Quick Drive: 2018 Mazda6 Signature

[Robert Hall]

I’ve been doing practical w 4dr SUVs for so long, I think my next vehicle will be a car with 2 doors, maybe only 2 seats.  Buck the trend.  Defy the odds. Go against the flow.  

[ocnblu]

WILD MAN MOLTIE

[ykX]

12 hours ago, regfootball said:

Per Car and Driver

2018 Mazda6 signature

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.4 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 16.0 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 33.3 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.2 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.2 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.9 sec @ 97 mph
Top speed (drag limited, mfr’s claim): 149 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 184 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.81 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY:
Observed: 21 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 36 mpg
Highway range: 590 miles

 

 

2018 Buick Regal Sportback FWD (just sayin)  Mazda continues to underwhelm, all the time, time to stop glorifying their run of the mill

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 5.6 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 13.8 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 28.8 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.1 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.9 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.2 sec @ 101 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 131 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 162 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.87 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY:
Observed: 24 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 31 mpg
Highway range: 490 miles

And this is what Car and Driver wrote about both (pure numbers don't tell the whole story):

Buick:

HIGHS: Dapper styling, hatchback versatility, compliant ride, peppy turbo engine.

LOWS: Middling interior materials, heavy (manual) liftgate, uninspiring dynamics.

Mazda:

HIGHS: Superb driving dynamics, class-above interior look and feel, pretty darn pretty.

LOWS: Virtually no options, no hybrid or plug-in versions, top turbo engine lacks real verve.

VERDICT: A sports sedan impersonating a mid-size family sedan.

_______________

Sorry, even according to C&D not even close

 

Edited October 17, 2018 by ykX

[regfootball]

11 hours ago, William Maley said:

Is the review in question? 2018 Buick Regal Sportback FWD

I'm going to burst some bubbles here. I recently just sat in a Regal Sportback over the weekend at a local auto show (more on that in an upcoming Afterthoughts) and I hate to say it, I was disappointed. Many of the plastics used were somewhat middling and didn't feel as nice as the one found in the Mazda, let alone the recent Hyundai Sonata and even the Toyota Camry XSE. For a car that stickered around $38,000, it made me shake my head. The cars just listed - sticker between $2,000 to $6,000 less.

Now I'll give the Regal that it has the easier infotainment system to use. I'm quietly hoping that Mazda gets their act together and introduces something modern in the next year.

Is the Mazda6 the be all, end all midsize sedan? No. There are some areas that would make me hesitate to recommend the 6 like the stiff ride. It does some things quite well that it has earned a place in the sedans I would recommend which includes the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata.

I'm withholding comment on the driving dynamics of the Regal till I can get my hands on one. On paper, it may seem like the better car. But I have a sneaking suspicion that I would still pick the 6. 

You’re right about the Regal interior.  It does come off better in the tan combo. The 6 is one of that cars strong points. 

I just keep seeing The 6 get praised so much in buff books and the whole ‘when the  Mazda 6 gets a turbo it will the king ‘ and they finally put something other than their mid pack base engine in there and it isn’t near as fast as GM’s ubiquitous 2.0. 

That was sort of the main point. 

Buicks handling is not sporting material but it’s a decently quiet cruiser. 

11 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Honest question where does the Camry fall short compared to the 6 the Malibu and the Sonata?

I find the Fusion awkward enough that I told the rental car company to stop sending them to me for our school debate trips.

DTS was a nice car. I like them.

I think the new Camry with sport package and v6 got some decent buff book reviews lately so yes that is a completely legit question. 

I want to see this new Altima coming out.  Accord is fugly and deceptively tight inside. New Altima with turbo is worth waiting to see imo 

30 minutes ago, ykX said:

And this is what Car and Driver wrote about both (pure numbers don't tell the whole story):

Buick:

HIGHS: Dapper styling, hatchback versatility, compliant ride, peppy turbo engine.

LOWS: Middling interior materials, heavy (manual) liftgate, uninspiring dynamics.

Mazda:

HIGHS: Superb driving dynamics, class-above interior look and feel, pretty darn pretty.

LOWS: Virtually no options, no hybrid or plug-in versions, top turbo engine lacks real verve.

VERDICT: A sports sedan impersonating a mid-size family sedan.

_______________

Sorry, even according to C&D not even close

 

I never said the Buick with 2.0 was a sport sedan. I was merely pointing out that Mazda’s turbo is still not fast after all this time waiting for it  

If you’re looking at 35k for a Mazda it’s maybe time to look into a near Lux marque or just get a CPO Audi or BMW. 

 

And mazda JUST NOW getting CarPlay SMH

Edited October 17, 2018 by regfootball

[ykX]

23 minutes ago, regfootball said:

 

If you’re looking at 35k for a Mazda it’s maybe time to look into a near Lux marque or just get a CPO Audi or BMW. 

 

And mazda JUST NOW getting CarPlay SMH

Unlike Audi or BMW Mazda will not require thousands of dollars to keep it running, $35k is average now for a loaded mid size sedan.

You are right about Carplay/Android Auto, GM did great by offering it one of the first manufacturers.  But Honda for example just recently started to offer it also, and Toyota starting to do it just now as well.  Mazda is tiny compared to all these giants.

[ccap41]

14 hours ago, dfelt said:

FYI, I have been in the CT6, very nice car, but the rear I cannot fit in without the front seat pulled up and I slouch. Still not big enough for my body. Yes I am the exception to many here.

If you're too big for the back of a CT6 then why do you even care about the ATS and CTS, let alone a Mazda 6.I have to believe the CTS is larger than a Mazda6. 

[Robert Hall]

5 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

If you're too big for the back of a CT6 then why do you even care about the ATS and CTS, let alone a Mazda 6.I have to believe the CTS is larger than a Mazda6. 

The Mazda 6 has 99.7 cubic feet of interior volume, the CTS has 97.    

The Mazda 6 has 3 inches more rear leg room, and about the same hip, head and shoulder room.  (all within an inch).   

So they are very close dimensionally for rear cabin dimensions.

Edited October 17, 2018 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[ccap41]

9 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

The Mazda 6 has 99.7 cubic feet of interior volume, the CTS has 97.    

The Mazda 6 has 3 inches more rear leg room, and about the same hip, head and shoulder room.  (all within an inch).   

So they are very close dimensionally for rear cabin dimensions.

Good to know. Good to know.

And I assume the CT6 is even larger than the Mazda6? 

[William Maley]

11 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Honest question where does the Camry fall short compared to the 6 the Malibu and the Sonata?

 

The Camry has a few issues. One is that it doesn't feel as solid as the other three. Close the door on the Camry and it has a very tinny-sound. The other three don't that. Next is the value argument. That XSE I drove awhile carried a pricetag of $35,333 for the four-cylinder. If I want the V6, I need to add another $2,000. That price doesn't include everything you might want such as navigation, heated rear seats, etc. It gets worse as you climb down the lineup as some models don't get certain features. For example, if you want two USB ports, you need to get into the XLE or XSE - otherwise, you're only getting one.

[G. David Felt]

16 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

If you're too big for the back of a CT6 then why do you even care about the ATS and CTS, let alone a Mazda 6.I have to believe the CTS is larger than a Mazda6. 

While I am very tall and muscular, as we well know, the bulk of America is getting bigger in girth and as such, I tend to think about everyone when it comes to a car, CUV, SUV, Truck that can hold people comfortably. 

I believe that all levels of auto's can be built to hold people comfy and not just be a driver focused auto. The only way change comes about is by pounding the drum for change.

[Robert Hall]

6 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Good to know. Good to know.

And I assume the CT6 is even larger than the Mazda6? 

Yes. 

CT6:

Rear Head Room 38.00 in 

Rear Leg Room 40.40 in 

Rear Shoulder Room 56.20 in 

Rear Hip Room 53.50 in

and XTS:

Rear Head Room 37.80 in 

Rear Leg Room 40.00 in

  Rear Shoulder Room 56.30 in

Rear Hip Room 54.30 in

[ccap41]

2 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Yes. 

CT6:

Rear Head Room 38.00 in 

Rear Leg Room 40.40 in 

Rear Shoulder Room 56.20 in 

Rear Hip Room 53.50 in

and XTS:

Rear Head Room 37.80 in 

Rear Leg Room 40.00 in

  Rear Shoulder Room 56.30 in

Rear Hip Room 54.30 in

Wow, those are very similar. 

8 minutes ago, dfelt said:

While I am very tall and muscular, as we well know, the bulk of America is getting bigger in girth and as such, I tend to think about everyone when it comes to a car, CUV, SUV, Truck that can hold people comfortably. 

I believe that all levels of auto's can be built to hold people comfy and not just be a driver focused auto. The only way change comes about is by pounding the drum for change.

You're going to be disappointed in 100% of autos that aren't full size SUVs. 

[Robert Hall]

2 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Wow, those are very similar.  

Interesting also that the CT6 has a wheelbase almost 11 inches longer than the XTS, yet much the same rear seat space.  The difference being RWD proportions vs FWD proportions. 

[Drew Dowdell]

2 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Interesting also that the CT6 has a wheelbase almost 11 inches longer than the XTS, yet much the same rear seat space.  The difference being RWD proportions vs FWD proportions. 

Almost all of that is in moving the front wheels forward on the CT6

[regfootball]

58 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Good to know. Good to know.

And I assume the CT6 is even larger than the Mazda6? 

The CT6 is larger, but the CT6 has a 'big hood'.....CT6 has a large back seat but not entirely as much as one would believe with the wheelbase and size of the car.

A car like the S class has always bragged about leg room in the back seat being a big deal.  So maybe not in midsize class, but for sure in the lux class, it is fair to say that if someone is looking at a luxury car, leg room is a big consideration.

57 minutes ago, dfelt said:

While I am very tall and muscular, as we well know, the bulk of America is getting bigger in girth and as such, I tend to think about everyone when it comes to a car, CUV, SUV, Truck that can hold people comfortably. 

I believe that all levels of auto's can be built to hold people comfy and not just be a driver focused auto. The only way change comes about is by pounding the drum for change.

CAFE and government pressure to keep making vehicles smaller is why mainstreams cars are getting whacked in size.  If you want size, then you must pay (suburban, big crossovers, etc.)

[G. David Felt]

2 minutes ago, regfootball said:

The CT6 is larger, but the CT6 has a 'big hood'.....CT6 has a large back seat but not entirely as much as one would believe with the wheelbase and size of the car.

A car like the S class has always bragged about leg room in the back seat being a big deal.  So maybe not in midsize class, but for sure in the lux class, it is fair to say that if someone is looking at a luxury car, leg room is a big consideration.

CAFE and government pressure to keep making vehicles smaller is why mainstreams cars are getting whacked in size.  If you want size, then you must pay (suburban, big crossovers, etc.)

So true and spot on in regards to rear seat and leg room.

Yup you have also nailed it for cafe, as to why all I own is SUV's.

[ccap41]

46 minutes ago, regfootball said:

CAFE and government pressure to keep making vehicles smaller is why mainstreams cars are getting whacked in size.  If you want size, then you must pay (suburban, big crossovers, etc.)

I'm pretty sure CAFE has to do with footprint and that's why vehicles have gotten larger and not smaller.

@Drew Dowdell(It won't allow me to tag anybody else for some reason) but  doesn't CAFE have to do with the footprint of the vehicle as well as the fuel economy? Isn't that why we need a CAFE score of like 50mpg and not literally 50mpg. 

[A Horse With No Name]

3 hours ago, William Maley said:

The Camry has a few issues. One is that it doesn't feel as solid as the other three. Close the door on the Camry and it has a very tinny-sound. The other three don't that. Next is the value argument. That XSE I drove awhile carried a pricetag of $35,333 for the four-cylinder. If I want the V6, I need to add another $2,000. That price doesn't include everything you might want such as navigation, heated rear seats, etc. It gets worse as you climb down the lineup as some models don't get certain features. For example, if you want two USB ports, you need to get into the XLE or XSE - otherwise, you're only getting one.

If I go for a mid sized sedan and want to keep it a long time...do you think these trade offs are worth it for long range durability and resale or would I be better off to look at something else?

Agree on the Camry not feeling as solid...

Thinking BRZ or Miata may well be next car...but seriously thinking Sedan also.

[ccap41]

8 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Thinking BRZ or Miata may well be next car...but seriously thinking Sedan also.

I'm so disappointed in the BRZ...

I think they're great looking cars but I looked into getting more power out of them and they're basically dogs unless you throw boost at them and that's disappointing. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWcGW-wlOEg

 

Edited October 17, 2018 by ccap41

[A Horse With No Name]

1 minute ago, ccap41 said:

I'm so disappointed in the BRZ...

I think they're great looking cars but I looked into getting more power out of them and they're basically dogs unless you throw boost at them and that's disappointing. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWcGW-wlOEg

 

You are soooo right...absolutely.

Two things drive me that direction-would like to start autocrossing again and that particular chassis does well at a lot of venues here in Ohio.

Also, wife and family like them so it is a much easier sell at home than a Camaro, Mustang, Miata, or Focus ST.

Were it just me and I had my choice of anything it would be mustang GT first Choice Civic Type R second choice...Golf R might well come in third.

[Robert Hall]

14 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

If I go for a mid sized sedan and want to keep it a long time...do you think these trade offs are worth it for long range durability and resale or would I be better off to look at something else?

Agree on the Camry not feeling as solid...

Thinking BRZ or Miata may well be next car...but seriously thinking Sedan also.

You have or had a Miata previously, right?   

[ccap41]

10 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

You are soooo right...absolutely.

Two things drive me that direction-would like to start autocrossing again and that particular chassis does well at a lot of venues here in Ohio.

Also, wife and family like them so it is a much easier sell at home than a Camaro, Mustang, Miata, or Focus ST.

Were it just me and I had my choice of anything it would be mustang GT first Choice Civic Type R second choice...Golf R might well come in third.

Right?!?

I thought about looking into a used one as a toy last week and thought I'd look up what can be done to get about 200whp and a couple grand gets you almost jack sh!t?!? Super disappointing.

Does your future toy need to have a back seat? I would think the Mustang's V8 would make it an easy sell to the kiddos...less so to the wifey... 

[Robert Hall]

I've thinking a lot about the toy thing lately...for summers on Ohio backroads. 

[A Horse With No Name]

16 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Right?!?

I thought about looking into a used one as a toy last week and thought I'd look up what can be done to get about 200whp and a couple grand gets you almost jack sh!t?!? Super disappointing.

Does your future toy need to have a back seat? I would think the Mustang's V8 would make it an easy sell to the kiddos...less so to the wifey... 

Kids love love love the idea of a Mustang GT...wife feels the exact opposite.

15 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

I've thinking a lot about the toy thing lately...for summers on Ohio backroads. 

Foe me...it is how bland everything else on the market is...I am only going to live so long.

28 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

You have or had a Miata previously, right?   

A couple of them. Would not mind an S2000 either.

[Robert Hall]

1 minute ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Kids love love love the idea of a Mustang GT...wife feels the exact opposite.

Foe me...it is how bland everything else on the market is...I am only going to live so long.

Yeah, I'm approaching 50...I want to have fun again driving.  I love driving my Jeep, but really want a sports car of some sort. 

[A Horse With No Name]

Just now, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Yeah, I'm approaching 50...I want to have fun again driving.  I love driving my Jeep, but really want a sports car of some sort. 

I am 53 and my youngest goes away to college next year. I want to enjoy my status as a free man...well sort of...still married and don't plan on changing that.

[ykX]

6 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Kids love love love the idea of a Mustang GT...wife feels the exact opposite.

I am in the same boat, really want Mustang GT but also interested in Miata, BRZ is not doing it to me for some reason.   

I checked, Mustang commands enormous insurance rates (even higher than a Corvette).  Miata would be fun for autocross and more economical to upkeep and run, but it is like buying a bike, will be very limited use due to the size and also lack of power is bothering me a bit.  Mustang GT would be a awesome and much more useful due to a back seat for kids, more comfortable interior but much more expensive to run.

Wife will be questioning all the choices but she just got a bigger house and renovated kitchen, I think I deserve to get something as well.

Edited October 17, 2018 by ykX

[G. David Felt]

1 hour ago, A Horse With No Name said:

If I go for a mid sized sedan and want to keep it a long time...do you think these trade offs are worth it for long range durability and resale or would I be better off to look at something else?

Agree on the Camry not feeling as solid...

Thinking BRZ or Miata may well be next car...but seriously thinking Sedan also.

I think you should get this my friend!

 

[G. David Felt]

21 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

I am 53 and my youngest goes away to college next year. I want to enjoy my status as a free man...well sort of...still married and don't plan on changing that.

Do not forget my friend the gift that keeps on giving, College debt. My kids are out but still paying it off. LOL

[A Horse With No Name]

6 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Do not forget my friend the gift that keeps on giving, College debt. My kids are out but still paying it off. LOL

Ahhh...I work for a university so tuition is covered. Partially how my daughter will be buying a WRX in the next year or two.

[Drew Dowdell]

I'll be the oddball here and say that for a 2-seater toy I would get a Sky Red-Line.  260 HP would be plenty for me and I don't autocross. 

[A Horse With No Name]

28 minutes ago, ykX said:

I am in the same boat, really want Mustang GT but also interested in Miata, BRZ is not doing it to me for some reason.   

I checked, Mustang commands enormous insurance rates (even higher than a Corvette).  Miata would be fun for autocross and more economical to upkeep and run, but it is like buying a bike, will be very limited use due to the size and also lack of power is bothering me a bit.  Mustang GT would be a awesome and much more useful due to a back seat for kids, more comfortable interior but much more expensive to run.

Wife will be questioning all the choices but she just got a bigger house and renovated kitchen, I think I deserve to get something as well.

Which is what makes GTI, WRX, ST, RS, R, and ST more than just letters in a soup bowl.

1 minute ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I'll be the oddball here and say that for a 2-seater toy I would get a Sky Red-Line.  260 HP would be plenty for me and I don't autocross. 

Finding them not beaten to death is a bit of an issue. We looked at that for one of my sons friends. What is out there has pretty much been ridden hard and put away wet.

[loki]

3 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I'll be the oddball here and say that for a 2-seater toy I would get a Sky Red-Line.  260 HP would be plenty for me and I don't autocross. 

I liked how the sky looked more than the solstice. and compared to the miata.... driving dynamics would play a part in that decision

[Robert Hall]

I liked the Sky styling more, and the interior more than the Solstice.   But the newest ones are both about 10 years old now, and the interior plastics in both were pretty nasty.   I wouldn't want to fool around with another old car.   For a sports car, I think I'd be more inclined to get a recent Miata or Fiat Spyder.    But I also like hefty coupes like the Challenger R/T & SRT, and hefty convertibles like the Mustang GT...

[Drew Dowdell]

43 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

I liked the Sky styling more, and the interior more than the Solstice.   But the newest ones are both about 10 years old now, and the interior plastics in both were pretty nasty.   I wouldn't want to fool around with another old car.   For a sports car, I think I'd be more inclined to get a recent Miata or Fiat Spyder.    But I also like hefty coupes like the Challenger R/T & SRT, and hefty convertibles like the Mustang GT...

Split the difference and look at the Camaro. I found even the V6 to be very fun and sporty. 

[Robert Hall]

15 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Split the difference and look at the Camaro. I found even the V6 to be very fun and sporty. 

Maybe in convertible form...the coupes I find to be like being in a cave.  Very poor outward visibility...

[regfootball]

A good Chrysler crossfire would be a nice vintage find. Hey or an XLR

[Drew Dowdell]

13 hours ago, regfootball said:

A good Chrysler crossfire would be a nice vintage find. Hey or an XLR

Both are maintenance queens

[regfootball]

Good to know!  But but the crossfire is a Mercedes I thought German cars were reliable and lasted forever!!

[Robert Hall]

7 minutes ago, regfootball said:

Good to know!  But but the crossfire is a Mercedes I thought German cars were reliable and lasted forever!!

They are reliable, but maintenance is expensive as they age...remember the old adage, if you can't afford a new Mercedes, you can't afford a used one.  Old German cars are money pits.

[Drew Dowdell]

36 minutes ago, regfootball said:

Good to know!  But but the crossfire is a Mercedes I thought German cars were reliable and lasted forever!!

That's because people consider them sunk investments.... they can't possibly trade them in because they just spent $7,000 getting it road worthy again.

 

[regfootball]

I'm gonna do a bit of a flip flop on all the Mazda6 revisions.  I still would tend to think adding the turbo should have added some more go juice, but they do out of the Japanese automakers tend to put the most effort into interiors.  I think if you prefer Japanese marques I can understand (after 4 years) why someone would be enthusiastic.  The Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans have been a bit of a hot mess the last few years in terms of interiors and styling.

One thing about the Mazda6, the Mazda CX5 has this too.  Part of where you would normally expect the center stack to be filled in with controls between the top and where they put the climate controls at the bottom is just kind of blank wasted space. 

Edited October 18, 2018 by regfootball

[regfootball]

On 10/18/2018 at 9:24 AM, Drew Dowdell said:

That's because people consider them sunk investments.... they can't possibly trade them in because they just spent $7,000 getting it road worthy again.

 

I still remember from my stint selling cars, a great customer, who was from another country and was in on work visa for a large company in it was either finance or computers or some high level management thing. When he moved his family here he had to buy cars.  So the first thing he does is buy a new (used) BMW.  He always wanted a BMW.  What was the next thing he had to do?  He had to put 4 grand into the BMW like a week after he bought it.... LOL  I don't even remember what he bought from me, i think it was a truck.  LOL

Edited October 21, 2018 by regfootball

[Larry C. Brown]

Has anyone noticed the dash of the Madza6? It pays homage to a 1964 Ford Galaxie 500. Both have almost the same clean lines.

Edited October 25, 2018 by Larry C. Brown