The battle of the mid-size car has grown not only in participants, but also in its threads of complexity. As time has flown by, the physical size of the mid-size vehicles gained in inches, and technology of the elite is now embedded common elements. Their ride and performance match the sporty elegance styled into flowing metal, chrome and plastics. The mid-size sedans are not your grandparents’ boring vehicle, but are now found in the driveways of all generations – even your grandparents’! The 2017 Mazda 6 is a proud member of this elite club and remains one of the best family sedan choices.
The 2017 Mazda6 is available in not one, not two, but three trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. Prices start at MSRP $22,780 and work its way to $31,530. The Mazda 6 experienced its last major styling change in 2013, and has stayed about the same, including the 2017 model. Fitted with muscular front fenders, an arched coupe-like roofline and a flashy rear end, the lines are beautiful and clearly parade the Mazda design flare.
To make your power options an easy choice, all the trim levels come with the same 4-cylinder SKYACTIV gas engine mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power generator is a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder with 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Not the highest HP’s however weighing in at just around 3,200 pounds, it’s clearly enough to enjoy the ride. With the automatic transmission, you’ll enjoy EPA scores of 26/38/31 mpg (city/highway/combined).
I was impressed with the interior space and trunk room in the Mazda 6. The folding rear seats add to the convenience and flexibility of its use. The seats in my Grand Touring model looked amazing in white with dark gray trim beads and were very comfortable all the way around. Like with most sedans they claim to seat 5 but 4 adults are definitely more comfortable. Some cool “optional” features, you’ll enjoy include: rear heated seats, paddle shifters, heads up display, driving “Sport” mode, and multiple electronic connections.
Cool Features:
- Rain Sensing Wipers
- Lane Departure Warning System
- Heads Up Display
The 2017 Mazda is well-equipped with safety features including (some are available as standard, optional, or not available on certain trims): dual front advanced airbags, driver and front-passage side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, ABS brakes with Brake Assist System, Electronic Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, rear camera, driver’s blind spot mirror, blind spot monitoring system, Cross Traffic Alert, and more. Other optional safety features include: Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning system, Lane Departure Warning System, and Lane Keep Assist System on the Grand Touring trim.
In Summary – The 2017 Mazda 6 knows how to combine the practical family sedan without making you feel you are driving a boring one. The Mazda 6 delivers a fun-to-drive experience while looking sharp and sporty. It’s loaded with fun and useful tech features and drives with confidence. If you are looking for a stylish mid-size family sedan then check out the Mazda 6.
Specifications
2017 Mazda 6 Grand Touring
Base price: $30,695 as driven: $34,530 (including destination & optional
features)
Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine
Horsepower: 184hp @ 5700RPM
Torque: 185 @ 3250 RPM
Transmission: 6-Speedautomatic
Drive: Front-Wheel Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Turning circle: 36.7 feet
Cargo space: 14.8 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3,305 pounds
Fuel capacity: 16.4 gallons
EPA mileage: City 27/Hwy 35
Wheel Base: 111.4inches
Warranty: 3 years/36,000-miles powertrain limited
Also consider: Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan
Altima, Toyota Camry
Leave a Reply