Mazda 6 Sedan Review

Nowadays, consumers in the D-segment sedan market are becoming more rational. They want the reliable quality of joint venture brands while also seeking a balance between features and fuel consumption—the 2023 Mazda 6 Sedan 2.0 SkyActiv-G is a model designed specifically to meet this demand. It continues Mazda's consistent design aesthetics while specifically optimizing safety features and fuel efficiency. Our test drive this time focuses on verifying its actual performance in daily commuting and family use to see if its price of around RM 180,000 can deliver a class-leading experience.

From the exterior, the overall lines of this car maintain Mazda's signature “KODO” design language, which is smooth and dynamic. The front features a shield-shaped grille with chrome trim that seamlessly connects to the LED headlights on both sides. The internal lens structure of the headlights makes the light source more focused, and the design of the daytime running lights enhances recognizability. The side profile of the car features a waistline that extends from the front fender to the rear, complemented by 17-inch multi-spoke wheels, giving it a compact yet stable appearance. The LED taillights at the rear adopt a horizontal layout, creating a visual echo with the headlights when illuminated, while the chrome trim below the rear bumper adds a touch of sophistication. Overall, the design is not overly aggressive, but the detailed craftsmanship makes it a visually appealing and suitable option for family use.

Inside the car, the materials and layout of the interior leave a good impression at first glance. The top of the dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials with stitching details, offering both a tactile and visual appeal that matches the positioning of a D-segment vehicle. The infotainment screen is an 8-inch touchscreen tilted slightly toward the driver, making operations easy without having to lift your hand too much. Physical buttons and knobs are retained beside the screen for more convenient blind operations. The multifunctional steering wheel comes with paddle shifters; its left side controls media and phone functions, while the right side adjusts adaptive cruise control settings, with a clear and logical layout. In terms of features, the front seats support electric adjustments, with the driver’s seat offering 8-way power adjustment and memory function, while the passenger seat also has electric adjustment, making everyday use very convenient. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-fold configuration, providing flexibility for transporting longer items.

In terms of space, its 2830mm wheelbase is on par with mainstream levels in its class. After adjusting the front seats to a comfortable position, the rear seats still offer about two fists of legroom for passengers, providing ample space for those around 175cm in height without feeling cramped. As for the headroom, the front row offers about one fist and two fingers’ worth of space to the roof due to the presence of a sunroof, while the rear seat remains with about one fist of headroom, ensuring there’s no sense of claustrophobia. Regarding storage, the central armrest box in the front row and door storage compartments are quite practical in size, and the rear row is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and storage slots, making it capable of meeting family travel needs with ease.

In dynamic driving, the 2.0L naturally aspirated engine generates a maximum power output of 118 kW (162 PS) and a peak torque of 213 Nm, paired with a 6AT gearbox. During daily start-up, the power delivery is relatively linear, without the sudden rush of turbocharged vehicles, making it suitable for city driving and stop-and-go traffic. When accelerating, the transmission shifts gears clearly, and with a hard press on the gas pedal, it downshifts promptly, offering a responsive performance for overtaking. However, being a naturally aspirated engine, its high-speed acceleration capability is slightly lacking, making it more suitable for drivers who prefer a steady driving style. The steering feel is relatively light, making low-speed U-turns or parking effortless, while it becomes slightly heavier at high speeds to enhance stability.

In terms of the chassis, the combination of front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned for comfort. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension can filter out most of the minor jolts, making the rear passengers feel more comfortable. During cornering, the body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, without noticeable swaying. The braking performance is also quite linear, providing confidence as what you step on is what you get.

In the fuel consumption testing phase, we drove approximately 50 kilometers each on urban roads and highways. The urban segments included congested conditions during morning and evening rush hours, with the final display showing a fuel consumption of about 7.2L/100km. On highway conditions, it dropped to 5.8L/100km. Overall, the average aligns closely with the official 6.5L/100km figure. For a 2.0L model, this fuel consumption is quite impressive.

As for comfort, the noise control within the cabin is well done. At speeds below 80km/h, tire noise and wind noise are not obvious, and even at high speeds, the engine sound is not obtrusive. The seat padding is relatively soft, providing adequate lumbar support, so long drives won’t feel tiresome. The automatic start-stop function engages smoothly without noticeable vibrations, effectively reducing fuel consumption when waiting at traffic lights.

In summary, the core advantage of the 2023 Mazda 6 Sedan 2.0 SkyActiv-G lies in its balance—timeless design, good interior quality, practical configurations, economical fuel consumption, and comprehensive safety features. It comes standard with 6 airbags, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, and other functions. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Toyota Camry 2.0E (around 190,000 MYR), it has a price advantage without falling behind in configurations. This car is suitable for consumers who emphasize family use, reliability, and economy, especially those with long commutes or who often travel with family members. If you don't require very strong power but want a mid-size car from a joint venture with no drawbacks in any aspect, this is a worthy option to consider.