143CAR.com - 2014 Mazda 6 SkyActiv Review

[@henrypacheco9048]

You are so good at reviews

[@143CAR]

Hahaha thanks for the kind words Henry but we got a long ways to go! More vids to come - stay tuned!

[@LethalLeftie]

great review, smart one.

[@occamsrazor6613]

First time viewer. I usually watch Alex on Autos but I have to admit that you're really good with your car reviews. I'll be checking out your upcoming videos. PS Would you recommend the Mazda3 2.5 over the Acura 2.4 ILX ? all manuals of course. Thank you in advance.

[@143CAR]

Hey Occams Razor! Thanks for the kind words! Ahh somebody who wants to drive manuals! Hmm that is a tricky question as I feel like the cars are (VERY) slightly different class? I feel Acura is a slightly more upscale brand (even though the ILX is a Civic). Here's how I'd break it down: If you want something more luxurious and has more pep and a REALLY good shifter, the ILX is your choice. If you want fuel economy, some interesting looks, and decent dynamics, then the Mazda 3 is your choice. Just be careful; that Mazda 3 GT can get pretty pricey. Engine is slightly lumpy in its power delivery and definitely not as smooth as the ILX, but its handling will be less top-heavy feeling. Hope that helps! let me know if you want to get more specific with any of the details. Thanks for watching and please subscribe if you enjoyed what you saw!

[@occamsrazor6613]

143CAR Thank's for the quick response Jonathan. " Engine is slightly lumpy" As far as the Mazda goes, I was referring to: Mazda 3s model 2.5-liter four-cylinder generating 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. I like Hatchbacks, but here in the states it's almost impossible to find a manual with a sunroof/moonroof? unless you get a GTI or Civic SI (moonroof standard) but i would look silly in these cars since I'm 50 years old. That's why I decided to look at the sedans. Keep up the good work. Best Regards Occams Razor. PS I subscribed already.

[@143CAR]

Occams Razor I've personally found the SkyActiv engines to be a bit "lumpy", and by that I mean they seem to be really lacking in any low end torque (below 2500rpm), so I find myself revving the engine a bit more. Si engine is smooth as silk, but it uses premium and its fuel efficiency is nowhere near as good. 2.5L is a BIT better, but I can still feel the hesitation down low. I don't think you would look silly in either the GTI or Civic Si! In fact, if I ever saw a more "experienced" guy driving one of these cars I would be majorly impressed. May I also suggest the Focus ST if you want more of a driving thrill as well, as it will be similarly priced to the top model Mazda 3. Thank you for the sub!

[@occamsrazor6613]

143CAR Jonathan I'll tell my wife that younger people will be "majorly impressed" seeing me behind the wheel of a GTI. LOL If she argues with me I'll just point her to your wise comment. Thanks for all the invaluable info and keep up the good work.

[@143CAR]

Occams Razor Yes all this information is documented on the WWW for all to see. Its official now. You can also tell her that it is imperative to ensure the public (and youth in general) give you the respect that you have worked so hard all your life to earn and you DESERVE a car like the GTI. :) Thanks again for the kind words and stay tuned! We got some good stuff coming out (and a Facebook page with regular updates if you're into that sort of thing, which you obviously are since you are OBVIOUSLY a COOL GUY)

[@njshore9272]

Love your reviews!

[@143CAR]

Thanks NJShore! Hope you keep watching! Please subscribe if you enjoyed these videos - much appreciated!

[@GOODF311A]

Another great review! That friendly Australian navi's pretty jokes lol. Keep the reviews coming!

[@143CAR]

Thanks GOODF311A! Appreciate the kind words and support. Please share with your friends! "Cheers mate" =)

[@number7redking]

I have the 2015 GT and there's 4 things that bother me, on an otherwise amazing car. 1. No compass on the mirror or the navi (I don't like relying on GPS that much, but the previous Mazda 6 had this), 2. only white gauges instead of the classic red. 3. the headrest is not genuine leather and it feels more plastic than pleather, and finally 4. the rear tail lights could have been flashier like the CX-9 or last gen 6. But the ride is perfect and love the way it handles. No panoramic roof, but the seals on them will eventually need replacement so don't care much for that option.

[@143CAR]

Hi hows 'bout it! Thanks for watching and commenting! I would say those are fairly minor gripes for all the "plus-es" you get from the car no? And totally agree on the panoramic roof - one more thing to go wrong in the grand scheme of things (and I've heard other cars having the glass shatter, not that I am fear mongering or anything). Honestly though, for me this is a mature, sexy, and sleek car, so the tail lights are just right (and flashier and I feel the car would look a little immature, you know what I mean?). Thanks for watching again!

[@Doug-tc2px]

I had a 04 Mazda 6GT, really like it but wished it had another 100hp

[@143CAR]

Yeah that was a good car! I think what you were looking for was a Mazdaspeed 6 then ;). Thanks for watching and commenting Doug!

[@plamannc]

How did you get a moonrof in a manual. I was told by my local dealer that it cannot get a moonroof. its about the only thing that is keeping me from buying one

[@143CAR]

If you specify the GT in manual, you should be able to get the moonroof. In general, I try not to rely on the dealers' word TOO much since they are motivated to sell you what they currently have on the lot, and also have found that they sometimes don't know the spec that well. I checked both the USA and Canada website and both show the moonroof in the GT trim. There is probably a high likelihood that your dealer does not want to order in something and are trying to push you towards what they have. I would suggest you show them their own website next time you go there, or try another dealer if they are still not helpful. Probably best if you can find a dealer you can trust/knowledgable anyway. Good luck!

[@riceoobxg]

You can buy the touring in manual and add the moonroof package which also comes with the bose 11 speaker. I decided to skip it, I never use my moonroof. One extra thing to leak in the future.

[@plamannc]

I actually called Mazda USA, as I am in the US, and they do not offer the moonroof with the manual... period. Apparently by adding the TECH PACKAGE it adds a stop assist that could stall the manual engine. So I guess in the US you cannot get a manual with the moonroof. So buyers beware, if you see a manual Mazda 6 with a moonroof, it is aftermarket... so god luck. Thanks for all of your input.

[@riceoobxg]

Chris Plamann Oh you're right. I just noticed.

[@143CAR]

Hmm sorry Chris - looks like I stand corrected. Strange that is the case since it looks like we can get the moonroof WITH the GT spec. I'm not entirely sure what this "stop assist" is, but sorry to hear about the lack of moonroof.

[@Xenophene01]

I'm so sad this car only comes in automatic in Mexico :.(

[@143CAR]

Hey Xenophene01 - sorry to hear about that. The automatic is a decent one though!

[@Xenophene01]

143CAR I'm sure it is but I honestly can't stand it. I have driven cars with over 400hp Automatic but I can't crack a smile the same as a manual. Heck I currently drive a Nissan March SR (Micra) Manual Trans and that is a lot of fun! I recommend you drive The Micra with a MT. You will be pleasantly surprised how such a low priced car can be so sporty on the twisty roads! Heck you can even drift somehow with this car :)

[@143CAR]

Xenophene01 Haha that would make for a good video idea ;). Completely agree with you on the manual > auto