Every once in a while, we test a vehicle that just feels right; it’s comfortable, performs well, and is very usable. The 2010 Mazda6 fits that description to a tee. Beyond pleasant styling on the exterior and interior, this is an amazingly enjoyable four-door sedan to drive.
Our tested 2010 Mazda6 i Touring Plus (the Plus is new for 2010 i and s models) offered everything a sedan should, but in a package that makes the driving experience a class act.
First, the Mazda6 offers easy entry and exit, plus the seating is comfortable, both front and rear, and there is an eight-way power driver’s seat.
Headroom (38.1 inches with he moon roof; 39.4 without), legroom (42.4 inches), and shoulder room (57.3) in the front are all plentiful, and rear seating is also more than spacious. Cargo space is an exceptional 16.6 cubic feet, more than adequate space for a quantity of luggage or other bulky items.
An interesting T-shape instrument panel features round gauges and multi-informational display, and the steering wheel is a three-spoke design with tilt and telescoping features.
The Touring Plus edition adds a power moon roof, ground illumination, Bluetooth, electroluminescent gauges, a Blind Spot Monitoring System, and antitheft security alarm, in addition to standard Touring equipment and features.
Our only option on the test Touring Plus was a $430 satellite radio package, making the total MSRP, with discounts, still under $25,000. It’s a lot of vehicle for the price.
With its superb interior comfort and style, the next likable feature is the performance of the Mazda6. Our test unit was powered by the 2.5-liter DOHC I-4 engine that produces 170 HP at 6,000 RPM (there is also a 3.7-liter V-6) and 167 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM.
The engine, with 16-valve, variable intake timing, aluminum block and head, exceeded our expectations for a four-cylinder. It was quiet, powerful, and reactive, plus providing excellent fuel economy with the standard five-speed automatic transmission (EPA ratings are 21 mpg/city and 30 mpg/highway).
Mazda said bore and stroke increases over previous applications of this engine yield a displacement enlarged to 2.5 liters. To minimize noise and vibration, the damper at the forward end of the forged steel crankshaft is equipped with two tuned masses. A flexible flywheel also helps diminish noise and vibration issues.
With great comfort and power established, the remaining element is handling. And the unibody Mazda6 handles like a luxury sports car. Driving, turning, and stopping are all pleasurable experiences.
The front suspension is an independent design, high-mount, double-wishbone design with coil springs and a stabilizer bar. Also independent, the rear suspension is an E-type, multilink with coils and stabilizer bar.
Add to the solid suspension system four-channel ABS brakes with traction control and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Dynamic Stability Control, speed-sensing variable hydraulic power steering, and 17-inch tires and wheels for a handling enjoyment above the norm.
Along with all this comfort, performance, and handling, safety has not been overlooked on the Mazda6. The midsize sedan has 5-star government ratings for frontal and side crashes, and a 5-star rating for rollovers.
With everything from fog lamps to power windows/doors/locks, a tire-pressure monitoring system to steering wheel mounted controls, the i Touring Plus is a total delight to drive. This is well-styled car with a high usability factor and zoom-zoom performance.
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As the 2009 model year closes out, we wanted to mention one of our favorites for the year, the 2009 Nissan Cube 1.8SL. While some folks don’t like the boxy look of the Cube (and similar models on the market), that squareness has some benefits.
The front-wheel-drive Cube is a fun car to drive, and with its 1.8-liter I-4 engine, it provides exceptional fuel economy (EPA ratings of 28 mpg/city and 30 mpg/highway) and low emissions.
Interior space on the Cube is generous, both front and rear, plus there is 11.4 cubic feet of cargo space that also allows taller items to be transported (and it has its own cargo area light with on/off switch). That box-style body also provides easy entry and egress for short or tall people.
With more than three dozen standard features, the Cube is priced right with a base of $16,790. That includes four-wheel ABS, traction control, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, 16-inch tires and wheels, plus plenty more.
Our tested 1.8SL model had four option packages and still priced out under $19,000.
The Cube handles well with its independent suspension systems with stabilizer bars, and it turns on a dime. Fun to drive, great visibility, and priced right–-that makes it a solid buy.
