2011 Mazda Mazda6 Philadelphia

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The New 2011 Mazda6 gets some significant revision, to make this 'fun-to-drive' car even better. The headlights and fog lamps get a new design, and there is a new design for the 17-inch alloy wheels. Mazda says fuel economy has improved on the i and s models. Other changes include new folding mirrors with turn-signal lamps on Touring Plus and Grand Touring models, a couple of new paint colors, a new steering-wheel design, new cloth seat materials, new trim for the instrument panel and door armrests, and a rearview camera with a 7-inch touch-screen. The 2011 Mazda6 is a terrific entrant in the midsize class, with lots of room and refinement. It is definitely in the mainstream of midsize sedans, yet Mazda has maintained the exceptional driving characteristics for which the brand is well-known, a trait that should prove popular with those who enjoy driving and don't consider a car mere transportation.

New Mazda6 Handling

While engine power hasn't changed for 2011 - offerings remain either the 170 horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or the 272-hp V-6 fuel economy has improved dramatically, likely the result of taller gearing across the lineup. The 2011 Mazda6 features a front and rear independent suspension. Four-cylinder and V-6 options are normal in this segment, but the standard six-speed manual transmission (with the four-cylinder) plays up Mazda's performance roots.  The 2.5 can also be teamed with an optional five-speed automatic, while the V6 is bolted exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety equipment includes tire pressure monitoring, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability and traction control, side-impact and side-curtain airbags, while a blind spot monitoring system is standard on Touring Plus and Grand Touring trims. The closest competitors in the grip and ride components would be the Malibu V6 for ride, Altima V6 for fun, four-cylinder Accord for fun, and Camry for commuting comfort.The Mazda6 leans toward the fun end of the spectrum, while maintaining a good ride quality.

Design of the 2011 Mazda6

The 2011 Mazda6 sports a long hood with pronounced front fender flares that flow through the headlamps and mold with the front bumper. The Mazda6 five-sided grille has a deep V-shape to it and it's all body-colored. There is no chrome beyond the logo wings, and darker colors show even fewer character lines for the most fluid appearance. Fog lights are set in horizontal openings but the lights themselves are vertically-oriented. The 2011 Mazda6 is half a foot longer than the previous generation, with 4.5 inches added to wheelbase and 2.3 inches to width. Despite this, it doesn't look like a big car, especially with nothing adjacent for scale. But with its flowing roofline similar to oxymoronic four-door coupes and real coupes like the Audi TT, wraparound overhangs that appear shorter than they are, and sleek lines overall, the Mazda6 comes across as a smaller, trimmer, tidier car than some of its more boxy competitors.

'11 Mazda6 Cabin

Inside the 2011 Mazda6 the rounded instruments integrate nicely into the T-shaped instrument panel. The radio and center controls are tilted up to enhance functionality for the driver. Blacked-out instrument faces have metallic needles and trim. The 2011 Mazda6 cabin uses contemporary materials, with metallic-finish surfaces rather than phony wood trim. The exception is the console trim that slashes across the passenger's dash which, on some models, appears a cross between silver-veined black granite and ash-black burnt wood with wide rings in it. Cargo space is one of the strong suits of the Mazda6, as the 16.6 cubic feet of volume covers the class and is about double what some hybrids have. One needs to lift cargo only to the top of the bumper and slide it in, the car's sweeping roofline making the vertical opening much larger than the depth aspect. There are no hinges or trunk arms within the opening nor cargo shelf impediments, and the rear seatbacks can be released from the trunk.

2011 Mazda6 Trim Levels

For 2011, the Mazda6 is offered in four models: Sport, Touring, Touring Plus, and Grand Touring, with the base SV model dropped. The Mazda 6i Sport adds keyless remote entry, cruise control, and steering wheel mounted controls.

The Mazda 6i Touring upgrades with P215/55R17 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, eight-way power driver's seat, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, center console sliding armrest, trip computer, in-dash six-CD changer, and premium trim.

The Mazda 6i Touring Plus adds moonroof, ground illumination, electroluminescent gauges, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio operation, global open and close function for front windows and moonroof, anti-theft, and Blind Spot Monitoring System.

The Mazda 6i Grand Touring adds leather seats (heated in front), dual-zone climate control, welcome lighting, and a Bose sound system.

The Mazda 6s is available with the Touring Plus or Grand Touring trim levels, which are equipped similarly to their four-cylinder equivalents. The Mazda 6s has the 3.7-liter V6 engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and chrome dual-exhaust outlets. The Mazda 6s Grand Touring also has P235/45R18 tires on 18-inch alloy wheels.

Conclusions

The 2011 Mazda6 is aimed squarely at the other Japanese family sedans that dominate the mid-size car segment in North America. Mazda's midsize front-wheel-drive sedan benefits from a sportier nature than some of its competitors. Inline-four-cylinder (in i models) and V-6 (s models) engines are available in the Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. Overall, theMazda6 is roomy inside and works great for small families and daily commuters looking for a fun-to-drive vehicle. It delivers plenty of room for four or five adults, along with a big trunk that holds as much as can be fitted under the cargo covers of some SUVs. For the latest updates, visit the official Mazda Mazda6 site.