2009 Mazda 6 MT

A fine sedan with a sporty dna the Mazda 6 has long earned praise for its engineering and performance. The past generation Mazda 6 was so well constructed it served as the platform Ford used for the top selling Fusion sedan. For 2009 the Mazda 6 is all new and as I spent a week with the four cylinder model I was quite impressed with its offering. Well appointed and premium feeling the 6 is even sleeker, with flowing lines and a more pronounced front end. The leather feels great and the ergonomics and placements of controls were spot on. The 2.3L engine has been upgraded to 2.5L I-4 which now gets 172hp and 167lb-ft of torque. A 5 speed sport automatic, and a 6 speed manual are available along with a list of technology including a touch screen navigation system, backup camera, a bose audio system, and Bluetooth audio capabilities. The Mazda 6 is very fuel efficient getting 21mpg city/30 mpg highway in the 4 cylinder model I drove. There is also a great safety feature, a blind side monitor which illuminates in your side mirrors. I also enjoyed the push button ignition, which I think is a nice modern touch. The Mazda 6 starts at $19,300 and is available at dealerships. Visit www.mazdausa.com for more information.