passengers and a spacious trunk that can become even larger by folding down the rear seats.
The downsides include some of the controls, which take time to master, the front seats that don’t have sufficient adjustment, and the headroom on the rear seat for tall passengers.
The car that was tested came with the optional sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and power driver’s seat. It costs $26,500, or $3,500 more than the stock Sport model equipped with the six-speed auto, and seems to have really impressed the reviewer, who ended up calling it “the driver’s choice”.