2020 Mazda Mazda6 Signature Model

Getting behind the wheel of the Mazda Mazda6, it’s clear that “Driving Matters.” That’s their Motto but also a way of life for the brand from Hiroshima. From the corporate tower, the engineering department, or the assembly line, they build vehicles that go zoom-zoom.

EXCELLENT ROAD MANNERS

This explains why experts (including those of us at Napleton.news) are quick to suggest the Mazda6 as a midsized sedan that’s fun to drive. Always fit, it displayed excellent road manners and well-connected steering. Showing excellent build quality throughout, it manages everything well. It didn’t matter if it was carrying five passengers and a full load of belongings in the back or if it was heading to the local big-box store for the weekly stock-up of diapers and toilet paper. The Mazda6 is a sedan that could get you there in total comfort and allow you to have fun at the same time.

In case you haven’t noticed, Mazda of late has been moving definitively up-market in its design and build quality. It’s evident in nearly every aspect of this and many of the other new Mazda vehicles, including their award-winning line of Sport Utility Vehicles.

PICK YOUR POISON POWER

The Mazda6 Sport and Touring models are powered by a Mazda Skyactiv 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque of power. During normal, around-town mixed driving, we enjoyed mileage ratings of 26 city and 35 highway.

Our top-of-the-line Mazda6 Signature model features a new 2.5-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder Skyactiv engine that includes 63 additional ponies for a total of 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque when used with premium unleaded fuel. Using mid-grade unleaded fuel lowers the rating to 227 horsepower.

Both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and include Sport settings on the center console.

DRIVING MATTERS

A bonus feature on this Mazda sedan is the dauntingly named G-Vectoring Control Plus system. Another name for torque vectoring, this Mazda example, makes minute adjustments of engine and braking power to help shorten the radius of a turn and make general maneuvering smoother.

Another desirable feature is the inclusion of Radar Cruise Control with Stop-and-go functionality. Now standard on every 2020 Mazda Mazda6 model, the system helps to maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Variable settings allow you to set your trailing distances. The system can bring your sedan all the way to a complete stop and then resume speed once it is safe to do so.

LOOK AROUND, OUTSIDE

Looking every bit like a fighter jet, the Mazda Mazda6 is ready for takeoff and continues on with its sizeable intake-like diamond-cut grille. Flank it with LED headlight and introduce swoopy fenders that convey a muscular appearance that continues to look fresh in the face of some of its competition. Those fenders lead to a greenhouse with a sweptback roofline that leads to the forward-thinking, fastback roofline.

BEST IN CLASS INTERIOR

The fact it has been around a few years doesn’t do anything to diminish the interior design of the 2020 Mazda6. In effect, it remains one of the best-looking cabins in the industry. Credit its upscale looks, clean design and high-quality materials for the feeling of being cocooned in a wrap-around surrounding that appears as though it came from a vehicle costing thousands more.  

Everything you could want is here: There’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in all but the Sport trim level, but it can be optioned for an additional fee. Nappa leather-trimmed power seats, an auto-dimming frameless rearview mirror, 8-inch color display, and an 11-speaker Bose AM/FM/HD Radio with Sirius XM radio are also along for a ride.   

BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THE MAZDA6

Starting up the 2020 Mazda6 is done by pushing a well-designed button on the dashboard. The engine doesn’t exactly roar to life because frankly, that’s not what this sedan is about. On the other hand, refinement is the order of the day, and what you will find here. This is simply an elegant, forward-looking sedan that is the perfect vehicle for a cross country journey in total comfort.

Power from the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes on securely and even managed to display a tiny bit of torque steer when getting off from a stoplight. It was just the thing to show you this Mazda is clearly punching above its weight class.

Loaded with Safety

The safety features found in the Mazda6 are typical of the class. Still, we are glad they are here. The lane-keep assist helped to keep us pointed in the direction intended, while the Mazda Radar Cruise Control helped us mind our distance to the vehicles in front. But honestly, we could not allow all the onboard assistants to have all the fun. So we quickly wrestled it back and took over the controls once again. Because we could, and because this Mazda is so fun to drive.

Contact the experts at Napleton’s Mazda of Urbana to see what all the fuss is about.