Mazda6 is a 10 on looks

Review |

The stylish and lively 2009 Mazda6 has hit the road as the sportiest and most entertaining front-wheel-drive midsize sedan on the market.

The new 6 ably fills the gap created when the Honda Accord grew a little larger and duller in pursuit of mainstream mega-sales.

The Accord outsells the 6 by about 6-to-1, so it's hard to argue with Honda's logic, but Mazda has successfully replaced it as the Japanese brand for budget-minded enthusiasts.

That budget can get a bit strained when you load up on options, however. And the Mazda6's fuel economy trails less sporty midsize front-drivers like the Chevrolet Malibu, Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura and Toyota Camry.

Mazda has dropped the slow-selling station wagon and hatchback models from the 6 lineup. The '09 sedan comes with either a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or 272-horsepower 3.7-liter V6. Six-speed manual and five- and six-speed automatic transmissions are available.

Starting price is $18,550 for a base model with the four-cylinder engine and manual transmission. Prices for V6 models start at $24,130 for the 6s Sport and run as high as $28,260 for a 6s Grand Touring.

I tested a very well-equipped four-cylinder 6i Grand Touring model with the sporty, short-throw manual transmission and a $29,340 sticker.

I also briefly drove a loaded V6-powered 6s Grand Touring that stickered at $32,450. Both cars had the lively performance and nimble handling that have become Mazda hallmarks.

Expensive, perhaps worth it

The prices give pause, however. They are at the high end of a competitive set that includes less expensive, but very good, cars like the Altima, Fusion and Malibu.

Mazda compensates for that with style, handling and some very appealing features the competition doesn't offer.

Most notable among those is a warning system that alerts you about vehicles in your blind spots.

None of the competitive models offers that addictively useful feature, and several can't match the optional navigation system and excellent Bose sound system in the cars I tested.

The 2009 Mazda6 also has more passenger and luggage space than most of its competitors. Passenger room is an impressive 101.9 cubic feet.

Despite the big interior and generous space for knees and legs, headroom feels a bit tight, particularly in the backseat.

The trunk provides an exceptionally large 16.6 cubic feet, with a conveniently low liftover for loading heavy cargo.

The new Mazda6 is 6.9 inches longer, 2.3 inches wider and 1.2 inches taller than the car it replaces, but it does not look large, thanks to a lovely body with a lithe, ground-hugging look.

The front styling emphasizes flared fenders and a fluid profile that borrows elements from Mazda's RX-8 and MX-5 Miata sports cars.

The look is all-Mazda from every angle except behind, where it bears a strong resemblance to a Toyota Camry.

Performance

Despite its generous dimensions, the 6 is quick and maneuverable. Both engines provide good acceleration. The steering has good feedback and precise response around town, though slightly over-assisted at highway speeds, where it could use a more defined on-center feel.

The suspension absorbs bumps well and holds the 6 flat and stable through fast curves.

A nicely appointed interior completes the sporty persona. Leather seats are comfortable and attractive. Satin-finish and chrome trim provides appealing accents. An unfortunate black plastic trim that's shot through with light streaks is the only false note.

Underwhelming mileage

Fuel economy for both the four-cylinder and V6 models is at the low end of their competitive sets.

The EPA rates the four-cylinder with manual transmission at 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway, while the V6 with six-speed automatic checks in at 17 mpg city and 25 highway.

Despite that drawback and a price that can get dauntingly high, the 2009 Mazda6's style and performance make it an excellent choice for buyers who want a midsize sedan that's not afraid to paddle outside the mainstream.