Mazda 6 Grand Touring Review

The D-segment sedan market has always been a key focus for Malaysian consumers - it needs to meet the spatial demands for family outings while also balancing the driving texture and configuration experience. The 2019 Mazda 6 SkyActiv-G 2.5L Touring, as a popular choice in this segment, boasts core selling points such as SkyActiv technology power tuning, rich safety configurations, and premium interior details. This time, we conducted a real vehicle test drive to verify whether it truly balances the demands for "driving pleasure" and "family practicality".

From the exterior design perspective, the 2019 Mazda 6 Touring continues the brand's iconic KODO design language, with smooth and dynamic contour lines throughout. The shield-shaped front grille, paired with chrome trims, connects to sharp LED headlights on both sides, offering high recognition; the dual waistlines on the sides stretch from the front fender to the rear, complemented by 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, making the 4800mm length appear particularly sleek; at the rear, the LED taillights feature a smoked finish, echoing the dual exhaust layout, balancing a sporty and stable feel. As for the lighting system, the standard LED headlights, daytime running lights, and front/rear fog lamps across all models not only improve night driving safety but also elevate the overall refinement of the vehicle.

Entering the cabin, the materials and layout of the interior are a major highlight of the Mazda 6. The dashboard is covered with soft-touch materials, paired with piano black panels and silver trims, offering a refined feel at every touch point. The 8-inch touchscreen located at the top of the center console has a clear operational logic; however, it is more recommended to use the physical knob behind the gear lever while driving to avoid distraction. In terms of configuration, this car performs quite generously: a 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with two memory functions, and a 6-way electrically adjustable passenger seat offer comfortable seating positions with ease. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning supports independent rear outlets, ensuring the comfort of rear passengers as well; HUD digital head-up display, keyless entry/start, and rain-sensing wipers are all included, making daily use very convenient. The audio system features an 11-speaker Bose brand setup, providing clear and crisp sound quality to satisfy most listening preferences.

In terms of space, the 2750mm wheelbase is at the mainstream level for D-segment sedans. The front seating area is spacious, with an adult passenger of 180cm sitting comfortably, having more than a fist of headroom and legroom; for the rear seats, legroom is around two fists and headroom is about one fist, making it comfortable even when fully seated. Regarding storage capability, the trunk boasts a capacity of 522 liters, easily accommodating three 20-inch suitcases. The rear seats offer a 60/40 split-folding feature, making it possible to load larger items when needed. Additionally, the well-organized storage spaces in the front and rear door panels, central armrest console, and glovebox make it effortless to store everyday small items.

For performance, this car is equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum horsepower of 192PS and a peak torque of 258N·m (data sourced from the official 2.5L NA engine specifications), paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the power output in the initial phase is smooth, and throttle response is linear, free from the jerkiness of turbocharged engines; during mid-to-high acceleration, pressing the throttle deeper reveals sustained power reserves, and overtaking requires only a slight press of the accelerator with the transmission actively downshifting. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.1 seconds is quite competitive among naturally aspirated models in the same class. There are two driving modes available: Normal and Sport. In Sport mode, the transmission stays in lower gears, throttle sensitivity increases, and steering feedback becomes heavier, meeting the needs of driving enthusiasts.

Handling and chassis performance are the strong suits of the Mazda 6. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and it provides clear feedback from the road when cornering; the chassis uses a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, which is tuned for sportiness without sacrificing comfort. It effectively absorbs small bumps on the road, ensuring passengers don't feel jolted; when driving over speed bumps or larger potholes, the suspension provides sufficient support, keeping the body stable with no noticeable sway. At high speeds, the car remains stable, even when changing lanes at 120km/h, without any floating sensation.

In terms of fuel consumption, we conducted a test with 50% urban traffic and 50% highway cruising. The actual combined fuel consumption was approximately 7.8L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 7.1L/100km. However, given the 2.5L engine displacement and the 1605kg weight, this result is above average among vehicles in the same class. The braking performance is stable, featuring a front ventilated disc and rear ventilated disc setup. The braking force is linear and confidence-inspiring.

As for driving comfort, this car performs exceptionally well. Noise insulation is impressive; at low speeds, internal noise is well-controlled, with minimal tire and engine noise. At high speeds, wind noise is noticeable but does not interrupt normal conversations. The seats provide good support and wrap-around comfort, ensuring long drives are not tiring. Additionally, the engine start-stop technology operates smoothly, without noticeable vibrations, helping save fuel to some extent.

To sum up, the 2019 Mazda 6 SkyActiv-G 2.5L Touring stands out with its remarkable core strengths: the SkyActiv technology offers smooth power delivery and precise handling, catering to the needs of driving enthusiasts; its array of safety features (six airbags, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, etc.) and practical space make it suitable for family use as well. The interior quality and level of equipment also provide competitive edge within its price range. Compared with its rivals like the Toyota Camry 2.5V or Honda Accord 2.4VTi-L, the Mazda 6 delivers superior handling and richer configurations, showcasing significant value for money.

This car is suitable for a wide range of buyers: for young individuals who emphasize driving dynamics, its handling and power provide ample enjoyment; for families, its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and comfortable ride quality meet their needs well. Overall, the 2019 Mazda 6 SkyActiv-G 2.5L Touring is a well-rounded D-segment sedan, offering both practicality for everyday family use and driving pleasure, making it a top choice in this market segment.