- 6,977
- old-guy64
Just a couple of days ago, I had occasion to be at one of the local Mazda Dealers.
While there the gentleman that sold my lovely wife and my "numba 1" 2008 Mazda Mazda6 iSport Value Package Sedans, offered me the opportunity to drive one of the first 2009 Mazda6's in the area.
GENERAL IMPRESSIONS
First off: The '09 Mazda6 is significantly larger than the '08.
I also noted that most Mazdas when veiwed from the front 3/4 view share "facial" features with the RX-8.
Headlights are similar, the "muscle" bulge fenders, etc.
The car that I drove was an iSport w/6-spd manual trans. It is one level from the "bottom" of the line. There are 7 standard levels of equipment: four "i" level (2.5L 4-cyl. cars) and 3 "s" level (3.7L V-6 cars)
In both lines the Grand Touring models are the Top ot their respective lines and are similarly equipped with the exception of powerplants.
I have not driven the Touring or Grand Touring for '09. However, if they hold to form, the Touring and Grand Touring models are for more "sporting" drivers, even when equipped with automatic transmissions.
In the '08, this meant tighter and firmer suspension, and they are quite a bit "twitchier" to drive.
IMHO, the 2008 "6" is the prettier of the two cars, as the new model kinda looks like it was penned by the same guy that designed the latest Camry.
I noted on ingress to the new car that I didn't bump my head on the roofline, as I tend to with the '08 car if I don't duck my head getting in.
The driver's side is even more spacious.... I was 6 inches or so from the rearmost stop of the seat. I would have had plenty of room to sit behind myself. Though my eldest son can sit behind me comfortably in the '08 (He's 6'4").
The cabin is more refined with more upscale materials, including a gray tortiseshell type cover for the cup holders. The '08 has no such cover.
Standard features include AM/FM/CD that can also be upgraded to Sirius Satellite. All the buttons are on the HUGE stereo system, all that has to be done is to have the module installed. (For you aftermarket Stereo guys, this one will be no fun to upgrade as the thing is easily fills and 8 X 12 inch space in the dash). The sport model also features steering wheel controls for the stereo, standard.
Special thanks also goes to whoever moved the parking brake from the left to the right side of the center console. The windows are of the auto down/auto up variety. I've read many complaints about the auto-up windows in many cars not stopping when they meet resistance making them potentially dangerous.
I've not been dim enough to put my arm in the path of an auto lifting window. So, I don't know how dangerous they actually are.
The tilt/telescope wheel is easy to use and seems to be well thought out.
For you Mafia enforcers, the trunk is absolutely cavernous. 2 guys my size would fit in there easy (before rigor sets in).
On the downside. The base car, with a manual trans is available in only 4 colors: Black, Red, Silver, and Grey. For more colors: such as the beautiful Kona Blue you must order an automatic. www.mazdausa.com
DRIVING IMPRESSION:
As I noted, the car that I drove was a 2.5L 6-speed manual.
The engine is magnificent. It has power down low. It is quiet. Even as you get to the upper reaches of the RPM band you wonder if the engine is going to start to whine or complain. It was so quiet, that for the first time in my life I was actually looking at the tach, rather than hearing the need to shift.
When I did "lay into it" the engine produced a satisfying "growl" from 3500 to just over 5000 RPM.
However, the trans is a joy to use. Even if I did initially mistake 3rd for 1st on my second take-off. The lever falls right to hand. The throws are short and direct. Each gear engaged with a satisfying "snick". The clutch was also near perfect as far as feel and effort. It was neither too heavy. Nor was it too light. This is a car that would not make me cry in stop-and-go traffic.
Steering was well weighted, and provided a good "feel". It wasn't "dead" on center as some basic sedans tend to be. If you move the wheel, the car moves, and you can feel it doing so.
Again, the engineers at Mazda got it right as far as ride quality. The road directly in front of the dealer was freshly graded and a very rough surface on which to drive.
The car tracked straight in spite of all the grooves and gravel.
There was no "road howl" or jouncing on the uneven surface.
The car still corners as flat as the '08. The seats are bolstered a bit better, but wide enough for a guy my size.
The pedals were nicely spaced, and at good heights.
On the freeway, it was a lot like drivng my living room, only with the promise of great handling, good to excellent brakes,
In short, I'd recommend the vehicle to anyone looking for a vehicle with premium features at an near economy price.
The Mazda6 can be had for from $20,000 to $33,000.
The car I drove was under $21,000. If I added the options that would make it "me", I'd still be able to drive it off the lot for about "$23,000.
(For the record that would be a Kona Blue iSport, auto trans, with 6-CD changer, Sirius Satellite radio, Rear Spoiler, Homelink Mirror, splash gaurds, and all weather floor mats.)
While there the gentleman that sold my lovely wife and my "numba 1" 2008 Mazda Mazda6 iSport Value Package Sedans, offered me the opportunity to drive one of the first 2009 Mazda6's in the area.
GENERAL IMPRESSIONS
First off: The '09 Mazda6 is significantly larger than the '08.
I also noted that most Mazdas when veiwed from the front 3/4 view share "facial" features with the RX-8.
Headlights are similar, the "muscle" bulge fenders, etc.
The car that I drove was an iSport w/6-spd manual trans. It is one level from the "bottom" of the line. There are 7 standard levels of equipment: four "i" level (2.5L 4-cyl. cars) and 3 "s" level (3.7L V-6 cars)
In both lines the Grand Touring models are the Top ot their respective lines and are similarly equipped with the exception of powerplants.
I have not driven the Touring or Grand Touring for '09. However, if they hold to form, the Touring and Grand Touring models are for more "sporting" drivers, even when equipped with automatic transmissions.
In the '08, this meant tighter and firmer suspension, and they are quite a bit "twitchier" to drive.
IMHO, the 2008 "6" is the prettier of the two cars, as the new model kinda looks like it was penned by the same guy that designed the latest Camry.
I noted on ingress to the new car that I didn't bump my head on the roofline, as I tend to with the '08 car if I don't duck my head getting in.
The driver's side is even more spacious.... I was 6 inches or so from the rearmost stop of the seat. I would have had plenty of room to sit behind myself. Though my eldest son can sit behind me comfortably in the '08 (He's 6'4").
The cabin is more refined with more upscale materials, including a gray tortiseshell type cover for the cup holders. The '08 has no such cover.
Standard features include AM/FM/CD that can also be upgraded to Sirius Satellite. All the buttons are on the HUGE stereo system, all that has to be done is to have the module installed. (For you aftermarket Stereo guys, this one will be no fun to upgrade as the thing is easily fills and 8 X 12 inch space in the dash). The sport model also features steering wheel controls for the stereo, standard.
Special thanks also goes to whoever moved the parking brake from the left to the right side of the center console. The windows are of the auto down/auto up variety. I've read many complaints about the auto-up windows in many cars not stopping when they meet resistance making them potentially dangerous.
I've not been dim enough to put my arm in the path of an auto lifting window. So, I don't know how dangerous they actually are.
The tilt/telescope wheel is easy to use and seems to be well thought out.
For you Mafia enforcers, the trunk is absolutely cavernous. 2 guys my size would fit in there easy (before rigor sets in).
On the downside. The base car, with a manual trans is available in only 4 colors: Black, Red, Silver, and Grey. For more colors: such as the beautiful Kona Blue you must order an automatic. www.mazdausa.com
DRIVING IMPRESSION:
As I noted, the car that I drove was a 2.5L 6-speed manual.
The engine is magnificent. It has power down low. It is quiet. Even as you get to the upper reaches of the RPM band you wonder if the engine is going to start to whine or complain. It was so quiet, that for the first time in my life I was actually looking at the tach, rather than hearing the need to shift.
When I did "lay into it" the engine produced a satisfying "growl" from 3500 to just over 5000 RPM.
However, the trans is a joy to use. Even if I did initially mistake 3rd for 1st on my second take-off. The lever falls right to hand. The throws are short and direct. Each gear engaged with a satisfying "snick". The clutch was also near perfect as far as feel and effort. It was neither too heavy. Nor was it too light. This is a car that would not make me cry in stop-and-go traffic.
Steering was well weighted, and provided a good "feel". It wasn't "dead" on center as some basic sedans tend to be. If you move the wheel, the car moves, and you can feel it doing so.
Again, the engineers at Mazda got it right as far as ride quality. The road directly in front of the dealer was freshly graded and a very rough surface on which to drive.
The car tracked straight in spite of all the grooves and gravel.
There was no "road howl" or jouncing on the uneven surface.
The car still corners as flat as the '08. The seats are bolstered a bit better, but wide enough for a guy my size.
The pedals were nicely spaced, and at good heights.
On the freeway, it was a lot like drivng my living room, only with the promise of great handling, good to excellent brakes,
In short, I'd recommend the vehicle to anyone looking for a vehicle with premium features at an near economy price.
The Mazda6 can be had for from $20,000 to $33,000.
The car I drove was under $21,000. If I added the options that would make it "me", I'd still be able to drive it off the lot for about "$23,000.
(For the record that would be a Kona Blue iSport, auto trans, with 6-CD changer, Sirius Satellite radio, Rear Spoiler, Homelink Mirror, splash gaurds, and all weather floor mats.)
👍 Out of the lame rental, I assume?
