The Mazda6 mid-range sedan is overshadowed by the VW Passat and Co. However, as a used vehicle, the Japanese does not have to hide its light under a bushel: Despite a few defects in the general inspection, it scored points with its appearance, good space and considerable comfort.
When looking for a used mid-range sedan, very few people have the Mazda6 on their radar. In the competitive environment of the VW Passat, the Japanese is more of an insider tip, although its looks and practical aspects make it quite convincing.
body and interior
The current generation of the Mazda6 (type GJ/GL) has been on the market since early 2013. Two facelifts (2015 and 2018) have kept the vehicle visually and technically fresh. The mid-size sedan is offered in two body variants: as a notchback and as a station wagon. Since German buyers do not really appreciate the classic four-door, the station wagon versions make up the bulk of the used car range. With a length of 4.81 meters, the station wagon is 6 centimeters shorter than the sedan. Depending on the position of the rear seat backrests, its trunk volume varies between 522 and 1664 liters (saloon: 480 litres). This is sufficient for most transport tasks.
Inside, both versions convince with good workmanship. However, fans of large displays will not get their money's worth; However, the interior appeals to people who prefer simple and well thought-out operation to classic buttons and switches. Depending on the equipment level, there is a head-up display and cell phone integration via Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
engines and propulsion
Mazda has always had a soft spot for unusual engines: keyword rotary engines. With the Mazda6, too, the Japanese rely on a rather unusual drive concept and work with unusual compression ratios (particularly low for diesel, particularly high for petrol). The driver notices this most clearly with petrol engines, which, contrary to the industry trend, do not require any turbo at all. Direct-injection naturally aspirated engines with displacements of 2.0 and 2.5 liters have been available since the market launch. The two-litre models deliver 107 kW/145 hp and 121 kW/165 hp. The 2.5 liter has 141 kW/192 hp (since 2018: 143 kW/194 hp). The engines convince with practical consumption close to the standard values (5.5 to 6.7 liters).
Until the summer of 2021, Mazda also offered diesel engines that could be combined with all-wheel drive as an option. A 2.2-liter biturbo in the expansion stages with 110 kW/150 hp, 129 kW/175 hp and 153 kW/184 hp provided up to 445 Nm for decent pulling power with low consumption at the same time. The entry-level engine is ideally marked in the technical data with 3.9 liters, the most powerful variant with 135 kW/184 hp approves 5.1 liters. Instead of the standard manual six-speed gearbox, first-time buyers could also order a six-speed automatic; it is standard with the top version.
equipment and security
"Prime-Line", "Center-Line", "Sports-Line": The Mazda6 models are still sorted according to the brand's familiar equipment pattern. The basic six is properly equipped with 17-inch aluminum wheels, air conditioning and music system. The medium comfort level offers, among other things, automatic air conditioning and cruise control. The top version has a xenon light (from 2018: matrix LED light), a sound system and a 19-inch model on board. In 2018, the "Exclusive Line" was introduced between the Center and Sports Lines as a cost-benefit compromise. This has now been promoted to the entry-level variant. The range of assistance systems goes beyond the class standard at the time, but the helpers have only been available in the basic model since the 2015 facelift. The Mazda received five stars out of five in the Euro NCAP crash test.
quality
During the TÜV main inspection (HU), the Mazda6 shows good and less good sides. The Japanese completed the environment test without any faults or reproaches, and the TÜV inspectors did not complain about the steering either. Anyone interested in a used car should take a closer look at the axle suspension and axle springs on older models (or have them checked) in order to avoid expensive follow-up costs. In the HU, brake components such as brake discs and the lighting system are also unpleasant.
Conclusion: The Mazda6 still looks good, offers good space and considerable comfort. If you are looking for a used model, you should look out for a fresh general inspection sticker. Models with petrol engines start from around 10,000 euros, diesel versions are around 3000 euros cheaper.
