2018 Mazda MAZDA6 | Now It's Getting Good | TestDriveNow

[@TheLanard]

I just came back from the New York Auto Show and was IMMEDIATELY impressed with the interior of this car. It is now at the top of my list.

[@moonman_8935]

I own a 2018 Mazda 6 Grand Touring Reserve for over a month now.. my last car was a 2016 Mazda 6 Grand Touring and traded it in. Very happy with my purchase and the upgrades on the 2018 was worth it.

[@JakeDrives1]

moe malik thanks for that I like to hear the feedback from previous 6 owners. I’ve sat in this new one but haven’t driven it. Two of my friends had a 2014 and a 2016 mazda6 so I spent a lot of time with both iterations. Really want to get one of these turbo signatures out on a drive.

[@shoishimaru106]

I did the 2016 to 2018 signature as well. The upgrades were enough to convince me.

[@pjay1281]

Still the most beautiful car in its class. That's the definition of great design😁😊👍.

[@Sanpedranoazul]

True!

[@TeleeFONE]

On the road this car is sleekier and prettier than Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

[@Sanpedranoazul]

It is!

[@tjfSIM]

There aren't many cars in this class that make you stop and stare, but this one does. Every time I see one I am struck by the perfect proportions and sweeping curves of the design, it really is a beautiful piece of work.

[@drw1926]

CAM AUTO Indeed.

[@redmusichouse]

Simply gorgeous. Well done, Mazda!

[@meugzy]

This car is a class above really premium for 36000$ .Good review.

[@siseesan3147]

The Mazda 6 is great choice for a midsize sedan with a unique near luxury design and equally amazing interior the fantastic driving dynamics and with the availability of Apple Car Play makes it a good option for the segment

[@76carmel]

Sise Esan - Don’t forget Android Auto.

[@siseesan3147]

Billy Sou oh yeah thanks can’t forget Android

[@76carmel]

We asked for it... (the turbo engine) and Mazda delivered.

[@stevehammes]

Billy Sou So true!

[@76carmel]

Blake Swan - Not many people who shop in the mid-sized sedans look for manual transmissions. I understand the driver’s side of your belief. Only Honda Accord has a manual option currently. How ‘bout adding a few more cogs in the automatic? Heck, Honda has a 10-sp. auto with their 2.0L Turbo.

[@MrBuzzialdrin]

but nobody bought it. we asked for it and then got a ford F150

[@bboystancho]

@@MrBuzzialdrin :D who watches mazda 6 and the buys truck, maybe it's only you :)

[@vcdep991]

Have this car in this color 2020 GT Reserve. Car is hands down awesome to drive and look at.

[@diegomontoya8889]

I wish I had never seen the wagon version of the Mazda6, because now that's all I think about. This is a great car. It has almost everything people asked for. But much like how everyone says wagons are dead, yet Subaru still sells a bunch of them, Jaguar just added one and VW gave us a Golf wagon for the masses, I don't see why Mazda couldn't do the same. Mazda is a brand that appeals to car nerds and car nerds buy wagons. Mazda is already a niche car company, like Subaru and Volvo, so they should really consider it. Okay, that's all. Thanks for the review Steve.

[@davidkosa]

Can't wait for Mazda's SkyActiv compression ignition technology to arrive....

[@tekz6435]

Foot activated trunk Steve? Really?! This isn't a CUV but rather a sedan! I don't think Camry nor Accord nor the Fusion has that feature so why would Mazda do that? Besides the trunk is not power operated just like any of its competition. Might just be asking for too much...

[@wullymoore4006]

Love the two cup holder on engine cover. No more cold soup.

[@wullymoore4006]

@K4 Josiah dead??

[@stevehammes]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@Andrew8126]

Ha!!

[@TJC450]

The Germans are going nuts !

[@drw1926]

Wully Moore LMAO!

[@tjhouston1280]

Finally, an engine that replaces a v6. I wouldn’t mind a 4 cylinder with this car.

[@cemilcam]

my dreamed car.. I owned a 2006 model right now and hope I will get newest one at one day

[@93455Driver]

Do not mind the lack of a manual, but a an even sportier Mazdaspeed 6 seems possible with a retuned engine.

[@bombardierrecreationalprod1023]

Beautiful car !

[@3b3id]

Excellent review, as always! Thanks Steve!!!

[@Andrew8126]

Reminds me of Dad's 1990 Maxima. Is this the new 4DSC? It's a beaut, has it all, and would look great next to the wife's Soul Red CX-5. Mazda is really working out its models' kinks. Thanks for such a great virtual tour!

[@jal316]

I just got a 6 Touring without the turbo. I find the engine note quite enjoyable and it has plenty of power for daily driving.

[@st.thomas5802]

Agreed-the turbo is a great option to have but the 4 is quick enough 90%+ of the time and gets better MPG.

[@spyder6668]

I have the GTR and man is it worth it, turbo makes it so much funner to drive!

[@minion3429]

Beauty !!!!

[@napha1979]

Riding on my new Mazda 6

[@jermainec2462]

The complaints in little bitches about this car and this was a very good car and the sudden attraction to crossovers and shitty little SUVs is the reason why they don't make this car anymore and it's sad 😔

[@enrikefranco8725]

I love my 2018 Mazda 6 Grand Touring. Bought her last year. Still feels as though I just got her. A blessing in deed. Btw I see my guy knocking that banda music 😂 4:51

[@stevehammes]

Heck, yeah!

[@giofromtexas2679]

...but I happen to LOVE the deep chestnut color!!! 😆

[@davidm5707]

Me, too. I can't stand parchment, gray, tan; all euphemisms for "off-white", which will get dirty so easily. Try wearing a pair of jeans on them and you'll see.

[@FabienTeulieres93]

Same. I think it's a very elegant color that too few manufacturers offer. Well done Mazda!!!

[@iclyde]

Beautiful and fun to drive car! Finally ventilated seats and Apple Car Play! I wish it had a panoramic sun roof but what’s REALLY holding me back is no hybrid or electric :(

[@mbenton6]

What... you sound crazy

[@jpk112]

Nice review on a great car.

[@mikelopez4846]

Good review, sounded very professional. New subscriber here

[@stevehammes]

Thanks, Mike!

[@stnkpalm]

Good review. I don't like the part time touch screen. I'm also not a fan of the brown interior. I didn't realize you can get the parchment in the Signature that's nice. Something you didn't mention that I also didn't like was the way the automatic transmission was programed. It short shifts under moderate to heavy acceleration. My guess is it does that to mitigate wheel slip with all that torque being sent to the front wheels.

[@spyder6668]

Put it in sport mode and it won't short shift

[@zachg9065]

Bravo Mazda. This is very nice

[@Sanpedranoazul]

The 6 is getting better, what about the wagon? Could it be a good market for it?

[@stevehammes]

I could see them rejuvenating that.

[@vanquish421]

You're very eloquent. Keep up the good work.

[@roochiecooch]

"The Bose 11 speaker stereo system sounds like it's been crafted specifically for this interior." - You do realize that these stereo systems are actually engineered for the interiors they are installed in. Sure the drivers themselves are not unique to this car but they way they tune car stereos in modern cars is basically "crafting them specifically for that interior" because otherwise it would sound like hammered dog sh*t! The drivers are off the shelf Bose components, but the sound deadening, speaker aiming, sound processing, and frequencies chosen, are all based on how the interior is setup, how it responds to sounds and how well outside noise is naturally blocked from the interior and exterior materials. I can vouch for the fact that the Mazda 6 is a very quiet interior which makes the stereo system just sound that much better with the windows up. So I just found your reasoning pretty funny. Of course there is some engineering that goes into stereo systems. Otherwise they would sound terrible like they did from the beginning of stereos up until only recently, maybe 10 years or so.

[@jalmonte91]

Would be the best car in the segment, but needs remote start and maybe AWD

[@97I30T]

jalmonte91 You can get remote start as a dealer installed accessory.

[@jalmonte91]

Kent having the remote start on your smart key and having the dealer install a remote start with an attachment to your key, is not the same convenience

[@97I30T]

jalmonte91 It’s a legitimate Mazda keyfob. It’s not aftermarket. They replace your ordinary key fob with a genuine Mazda one that has remote start.

[@JakeDrives1]

Agreed. When debating on what car to buy next my point at which I skip it with this one is always 310lbft of Torque going through the front wheels. No thank you.. might be a fun handling car in the sweeping curves but anywhere else forget about it !

[@mbenton6]

@@JakeDrives1 I see u dont know mazda

[@FredTS]

It still surprises me to hear 93 octane as the premium in the States.

[@stevehammes]

That's the highest around here in New York but in New England you can only get 91. Weird.

[@FredTS]

TestDriveNow Reviews by Auto Critic Steve Hammes Oh wow! 91 is the lowest here in Australia with 103 octane the highest I've seen in NSW. There is also E85 available in a lot of places. People actually complain when 95 is the highest at some bowsers. :P

[@the6thgear319]

The octane level is calculated differently. Australia and Europe uses Research Octane Number (RON) method to calculate the octane level, while US uses Anti-Knock Index (AKI). American octane numbers will appear 6 to 10 octane levels lower for the same fuel grade sold in other parts of the world.

[@FredTS]

@@the6thgear319 oh okay. Thanks for that! 🙂 Would there be an equivalent for 103 octane that we have here? I get that 93 would be the equivalent of our 98 but is there higher than that?

[@K03sport]

...Except when the paint chips when you look at it wrong...i like soul red metallic on our cx5, but I'm not a fan of its "durability" (paint protect/clear bra the whole car)... I just want to see a 6spd manual paired to the turbo mill...the US NEEDS the 6-WAGON asap!

[@97I30T]

K03sport I agree, the paint on my 2015 Mazda 6 is very thin and chips very easily. If Mazda sold the 6 wagon here I’d buy one in heartbeat.

[@mbenton6]

2017 has chip and I'm going on 2 yrs

[@seilcho7]

just curious, why is there no shade band on the top of windshield?

[@crazyone1067]

Steve, great review. Does it really have Lexus-like quietness?

[@gmman010983]

If Steve says it does then most likely he's telling the truth.. He doesn't sugarcoat anything from any brand in his reviews which is why I like them.

[@aequitas8749]

But will it last 25+ years like a 90's Camry or Accord?

[@TheLanard]

Who keeps their car that long anymore??

[@luisorosguerrero3014]

Why compare it with 90s car instead of their newest car?..... To be more fare😂😅

[@DansModelBench]

No I doubt it will. Then again, nor will a modern Camry or Accord. Technology has a built in obsolesce and the stripper cars of the 90's aren't made anymore. What you are likely to get is ten plus years if you look after it and that's more then enough for most.

[@jermainec2462]

Yep

[@baldheadlogic]

Hey Steve. This quite a sharp sedan. Glad to hear that the excess noise and harsh ride have finally been resolved. I just wish Mazda would have pulled out AWD. Oh well. Can’t have everything

[@mbenton6]

Geesh what more do u want

[@yoramstone594]

Steve was thinking of either a G80 Sport or a GS350 F-Sport. But now wondering if I should also consider a Mazda 6. Yes it’s not as powerful and no AWD, but it’s lighter and $20,000 cheaper (and similar size to the Lexus). In your opinion (having driven all 3) is it really a viable alternative to those luxury brands?

[@stevehammes]

The G80 Sport is a phenomenal car but the GS is a pass for me.

[@st.thomas5802]

They're really not comparable cars but the 6 is definitely worth considering and you should definitely test one to see for yourself what you think.

[@johnlabus7359]

What's missing? A six speed manual transmission in every model except the entry level. Mazda wants to sell the customer that it's the driver's car in the segment, but you can actually experience it as real driver's car.

[@st.thomas5802]

Manual would be a great option with the turbo but no one buys them and at least they offer them on at least 1 model which is the base trim.

[@PEPWEY]

Just make it a MAZDASPEED already!

[@khunopie9159]

It looks like Mazda has really put the 'zoom' back in 'zoom zoom' with the 6, but Steve, would this have as much bloody pantomime as the gobsmackingly brilliant Camry, eh? 4 zooms/ 5

[@powerwill614]

how about the noise....is it much better than 2017?

[@gmman010983]

Did you watch the video? Lol

[@DansModelBench]

Yes

[@henryuxie]

Oh well, people still don't buy Mazda for whatever reason, no matter how good the reviews are. There are so few Mazdas on the roads.

[@Atmosfera-00]

And that's one of the many advantages of owning a Mazda.

[@kevman949]

I wish all of these needed updates were enough to turn things around, but you can't wait years for Apple Car Play and more power in a market that is only buying crossovers. They are having their lowest 6 sales since it was redesigned and worst August sales since 2012.

[@stevehammes]

It's a sedan thing...no one wants them anymore. Even if they are REALLY good.

[@gmman010983]

@@stevehammes well luckily I do.. I don't have any desire to sit up high or have a 3rd row seat that's never gonna get used... Everyone is jumping on the SUV bandwagon but I'm just happy with my sedan..

[@Josh-179]

I understand people's taste differences but Steve Hammes not liking the best interior color of anything in its class is certainly the minority. I guess some people just like black , grey, and tan. Boring. I can also tell he's an Apple user since he focused on that and not sure if he even mentioned Android Auto. Far more people use Android.

[@stevehammes]

In the U.S. iOS has FAR greater market share than Android and it's not even close.

[@st.thomas5802]

@@stevehammes and agree that the Parchment is a much nicer looking choice but would look dirty quicker of course.

[@TheNacropolice]

The car is a stunner, no doubt. But a 6 speed auto and a supremely underwhelming 2.5L turbo it is not really my thing. The car felt just like my '14 Mazda3 Sport; that's not a good thing!

[@gmman010983]

Mazda should bump the gear up to 8 speed and design their own in house compact smooth V6...

[@mbenton6]

And gear hunt like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry does no thanks

[@WIGGYDON1]

Hey Steve what about that terrible torque steer when u accelerate and the fact that it's still not a as fast as a Accord 2.0T or Camry v6

[@stevehammes]

I experienced zero horrible torque steer upon hard acceleration.

[@kdomster9141]

Me either, it has smooth efortless acceleration not like Honda 2 0t that needs to be reved to hell and back .... Also Mazdas gear changes are super smooth and no gear hunting like in Accord 10speed not to mention cheap ass CVT that is fine in a lawn mower not 30K sedan!!!

[@cuzimaluzer777]

The front is amazing but the rear is just so plain.

[@briannavarrete49]

I'd replace the wheels and put in the previous '17 ones

[@immanuel9040]

No keyignition? No handbrake? No, thanks!

[@immanuel9040]

Because it is not reliable. Why make complex that, what is simple? If one would have that, he should pay for that, as an option. But, to offer the car with all those electronic toys, without the option to say: No, I do not wish those toys! is not the right way. Those toys will lower the value of the car very fast.

[@mbenton6]

@@immanuel9040 they are reliable... you m it st drive an accord ok r camry.... you bought the wrong car bud

[@DansModelBench]

It gets worse, it has a starter motor. Whats wrong with using a crank handle.

[@magneto8002]

Only 6 gears? My Mustang has 10.

[@jaywin5373]

Maz6 is good but not the best in class. Classy & luxurious interior. I think Maz6 is in the top 3 of the class.

[@mbenton6]

Who's in the top then Lexus, because it's not accord or Camry..

[@kevinnorwood7355]

If you need to use your foot to open the trunk, there's a problem. Not with the car but the owner. People need to stop being so damn lazy. It's bad enough that people want these over priced toys because they can't drive in the first place.

[@stevehammes]

Kevin Norwood It’s a great feature that I’ve tested on many cars and minivans that’s useful when your hands are full. People probably said the same thing about power steering and brakes back in the day: who needs them? It’s progress; that’s all.

[@kevinnorwood7355]

@@stevehammes I have to disagree to some extent. You have a buggy, etc to carry said items in so I don't see the need for a foot remote. Nor do I see a need for items like parallel parking, etc. There are too many distractions inside the car already. We have too many people these day texting and driving some of the so called tech are making drivers even more lazy, and more dangerous.

[@TJC450]

Kevin Norwood I bet you’re a lot of fun at parties.

[@LlamaSpeeed]

so about that android auto and apple carplay.........

[@Justsome_Randomdude]

I’ve been really diggin Mazda’s new styling. But for some reason the center of the steering wheel looks so out of place or outdated.

[@malifestro7596]

#Yankees =)

[@stevehammes]

All day!

[@robertwilliams5015]

40k for a 4 cylinder sedan? Maxima, please.

[@alecw7063]

Robert Williams if you think a Nissan is nicer than this I feel bad for you lol

[@immanuel9040]

Too much electronics! Not reliable!

[@DansModelBench]

Ok.