2023 Mazda 6 Sedan 2.5 SkyActiv-G Review

In the D-segment sedan market in Malaysia, consumers are increasingly valuing "balanced performance"—enough space to meet family travel needs without sacrificing driving quality, while also ensuring configurations and design keep up with mainstream demands. The 2023 Mazda 6 Sedan 2.5 SkyActiv-G, as a popular contender in this segment, returns with its refined naturally aspirated engine, comprehensive safety features, and iconic "Kodo" design. The main purpose of this test is to see if it can continue Mazda's tradition of driving pleasure while meeting D-segment users' demands for practicality and comfort in daily commuting, highway cruising, and family usage scenarios.

In terms of appearance, the overall style of the Mazda 6 Sedan leans towards being understated yet dynamic. The front adopts a large, shield-shaped grille outlined with chrome trim, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, which provide high recognition. The car's side profile features smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, making the body appear more elongated. The 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels also enhance the visual focus. At the rear, the LED taillights are smoked, echoing the headlights, while the dual-exhaust layout on either side adds a sporty touch. It is worth mentioning that the car's paint finish has a fine texture and can exhibit impressive luster under sunlight, aligning well with the D-segment's positioning.

Opening the door, the interior layout is simple and orderly, with materials mainly consisting of soft leather and piano lacquered surfaces. Most touchpoints feature soft materials, successfully creating a sense of luxury. The center console is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen; although the size is not particularly large, the interface logic is clear, the operation is smooth, and it supports Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The instrument cluster uses traditional self-illuminating analog dials, displaying comprehensive information such as speed, RPM, fuel consumption, and the status of driving assistance systems. In terms of configuration, the front seats support electric adjustments—the driver's seat offers 8-way adjustment with memory function, and the passenger seat also supports electric adjustment, making daily use convenient. Dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, an 11-speaker sound system, and a single sunroof are standard, meeting the needs of most family users.

For space performance, this car measures 4800mm in length, 1840mm in width, and 1448mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2750mm, which falls within the mainstream range of D-segment cars. The front-row seating space is ample; a passenger standing 175cm tall will have more than a fist of headroom and legroom after adjusting the seat. The rear seating space is also adequate, offering about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, so even three adults sitting in the back won't feel overly crowded. In terms of storage capacity, the central armrest box and door panel storage compartments in the front row have decent volume, enough to hold phones, water bottles, and other daily items. The trunk's regular capacity is sufficient for family trips; the rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding design, which further expands the loading capability, adding practicality.

In the power department, the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine has clear parameters: a maximum output of 192 PS and a maximum torque of 258 N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. In actual driving, the power response during startup is relatively linear, without the abruptness seen in turbocharged models, making it suitable for daily commuting. Although the mid-to-high-speed acceleration isn't particularly aggressive, when you press the accelerator deeply, the transmission promptly downshifts, and the power output is sufficient for overtaking needs. There are three driving modes to choose from: Economy, Normal, and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, and the shifting logic becomes more aggressive, offering a certain level of driving pleasure.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play, light at low speeds, and heavier at high speeds, offering a good feel. The chassis features front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort while retaining a certain level of support. When passing over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most of the minor vibrations, and the body remains stable; when cornering, body roll is well-controlled without any noticeable swaying sensation. The braking system performs linearly, with a moderate pedal feel, and the vehicle maintains stable posture during emergency braking, instilling confidence.

In fuel consumption tests, we drove approximately 50km each on city roads and highways. The fuel consumption was about 8.5L/100km in city conditions and about 6.2L/100km on highways, with a combined fuel consumption of 7.3L/100km, which is not significantly different from the official figure of 7.1L/100km. Its fuel efficiency is above average amongst naturally aspirated models in the same class. In terms of noise control, there is some wind and tire noise at high speeds, but it does not interfere with conversations inside the cabin. Overall, its performance meets expectations.

Safety features are one of the highlights of this car. It comes standard with six airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and ACC adaptive cruise control. The 360-degree surround view camera and front and rear parking sensors further assist with parking, making its safety features stand out in its class.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2023 Mazda 6 Sedan 2.5 SkyActiv-G are clear: balanced power and handling, abundant safety features, good practicality in terms of space, and a reliable naturally aspirated powertrain (avoiding potential turbo lag issues found in turbocharged models). Compared to competitors like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord in the same class, it boasts more outstanding driving quality and more comprehensive safety features, offering good value for money.

This car is clearly suited for consumers who value driving pleasure but also need to accommodate family use, or middle-aged users who prefer naturally aspirated models and prioritize safety features. Whether for daily commuting, weekend family outings, or occasional highway cruising, it handles all situations well.

In conclusion, the 2023 Mazda 6 Sedan 2.5 SkyActiv-G is a D-segment sedan with "no obvious shortcomings." While maintaining Mazda's signature driving enjoyment, it also meets family users' needs for space, features, and safety, making it a strong contender in its class worth considering.