Its Shop Time Mondays: Mazda6 Is In The Hot Seat

If the wiring becomes damaged, there may be a loss of power steering assist and the deactivation of the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of a crash and the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V546000

Manufacturer Mazda North American Operations

Components SEATS, STEERING, AIR BAGS

Potential Number of Units Affected 57,878

2015 Mazda6 Grand Touring: A Stylish And Sporty Premium Family Sedan

Highlight: This is the only vehicle in the segment offering an i-Drive-like rotary dial system similar to that found in the BMWs. This rotary dial system controls everything from the audio system to the navigation system.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $33,345 (Sport Model starts at $21,985)

Seating Capacity:  5

Standard Safety Features: airbags (front, side-impact, rear-side); ABS; stability control; traction control; hill launch assist system; a tire pressure monitoring system; a blind spot monitoring system; a rearview camera; an auto driver side mirror; and a rear traffic cross alert system

2014 Mazda6 Grand Touring: The Sportiest High-Tech Family Sedan In The Segment

Highlights: The Mazda6 is the only vehicle in the segment to offer a BMW iDrive-like system to control the audio system and navigation system via the use of a center rotating dial. And, while a 6-cylinder engine is no longer available, a fuel-sipping diesel engine will be available early next year. When the diesel arrives, the Mazda6 will become the only vehicle in the segment, offering a diesel.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $32,845 (Base Model starts at $26,755)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags (side, front, curtain, and rear); hill-launch assist, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System; and whiplash reducing front seats

Standard Equipment: Standard Audio: a 6-speaker audio system with an AM/FM stereo, a CD player and a limited subscription Satellite radio

Mazda Recalling 161,000 6s

Report Receipt Date: SEP 24, 2013

NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V425000

Component(s): LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Potential Number of Units Affected: 161,400
Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• MAZDA MAZDA6 2009-2013

Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations

Auto Buzz: What Everyone Is Talking About

Here's a first peak of the 2014 Mazda6, which will debut at the L.A. Auto Show.

Mazda Combines Zoom And Chic with New 6

As Mazda minimizes ties with its partner - Ford Motor Company - they continue to move the brand upscale with designs that both excite and capture the pulse of today’s car buyers. With so many vehicles competing against the likes of Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord and yes, the Chevy Malibu, too, Mazda has finally designed a vehicle which rivals its competitors. (In fact, its curvaceous exterior lines have a sexier look than all of its competitors.) The all-new 6 is now larger and roomier without sacrificing the zoom factor Mazda is known for. Oh, and it has an extremely roomy trunk, too.

At first glance, the sleeker designed 6 with the free flowing lines could possibly be mistaken for a Lexus ES or possibly the more upscale Toyota Camry SEL. However, upon a closer examination, one notices Mazda’s trademark grille. Unfortunately, for such a distinctive design, it was disappointing to see that the “Plain Jane” 17-inch wheel package didn’t compliment the vehicle. To me, the mismatched combination was like wearing a new Easter dress or suit with a pair of well worn shoes. By any fashion expert analysis, this would definitely be considered as a fashion faux pas.

Putting the wheels aside, upon being seated behind the wheel of the 4-cylinder, 170-horsepower 6-speed manual transmission 6, it was hard to believe I was driving a sedan, as opposed to Mazda’s RX-8 sports coupe. In the new 6, I found the independent front and rear suspension to be quite accommodating, while driving on the highways, city streets or curvy back roads outside of Atlanta with ease. Unlike some imports, I didn’t find the ride of the 6 to be too jarring.

Besides the good looks and the great handling, the 6 I reviewed was loaded with a number of goodies, containing every imaginable feature available: three position power driver memory seats; a premium sounding Bose 6-disc CD player/changer located behind the Navigational screen; an adjustable front-seat armrest; a power sunroof; automatic dual temperature controls; a keyless push button engine starter; and xenon headlights (for better nighttime lighting).

Added to that list, my favorite feature was the Blind Spot Monitoring System, which warned me of vehicles in my passing zone (or in my blind spot) before changing lanes. When the turn signal was on, a yellow flashing light remained illuminated in the exterior side mirrors, warning me of vehicles passing by. Furthermore, before changing lanes, an audible beeping sound pre-warned me of vehicles passing me, too. Wow, these two features combined provided additional safety protection helping me to avoid an accident.

Moreover, being that the vehicle I reviewed was a 4-cylinder and not the 6-cylinder automatic, which produces more horsepower while delivering less fuel economy, I was able to rack-up 400 miles on one tank of gas. Had I been driving a 6-cylinder there is no way I could have achieved the aforementioned miles on a tank of gas.

Overall I was extremely impressed with the fun to drive all-new 6. The vehicle is available in about 10 different trim levels, with prices ranging from $20,000 to $31,000. My 6 listed for $29,340. Besides being a little disappointment with the wheel package, Mazda should consider adding an electronic tilt/telescopic steering wheel to the standard equipment list. Furthermore, I found the heated seats warmers were a little too warm for me on low range during extremely cold mornings. (After a few moments, I found myself disengaging the low-range setting.) With the exception of these minor items, I was definitely put the 6 at the top of my shopping list. Like most vehicles these days, expect for dealers to offer great deals on the 6, too.

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