The 2019 Mazda6 Experience

We gave the all new 2019 Mazda6 a go recently and here are our thoughts. If you owned a Mazda6 from the past 5 years you wouldn't notice a drastic change in design. Instead, Mazda has added more power, tech, and subtle tweaks to the exterior design to keep this popular mid-sized family sedan in check with the competition.

In the exterior, the first thing that strikes is the beautiful redesigned grill. This new mesh design has been borrowed from the CX5 line. The new front grill in Gunmetal finish, available in the signature model only, is not shiny which gives the front an aggressive look with the beautiful soul red crystal metallic colour of our signature model. In the middle of the grill is the iconic Mazda logo emblem. Hidden behind this logo is a variety of sensors that work with the Radar Cruise (MRCC) control system. 

The LED headlights and taillights are more refined and they almost look like eyes, giving this sedan a sleek, meaner look. They can turn on automatically with changing light levels, provide high beam control, and also have an levelling function where the beam changes its focus, pointing straight instead of down. 

The Mazda6 design looks very simple but upscale. There is plenty of surface to show off the paint. In the front there is no extra protrusion or a break in the surface for fog lights as the standard LED headlights already have integrated fog lights. The Signature trim comes standard with 19" alloy wheels and the light grey finish rims is a great addition.

The Mazda6 has a wider body and the surface extends lower on both sides. The front hood looks slightly lifted helping to feel the car's dimensions when navigating in tight corners. We like the addition of the 360° View Monitor which utilizes four separate cameras to give a top view of the car and its immediate surroundings, which is a great feature. The resolution of the cameras could be improved in future versions. In addition, there is eight separate parking sensors to detect and warn us about front and rear obstacles.

Along with the stylish exterior, the 2019 Mazda6 Signature trim has a fantastic interior with added sophistication and luxury. There is plenty of breathing space in this midsize sedan. The heated Nappa leather seats are wide and comfortable in the front and back. We love how the signature edition adds a small chrome strip on each seat making it feel upscale. Keeping with the upscale styling there is a nice mix of premium materials such as Napa leather, Japanese Sen Wood, and Ultrasuede materials. The front dash is beautiful with a horizontal divided design going all the way to the doors. This divider is made of Ultrasuede material and because of its colour and slightly rough texture it can get dirty in the long run. The center armrest is wide but the storage compartment under it could be bigger. In the rear, passengers have plenty of leg room and the seats have a natural recline for a comfortable drive. Rear passengers get two USB outlets and heated seating controls in this family sedan.

An 8-inch Mazda Connect™ infotainment system sits slightly higher in the middle. This is controlled by the Mazda Commander control knob in the center armrest. Apple Carplay™ and Android Auto™ are now standard on all Mazda models. The screen resolution is good on the navigation system but we felt the 2019 Mazda3 infotainment display had better resolution. The display is touch enabled and limits functions when the vehicle is in motion. While this is done to enhance safety while driving, there should be an option to enable all functions in the settings menu so that the front passenger could use the system. For example, the ability to add a complete address in the navigation system.

The 2019 Mazda6 screams power with the addition of a Skyactiv-G 2.5 T engine with Dynamic Pressure Turbo under the hood. This turbocharged engine gives an effortless performance and is rated to deliver up to 250 horsepower 310 pound-feet of torque. The wider body of the Mazda6 helps to smoothen the drive while vehicle stability is further enhanced by the introduction of G-Vectoring Control Plus technology. GVC Plus is the second generation of Mazda's vehicle dynamics control technology. For stress free driving during busy hours, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality is standard on the Mazda6. The front camera detects speeds below 30 km/h to slow down or even come to a stop and pick up the pace to keep up with slow traffic.

Recognizing the market for midsize sedans, Mazda has been refining the Mazda6 the past few years and now it is a great choice for a family sedan. It's simple, elegant and refined exterior, together with premium technologies and authentic materials, and sporty performance makes it one worth considering.

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Mazda. Please note that all opinions and thoughts expressed are my own. All rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2010 - 2019. Please Ask First