New Mazda 6

The 2009 Mazda 6, while all new, isn't the first time Mazda has been a player in mid-size sedan segment. It's had contenders as far back as the late '80s with the 626 and more recently with the last generation Mazda 6. It is however, the first time that Mazda designed and built a midsize sedan specifically for the U.S. consumer. The last generation of the Mazda 6 was a global car and had to meet the needs of consumers from various countries. As a result, it was smaller than its competitors -- and when you are thinking baby seats, baggage and American teenagers, bigger is better.

In addition to the size deficit, Mazda product planners identified two additional areas that needed improvement over the last generation 6: power and quality. So they set out to make a high-quality vehicle with efficient power in a roomier package. Luckily, they paid attention to aesthetics as well because what emerged is a vehicle that met all their technical requirements and comes wrapped in gorgeous sheet metal that is unmistakably a Mazda.

The design is great, especially when it comes to the instrument panel. The dial plates look fabulous, the blend of orange and blue lighting is crisp and clear. The dashboard itself is conventional, but the grey plastic trim enlivens an otherwise drab interior. Some of the plastics do clash with the quality of the car though. In such a competitive class, we're allowed to expect supple plastics that are pleasing to the touch and built to withstand life's vagaries.

The controls are ergonomic and pleasant, and powerful backlighting guarantees their readability. The interior space is the big winner in this update: the 6 has gone from being one of the most compact cars in the class to one of the most spacious. Trunk access is also exceptionally easy, the very wide mouth enabling us to load and unload cumbersome objects in a cinch.

The interior is quite comfortable. They've used good quality leather for the seats, which are nevertheless a little too firm to my liking. Side support isn't up to par for a sporty car. The driving position is correct, nothing more.

New Mazda 6