Mazda6 2.5 Individual Auto - Video Review

 

While I was hoping to receive the Mazda6 in a rambunctious red, I had a, well there is no other way to put it, grey one delivered. Mazda calls the colour Aluminium Metallic and while a little bleak about the final colour, I realized that this is probably one of the colours best suited to a car of this calibre.

The Mazda6 competes in the hotly contested mid-size saloon category and this sees it taking on the likes of the Accord, Passat and V60. It also means that it has a rather large responsibility for Mazda, as their flagship saloon.

Kodo Design is the buzz-word in and around the brand these days and it’s a term used to describe their current styling habits. Long, swooping lines envelop the sides of the car while up front, larger air dams and aggressively angle headlights add an organic feel to the car. This approach creates a look that is distinctive and modern but time will tell if this will date the model prematurely.

The interior of the Mazda6 is spacious and good looking but I believe that it will look dated very soon. Rumours abound that there is a facelift interior on its way but nothing has been confirmed just yet. A thick, multi-function steering wheel falls easily to hand and while generous in its dimensions, the driver’s space is comfortable and cossetting. The party piece was the Bose 11-speaker audio system that made entertainment, well, entertaining.

The head unit could do with an update to Mazda’s fantastic MZD infotainment system but the center console mounted Multimedia Commander make life considerably easier when navigating menus and selecting input sources, of which there are several.

Under the hood is Skyactive Technology incorporated in the 2.5-litre, naturally aspirated –cylinder engine. Skyactive technology is Mazda’s foray into direct injection, which, for the layman, translates into improved performance and lowered fuel consumption figures. Mazda quotes 6.6-litres/100km on the combined cycle but figures in the real world, at altitude were a little higher.

Power is rated at 138kW at 5700 and 250Nm torque at a fairly high 3250. While the motor still pulls strong, I found it to be missing that low down torque, reminiscent of the high end Mazda 626s of the 90s – that’s me being pedantic and nostalgic. The brakes are sharp and receptive and the 6 is equipped with ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). The handling for a vehicle of this size is pleasantly surprising. Grip levels are good and feedback through the chassis invokes a sense of confidence in the saloons capabilities.

Park distance control with reverse camera makes parking the long and wide Mazda6 simple and easy, with little fear of bumping into things, despite the long bonnet and overhang that can sometimes be misleading.

The Mazda6 is a well kitted, highly trimmed vehicle with enough comfort and convenience to satisfy even the most discerning buyer and while the unique appearances may not make it the most popular, it should feature high on a prospective buyer’s shopping list as reliability and engagement are not in short supply.

The Mazda6 2.5 Individual Auto retails for a recommended R399 500 and come standard with a 3-year / unlimited km warranty and a 3-year / unlimited km service plan for addition peace of mind. Further cementing this in the ranks for those looking for a reliable stable mate.