I was a little disappointed with the 2016 Mazda6 the first day I had it. Don't get me wrong, it's a good looking, well designed midsize sedan. And I was pleased to see it was getting good mileage. And it drive just fine, but seemed to lack that certain something from a company whose slogan is "Zoom-Zoom."
Then I noticed the little switch behind the transmission shifter on the console that said SPORT in tiny black letters.
As Homer Simpson would say, "D'oh!"
Flicked into the sport mode, the Mazda6 drove much more like a, well, like a Mazda quicker and more responsive. Mileage dropped slightly over the next few days, but that's probably because I drove it more aggressively, since it was more fun to drive. The Sport mode for the six-speed automatic is new this year, giving drivers more choices for how they want their car to perform, since it also has a manual shift mode.
Other than that, the 2016 Mazda6 is largely unchanged from last year. My test version was the top-of-the-line Grand Touring version that features special 19-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar support, a six-way power passenger seat and driver memory settings.
It also had a GT Technology package that includes an energy capture system called i-Eloop (for "intelligent energy loop") that improves mileage by capturing and storing energy during deceleration, which can then power air-conditioning, lighting and accessories. With that, the Mazda6 was EPA rated at 28 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on the highway, which makes it just about the most economic non-hybrid midsize on the market.
When it comes to style, the Mazda6 looks like a scaled down Jaguar sedan with a long nose and sloping roofline that rises into a subtle rear spoiler. The interior continues the theme, being far more restrained and tasteful than most competitors.
On the road, the Mazda6 has a supple ride that falls between too soft and too hard. Acceleration is smooth and, in the Sport mode, genuinely sporty. The overall feeling is one of nimbleness, making it feel smaller than it actually is.
The 2016 Mazda6 has only a few shortcoming that might make some potential buyers look elsewhere. It only comes with a single engine, a 2.5-liter inline 4. Those lusting for a turbocharged 4 or V6 might be disappointed, even though the available 184 horsepower and 185 foot-pounds of torque were more than adequate for most situations.
In addition, the 7-inch touchscreen is mounted on top of the dash instead of integrated into it, which looks a touch aftermarket. Most potential owners might not mind, however, since even some far more expensive cars, like a number from Mercedes-Benz, are similar.
The midsize sedan market is incredibly competitive these days, with manufacturers introducing all new or completely revised models every few years. That makes practically every one worth looking, but for those who value driving fun, the 2016 Mazda6 should be near the top of the shopping list.
2016 Mazda6
Base price: $24,950.
Price as tested: $33,395.
Type: Midsize sedan.
Engine: 2.5-liter inline 4 (184 hp, 185 lbs-ft).
EPA estimated mileage: 28/40 (as tested).
Overall length: 192.7".
Curb weight: 3,179 to 3,250 lbs (as tested).
Final assembly: Hofu, Japan.