With enormous variety to choose from, the mid-sized sedan market is a hugely competitive one.
And buyers could rightfully feel finding the right car is a daunting task. Most mainstream automakers have in the past year or two launched redesigned models, increasing the stakes in this market. New technology, better fuel economy, sleek designs and roomy interiors are abundant thanks to innovative design teams at domestic and foreign automakers.
While other carmakers have spent time, energy and a lot of money pursuing new customers and trying to maintain current ones, the zoom-zoom company 鈥� Mazda 鈥� has held fast in the mid-size market with a redesign of its Mazda6 not expected until 2014.
But until that redesigned car hits showrooms, Mazda still has a 10 dressed up as a 6 in the current generation of its mid-sized sedan.
Fun, frisky, spacious and comfortable, the 2013 Mazda6 still holds its own against the newest versions of its competition.
Mazda calls the 6 鈥渁 true sports sedan in the mid-sized class.鈥�
After a test drive in the GS Limited model, powered by a 2.5-litre, 170-horsepower inline four-cylinder engine, I can honestly say Mazda isn鈥檛 exaggerating. The four-banger is one of two engines available to Mazda6 buyers, the other being a 272-hp, 3.7-litre V-6.
Having driven models of the Mazda6 with the bigger engine previously, I was shocked at the performance of the four-cylinder. Mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain combination is all a driving enthusiast needs.
With sharp handling, a taut suspension and a willing engine, the Mazda6 is simply a hoot to drive whether in a straight line or around curves. It is one of the best-handling mainstream cars a buyer will surely ever drive. And even at higher speeds, the Mazda is impressively quiet.
The tester is the well-equipped GS Limited which has among its equipment a rear spoiler, fog lights, heated leather seats, dual zone climate control, a sunroof, eight-way power adjustable driver鈥檚 seat, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and a sound system with four speakers, two tweeters and an in-dash six-CD changer.
Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, rain-sensing wipers.
The cabin is roomy enough for three adult passengers to sit comfortably in the back seat. And that cabin is a refreshing change from the ever-flashier interiors of some competitors.
Mazda keeps things simple, focusing on driving dynamics rather than creating an art deco interior masterpiece. Controls are logically placed and easy to operate, gauges are simple, clear and readable.
This is a car people can drive without studying a computer manual first. Climb inside, turn on the ignition, crank up the tunes via a dial and gun the engine. Simple, eh?
And driving this car is fun. Not only is it sporty and edgy in style but the Mazda6 performs as good as it looks. And with fuel economy of 30 mpg city and 43 mpg highway, the four-cylinder Mazda6 will spend a lot of time on the road before needing a stop for gas. The V-6 engine which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission delivers competitive fuel economy of 24 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.
Priced at just over $30,000, the tester is a lot of car for modest money, delivering sporty dynamics and luxury in a fuel-efficient package.
The Mazda6 is available in GS and GT trims with either the four- or six-cylinder engine.
The GT-I4, with a starting MSRP of $29,650, adds equipment such as HID headlights and LED taillamps.
Numerous options are available, including a Sirius Satellite radio installation kit and iPod adapter harness kit.
If you appreciate a superb-handling car and can deal without the flash, save some cash and check out the Mazda6, perhaps the most underrated car on the road.
