When I really started working with cars on a frequent basis a few years back, Mazda was a nameplate that didn’t immediately strike me as interesting. For some reason, the cars of their past were largely stuck in my head – images of the 1980s that I just couldn’t shake. But once I had a real chance to experience what Mazda is now, I really became a fan. In fact, I love their CX series – with last year’s CX-9 ranking among my favorite vehicles of the year. Now comes a look at the 2017 Mazda6 GT.
The Mazda6 is offered in three trims – Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. While each offers five-person seating, a 2.5L Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder engine and a combined 30 MPG (27 city/35 highway), those packages make for a big swing in price and styling despite having a lot packed in as standard. Like the CX-9 I enjoyed so much last year, the interior is gorgeous, yet sporty. The one thing that I still hope for is that they will eventually do away with any remaining infotainment screens that appear perched on the dash. This one still has that, and it’s been a long-time quirk of mine.
I should note that while sedans in this class tout that “5-person seating,” the back seat will be really tight with a fifth person in there. Automakers need to just start calling what these are – cars built for a family of four. Much like Kia has upped their game over the past few years, Mazda is also creating vehicle interiors that feel a bit above-class, and I dig that. The GT comes loaded with a BOSE stereo system, 7″ touch screen, heated seats and mirrors, along with all the safety and security features that a family could want.
Due to my own travel schedule, I didn’t get to spend as much time on the road with this one as I’d hoped, but I had enough to tell you that it’s fun to drive, looks great and is a vehicle I’d happily park in the driveway. For a family car, the size is good and the mileage is absolutely excellent – to the point that they estimate a fuel cost savings of $1K over five years compared to the average new car. Highly-recommended!
The 2017 Mazda6 starts at $21,945. Grand Touring edition as-driven: $34,530
Build and price yours at https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/mazda6
