Review- Mazda 6

In its latest generation, the Mazda 6 receives two engine options, as well as more entertainment and safety equipment upgrades, giving Australian buyers more choice than ever before. 

Just how good is the Mazda 6, and how does it stack up to its competitors in terms of price, features, driving comfort and practicality? Let’s find out. 

Starting Price: $34,590

OnlineAuto Savings: Enquire now

Mazda 6 (SPORT) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Mazda 6 car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The Mazda 6 range kicks off from $34,590 for the entry-level Mazda 6 Sport sedan, while the Mazda 6 Sport Wagon is priced at $35,890. 

Opting for the Mazda 6 Touring variants brings the price to $38,890 for the sedan and $40,190 for the wagon, while the recently-introduced Mazda 6 GT SP is priced at $46,690 for the sedan and $47,990 for the Mazda 6 GT SP Wagon. 

The range-topping Mazda 6 Atenza is priced at $50,090 for the sedan, while the wagon is priced at $51,390. 

Keep in mind that prices are subject to change, and do not include on-road costs. 

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You? 

Using OnlineAuto’s car buying service, you could save by sourcing one of our car specialists to help you find the best value model for you. 

What Features Does the Mazda 6 Have?

The entry-level Mazda 6 Sport comes riding on a set of 17-inch alloys, and receives LED head and tail lights, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera with rear-mounted parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, active driving display, black cloth upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, automatic wipers and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto and a heap of safety equipment. 

Stepping up to the Mazda 6 Touring adds a set of LED daytime running lamps, keyless entry, front-mounted parking sensors, power-adjustable front seats, black leather upholstery and folding side mirrors. 

The Mazda 6 GT SP variants gain a more powerful turbocharged engine, as well as 19-inch alloys, front and rear heated seats, adaptive lights and burgundy leather interior upholstery. 

Finally, Mazda’s flagship Mazda 6 Atenza receives a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, surround-view camera, heated steering wheel, wood and suede interior upgrades, as well as a set of adaptive LED headlights. 

Range Features: 

• 17-inch alloys 

• LED head and tail lights 

• Dual-zone climate control 

• Adaptive cruise control 

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever 

• Black cloth upholstery 

• Active driving display 

• Rear-view camera with parking sensors 

• 8.0-inch infotainment system with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• LED daytime running lamps (Mazda 6 Touring)

• Black leather upholstery (Mazda 6 Touring)

• Power-adjustable seats (Mazda 6 Touring)

• Front parking sensors (Mazda 6 Touring)

• 19-inch alloys (Mazda 6 GT SP) 

• Turbocharged petrol engine (Mazda 6 GT SP)

• Front and rear heated seats (Mazda 6 GT SP)

• Panoramic sunroof (Mazda 6 Atenza)

• Ventilated seats (Mazda 6 Atenza)

• Nappa leather upholstery (Mazda 6 Atenza)

• Surround-view camera (Mazda 6 Atenza)

• Adaptive LED headlights (Mazda 6 Atenza)

• Wood and suede interior highlights (Mazda 6 Atenza)

Mazda 6 Colours 

The Mazda 6 is available in eight colours, including Machine Grey, Soul Red, Sonic Silver, Polymetal Grey, Blue Reflex, Jet Black, Snowflake White and Deep Crystal Blue. 

Is it Comfortable to Drive? 

It takes just a few minutes behind the wheel of the Mazda 6 to realise just how smooth and comfortable the driving dynamic is, making for a perfect family car. 

Power for the entry-level and mid-spec variants is supplied by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol producing 140kW of power and 252Nm of torque, which powers the front wheels via a six-speed automatic. The amount of power available in the entry-level Mazda 6 is modest, but translates to an effortless and undeniably smooth driving experience that is perfectly suited to short bursts around town or long distance road trips. 

For those looking for a little more excitement, Mazda has you covered with its turbocharged version that produces 170kW of power and 420Nm of torque, which is undeniably the pick of the engine bunch, but the sophistication in the entry-level variant doesn’t mean you have to upgrade.

The steering remains lightweight around town while offering the driver some healthy feedback as you pick up speed, and the chassis and suspension offer a surprising amount of fun in the corners. 

This also translates to a wonderful ride quality on everyday trips around town and on the open road thanks to its sturdy suspension system which softens the impact from bumps and irregularities on the road. 

The Mazda 6 is the perfect option for buyers looking for something far more engaging to drive than a large SUV, while remaining comfortable, user-friendly and confidence-inspiring for new drivers. 

Overall, it’s an extremely quality offering within the midsize sedan and wagon segment. 

Is it Practical and Spacious? 

In recent years, Mazda has earned itself a reputation for the quality of its interiors and clever packaging designs that make its vehicles stylish and family-friendly. 

We’re glad to report that in the latest Mazda 6, the company has improved upon this recipe, with a fabulous interior design that welcomes families, accommodates their belongings and looks good in the process. 

Up front, the driver and front passenger are treated to acres of space, with a great view out of the windscreen and a heap of headroom. Practical elements upfront include storage inside the sliding central console, behind the gear lever, some storage and charging points inside the folding armrest and the usual set of door bins either side. 

In all, the practicality, finish and execution inside the Mazda 6’s front cabin is exceptional for the money, and makes you feel as though you’re driving a significantly more expensive car. 

Moving to the rear, you’ll find a comfortable bench-seat with a heap of legroom for adult passengers, however, headroom can be an issue in the sedan variant due to that sloping roofline design. If you’re planning on squeezing some teenagers into the Mazda 6, you’re much better served with the wagon variant. 

There are two ISOFIX anchors and a trio of top tether points for child seats, which means you can indeed squeeze three child seats into the back of the Mazda 6.

In terms of boot space, the Mazda 6 sedan has a boot rated at 474L while the Mazda 6 wagon has a boot rated at 506L with the rear seats standing. Fold those down and you’ll find 1,648L of boot space available in the rear of the Mazda 6, which rivals what’s on offer in a significantly larger SUV.  

Is it Safe? 

The Mazda 6 has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, scoring 95% for adult protection, 91% for child protection, 66% for pedestrian protection and 73% for its safety assist technologies. 

As standard, the Mazda 6 range comes equipped with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure and lane keep assistance, a rear-view camera with rear-mounted parking sensors, rear-cross traffic alerts and blind-spot monitoring as standard. 

Stepping up to the Touring adds front-mounted parking sensors, while the flagship Atenza receives a surround-view camera system. 

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Fuel economy for the Mazda 6 depends on which engine you’re opting for, with the entry-level 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol returning a combined cycle figure of 7.0L/100km, while the turbocharged engine is rated at 7.6L/100km. 

Our Verdict: Is the Mazda 6 Worth it?

As far as family-friendly sedans and wagons go, the Mazda 6 sets the bar in terms of overall driving refinement and an exceptionally well-crafted interior, even in the entry-level variant. 

As a complete package, the Mazda 6 is a pleasure to drive on short trips around town and long-distance road trips alike, and thanks to Mazda’s generous approach to equipment lists, there’s no need to step higher into the range to find one with all the features you want. 

We highly recommend adding the Mazda 6 to your shortlist, even if you’re considering a mid-size SUV. On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925 

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year, unlimited KM warranty 

2. 12-month/10,000km service intervals 

3. Five-star ANCAP safety rating 

4. Petrol engine as standard, GT SP & Atenza receive turbo-petrol 

5. Fuel economy ranges between 7.0-7.6L/100km 

Pros 

• Smooth engine and transmission combination 

• Exceptionally well-crafted interior design 

• Generous equipment list for entry-level Mazda 6 Sport 

Cons

• Limited headroom for taller passengers in sedan variant

• Infotainment system showing signs of age 

• Short service intervals 

OnlineAuto Rating: 9/10

Mazda 6 Competition