2010 Mazda6: A Grown Up Family Sedan

What’s New:

The grown up, roomier Mazda6 hit the market in its current form in 2009. So for the 2010 model year, the big changes are the tweaks related to the option packages. Mazda’s midsize sedan now adds a new Touring Plus edition to both the i as s models. And a new Technology Package is available on the Grand Touring model.

Must-Have Goodies:

The midsize Mazda6 is available as a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder in a variety of trim packages. Besides the base model, Mazda6 owners can accessorize their swoopy sedan in a variety ways. The i Sport trim model in the Mazda6 offers remote key-less entry, cruise control and steering wheel mounted controls, while the
i Touring edition adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, an 8-way power driver's seat, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer and trip computer. 
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And new for the 2010 model year is the iTouring Plus edition which includes a power moonroof, a compatible Bluetooth hands-free phone, an anti-theft security system and the much-needed Blind Spot Monitoring System,

However, for those in need of interior comfort, leather seats, heated front seats, a dual-zone automatic climate control and a Bose 10-speaker audio system, the Mazda6 iGrand Touring edition will fit the bill.
Furthermore, for those opting for the optional Technology Package, they’ll be adorned with an Advanced keyless entry system, a push-button starter, a memory driver's seat, a passenger power seat, auto on/off Xenon headlights, rain sensing wipers, an Auto-dimming interior mirror, heated auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a 4.3" Multi information display screen and a limited subscription to satellite radio.

What Rocked: 

Like a number of vehicles in this segment, the Mazda6 is also available with a manual or automatic transmission. However, unlike most vehicles in this segment, the Mazda6 offers a Blind Spot Monitoring System, which alerts the driver of vehicles in its blind spot before changing lanes and a push-button starter.

And for those into dressing up the outward appearance, the Mazda6 s Touring Plus model adds chrome dual exhaust finishers, while the Mazda6 s Grand Touring offers 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome dual exhaust finishers. Mazda has also managed to maintain its racy looking orange lighting in this midsize family sedan.

What We Disliked:

As we cited during our review in 2009, Mazda needs to add a sportier wheel package to compliment the sporty exterior design and the optional 18-inch wheel package. The current wheel offerings are quite disappointing. Any designer knows that a nice outfit should always be complimented by a nice pair of shoes.  

Moreover, where is the rearview camera? This safety feature should have been apart of the Technology Package.

Furthermore, the front passenger seats need to offer more lumbar support for the back or either a form fitting seat, since this is suppose to be the brand with zoom.

Any Juice:

A 3.7-liter, six-cylinder engine is available with 272 horses underneath the hood continues the zoom factor expected in a Mazda. 

The Verdict:

Mazda is looking to move the brand upscale just as Hyundai has done with its brand. With the Mazda brand offering such features as a push-button starter and blind spot technology, it’s quite obvious the brand is stepping-up its image.

However, for now, the family size Mazda6 is a solid competitor in the midsize non premium segment. The Mazda6 is struggling to maintain its sports car image, while moving into the big league. This is obvious with the big car ride, roomy back seat, large trunk, the orange sports car instrument lighting, the rotary dials, the swoopy exterior curves and the bland looking wheel package. Yes, the Mazda6 is just fighting to straddle into two different leagues. Yet, we believe with the right stylish wheel package and a different front seat design to capture the driving enthusiast, the Mazda6 could out lead the competition.

Pricing for the low-end Mazda6, starts out at approximately $19,000, while a fully loaded vehicle with the technology package, navigation system, remote start and navigation package zooms the price to a respectable $33,015. 

Competition: Chevy Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and VW Passat