Mazda 6 is the Japanese car maker’s flagship sedan going head to head in the market dominated by Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. I was fortunate to test drive the 2.3 liter Mazda 6 a couple weeks ago at the Mazda showroom in Petaling Jaya during their launching of the long awaited Mazda 3 in this country.

Mazda 6 2.3 liter test drive, front view
the handsome Mazda 6

The 2.3 liter powertrain is good for around 166 hp, similar to the 2.4 liter iVTEC engine from Honda Accord. The Mazda, however, feels a lot more zippy during acceleration (8.9s to 100km/h). This might due to the curb weight of 1390kg, some 60 kg lighter than the Accord. As I floored the accelerator while in the fully automatic mode, the engine revved up to almost 7,000 rpm before switching gear, I guess the 6 does deliver some zoom zoom spirits.

Mazda 6 2.3 liter test drive
a nice driver’s car

The 6 speed triptonic gives you the flexibility to change gears when you feel like having some spirited drive, and it is intelligent enough to not let the driver over-rev or bog down the engine. As I found out when putting the car on 2nd gear driving up hill, when the I stopped the car, it automatically dropped to 1st. Very nice. The car feels pretty good around the bend too, does not have too much body roll for a car it’s size.

Mazda 6 2.3 liter test drive, the cockpit
the cockpit of Mazda 6

The car looks great on the outside, the interior does not dissapoint either. The 2.3 liter version comes with full leather interior, including all the seats, door panels, and even the shifter and handbrake. In dash 6 CD changer comes standard with a pretty decent in car steroe system.

Mazda 6 2.3 liter test drive, 6 speed transmission
6 speed automatic with tiptronic

The cockpit backlight is red in color and are pretty driver oriented. Other than the standard speed, techo, water temperature and fuel, the gear is also displayed, very useful while on tiptronic mode. Stereo and auto cruise controls are conviniently placed on the steering wheel.

Mazda 6 2.3 liter test drive, center console
the center console

Instead of the usual 2 air conditioning vents in the middle, the 6 comes with 3, this is pretty good for the rear passanger. However, there is no individual climate control like the one found in the 2.4 Honda Accord. There is only one single temperature control.

Mazda 6 2.3 liter test drive, side view
2.3 mazda 6, side view

Priced at around RM 160-170 thousands, the Mazda 6 2.3 is in direct competition with the 2.4 Toyota Camryand Honda Accord. While 2nd hand value of Mazdas might be lower in this country as compared to the other two Japanese brands, the Mazda 6 does offer a very good alternatives for it’s performance and arguebly higher asthetics. If only they offer the 2.3 turbo version that puts out 273 HP..

Extra: video of Mazda 6 on the mazda malaysia website here.

Test Drive – 2.3 liter Mazda 6

7 thoughts on “Test Drive – 2.3 liter Mazda 6

  • July 2, 2006 at 8:36 pm
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    The car looks great!! I saw a Singaporean Mazda3 and i think thts much better lookin compared to this. So, gonna review the Mazda 3 soon?

    Reply
  • December 30, 2007 at 12:06 am
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    Hi KY,

    Just bought a Mazda 6 about 1 month ago and have been having a good drive since. Nevrtheless, there are 2 main issues that I’ve facing. Would appreciate it if you could shed some light on the issues that I’ve been facing:

    1) There is a “tick-tick” sound every time I turn my steering wheel and when i first sent in my car, they told me it is a standard sound. I rejected the idea that it is standard and they told me they would replace the steering “stryker” or something similar to that.

    Would you be able to shed some light on the above.

    2) After the mechanics told me they have fixed the problem, the car just doesnt feel the same as whn i first took it out the showroom. Everytime, I reverse my car (with my steering fully turned), I can feel the steering vibrating/shuddering).

    Could the problem arise as a result of the mechanic not fixing my steering properly when they were attending to my first problem mentioned above?

    3) When my foot is on the brake (at a traffic light junction) when the engine is engaged in “D” gear, i can feel the brake (foot) pad vibrating. Is this normal for a car that has done just below 5k?

    Your kind assistance on the above is greatly appreciated.

    Many thanks.

    Reply
  • September 23, 2008 at 1:12 pm
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    1990- 1993 Honda Accord Stock Heater A/

    Reply
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