Two years ago we reviewed our first Mazda- the 2014 Mazda 6. After a week with it last time, it quickly became one of our favorites for a family car that dad would enjoy driving too. Earlier last month we were reunited when we had the chance to spend a week with the 2016 Mazda6 i Grand Touring. With a week full of planned destinations, we were excited to test it once again and see what was new.
The 6 arrived in Titanium Flash Mica. Despite being quite a difference from the Soul Red Metallic we had driven back in 2014, the body design didn’t have much need for change- but we did notice some nice updates to the interior. Open the doors and you’re greeted with a much more modern and appealing dashboard that should be expected to match the design of the exterior. The navigation is now placed on top of the console, with a much more sleek and slimmed down look. The controls are now located in the center console, just like on the Mazda 3 we recently reviewed.
If you remember, what I love about the Mazda’s center console controls is the ease of control from the passenger. As the person who usually is responsible for inputting new destinations, playing DJ, and playing around with other settings in the car, it just makes life easier.
As expected with the Mazdas, we got the most out of the 40 MPG Highway- taking a weekend trip to Mystic Connecticut, running back and forth to dance and acting recitals, and a day trip to the Poconos- only having to put 10 bucks in on the drive home. As a family who loves to travel locally and explore, spending most of our budget on gas just isn’t an option right now. So far we have nothing but great experience with the Mazda family of cars when it comes to MPG.
Opting against a larger vehicle doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort in the Grand Touring. If you recall from Briana’s review of the last 6, there was plenty of room for her and her sister, who is still in a convertible carseat. A cupholder and armrest separate the two seats if desired, and the same comfort goes for both the driver and passenger.
Of course the most important news for families and drivers alike is the excellent safety rating. Receving a 2015 Top Safety Pick when equipped with available Smart City Brake Support. It also received Car and Driver’s 2016 Editor’s Choice for Family Sedan.
Safety Features:
-Advanced front air bags21 with seat belt-use, passenger-weight and sensors
-Front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side-impact air curtains3
-3-point safety belts for all seating positions
-Front seat-belt pretensioners with force limiters
-SKYACTIV®20-Body
-Side-impact door beams
-Foldaway brake pedal assembly
-Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) & Brake Assist
-Dynamic Stability Control4 (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
-Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)6 with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-Hill Launch Assist
-Rearview Camera22
-Smart City Break Support14
-Alarm system
-Engine-immobilizer antitheft system
-Trunk entrapment release system
-Keyless remote panic button (on key fob)
-Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
-LATCH child-safety-seat anchors & upper tethers
-Child safety rear door locks
In the end, yet another week with the Mazda 6 Grand Touring left us impressed. While some may believe the engine could better match the sporty look of this car- it’s the perfect blend of family car and sporty design for families who want to impress but also put safety first. This 184 horsepower vehicle is strong enough for our family of 4- and impressive enough to drive around on date night .
For more information about the Mazda6, visit www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/mazda6