2023 Mazda 6 Sedan 2.5 High Plus SDN Review

In Malaysia's D-segment sedan market, consumers' demand for a "balanced experience" is becoming increasingly clear—they want enough space for family travel without compromising driving quality, and safety features along with modern technology are also expected to keep up with the trends. The 2023 Mazda 6 Sedan 2.5 High Plus SDN, as a popular model in this segment, retains Mazda's signature driving dynamics in this facelift, while also offering targeted upgrades in features. Our primary goal in this test drive is to evaluate its practical performance in scenarios such as daily commuting and family trips, and to see whether this approximately RM240,000 car can truly balance "driving pleasure" and "utility needs."

In terms of exterior design, the 2023 Mazda 6 continues the Kodo design language, with sleek and flowing lines full of dynamism. The front features a shield-shaped grille combined with chrome trim, seamlessly connecting to the LED headlights on both sides, resulting in a highly recognizable design. The lens structure inside the headlights and the refined shape of the daytime running lights contribute to a clear and meticulous visual effect when illuminated. On the car’s side profile, the 4865mm length and 2830mm wheelbase create a long and elegant proportion, while the waistline running from the front to the rear of the car, coupled with 19-inch multi-spoked wheels, enhances the sporty impression. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a smoked design, echoing the front-end design, while the dual-exhaust layout further strengthens its sporty appeal. Overall, the design of this car is neither overly aggressive nor overly understated, making it a great choice for users who appreciate aesthetics but dislike ostentation.

Sitting inside the car, the first notable impression is the material quality of the interior—the upper part of the dashboard and the inner sides of the door panels are wrapped in soft-touch materials, providing a comfortable feel. The steering wheel and seats are clad in leather, with meticulous stitching that adds a touch of luxury to the cabin. The center console is designed with simplicity in mind, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen mounted on top, with a user-friendly interface that supports Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Below the screen, physical buttons have been retained to facilitate easy on-the-go operation. In terms of configuration, the front seats are equipped with electric adjustment (8-way adjustable with memory for the driver, and electric adjustment for the passenger), while the rear seats feature a 60:40 split-folding function that offers good flexibility. Dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, and an 11-speaker sound system are also included, ensuring comfort for everyday use.

Space performance is one of the core selling points of D-segment vehicles, and the Mazda 6 does not disappoint in this regard. The 2830mm wheelbase ensures ample legroom in the rear; even for passengers 180cm tall, there’s about two fist-widths of space between their knees and the front seats. The headroom is also sufficiently spacious, avoiding any sense of claustrophobia. Regarding storage capacity, the front door pockets, center console storage compartment, and cup holders all provide adequate room, able to accommodate daily items such as phones and water bottles. The trunk has a standard capacity of 480L (not explicitly stated in official data, but it was measured to fit three 20-inch suitcases), and folding down the rear seats further expands the space, making it suitable for long-distance travel and cargo needs.

In terms of power, this car is equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 192PS and a peak torque of 258N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission (6AT). During actual driving, the start-up response is smooth without the suddenness of turbocharged vehicles; maximum torque can be delivered when the RPM reaches 4000rpm, acceleration is linear, and when overtaking, pressing harder on the accelerator triggers a responsive downshift with ample power reserves. The driving modes include Normal, Sport, and Eco. In Sport mode, the throttle response is more sensitive, and the RPM is maintained at a higher range, suitable for scenarios seeking driving pleasure; Eco mode focuses more on fuel efficiency, ideal for daily commuting. The official combined fuel consumption is 7L/100km, and during our test drive of approximately 150km (60% urban roads, 40% highways), the actual fuel consumption was about 7.5L/100km, which aligns with expectations.

Handling and chassis performance have always been Mazda's strengths, and Mazda 6 is no exception. The steering wheel is precise with minimal slack and a moderate self-centering force, allowing the driver to clearly feel the feedback from the road. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort without sacrificing support — when passing over speed bumps or uneven surfaces, the suspension effectively filters out vibrations without any significant bumpiness; in corners, the body lean is well controlled, providing high stability. In terms of braking, the front and rear ventilated disc brakes offer linear feedback, with a moderate stopping distance, inspiring confidence in daily driving.

As for ride comfort, the noise control in this car is commendable — wind and tire noise are within acceptable levels at high speeds and do not hinder the communication of passengers inside the cabin. Engine noise slightly intrudes when the RPM exceeds 3000rpm but remains tolerable. The seat’s wrap-around and support are quite good, making long drives less tiring. Additionally, features like ACC adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree surround-view camera, lane-keeping assist, and lane departure warning ensure complete safety configurations, enhancing both safety and convenience during driving.

In summary, the core appeal of the 2023 Mazda 6 Sedan 2.5 High Plus SDN lies in its balance — it boasts a sleek exterior design and refined interior quality, along with ample space and practical features. Its power delivery is smooth, fuel efficiency reasonable, handling outperforms most vehicles in its class, and safety features are comprehensive. Compared to peers like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, the Mazda 6 stands out with better handling and design, and it is relatively more affordable (approximately 240,000 MYR), making it suitable for users who value driving experience, family practicality, and cost-efficiency.

If you are a consumer who needs a car that can balance daily commuting and family outings, while offering a pleasurable driving experience along with spaciousness and sufficient features, the 2023 Mazda 6 Sedan 2.5 High Plus SDN is an excellent choice. It has no obvious weaknesses, performs above average in its class, and is a D-segment sedan that you simply cannot go wrong with.