10 Things You Need to Know About the 2017 Mazda6

2017 Mazda Mazda6 exterior profile ・ Photo by Mazda

Critical acclaim doesn’t always equal huge sales. Just ask the cast of the movie Spotlight. In the auto industry, this can spell trouble. Mazda, however, is the rare automaker that can get away with making a high-quality driving experience the first, second and third priority without biting its fingernails to the nub at the end of every quarter. This is especially clear with the introduction of its 2017 Mazda6, a 4-door sedan that doesn’t have the sales to match its ratings. Mazda, which recently gave the Mazda6 a small refresh for 2016, has now turned its attention toward greater interior comfort and—you guessed it—better driving dynamics. Here are 10 things you need to know about the 2017 Mazda6.

1) It has gorgeous styling.

While most folks have enjoyed driving the Mazda6 since this generation’s debut in 2014, nearly all can agree on one thing: It’s gorgeous. An engaging design that is one of the best implementations of Mazda’s Kodo-Soul of Motion philosophy, the Mazda6 radiates from nose to tail. Not much has changed for the 2017 model—the grille has been sharpened a bit, and the foglights are updated. The Mazda6 is the rare sedan where “dynamic” doesn’t come across as marketing jargon. Although the Chevrolet Malibu and Honda Accord are looking great these days, the Mazda6 still has a winning look, and the designers lavished more attention on the interior.

Photo by Mazda

2) The interior: A big step up.

The new CX-9 set a new tone for Mazda in several ways, most significantly with its interior. The 2017 Mazda6 takes several cues from its biggest brother, such as the same steering wheel that is attractive and more functional than before. Controls feel better to the touch, with fewer gaps and better packaging to make buttons easier to find. This continues to the center console, highlighted by a hefty command dial that debuted in 2016. The Mazda6 Grand Touring model has acoustic-laminated glass for better noise insulation, as well as sumptuous Nappa leather seats with contrasted piping. Excellent interior quality, with impressive plushness, is now in Mazda’s wheelhouse.

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3) G Vectoring Control

While its competitors pump their research and development budgets into lofty hybrid and electric technology, Mazda has poured its resources into improving one area in which already excels: driving dynamics. G Vectoring Control (GVC) has been in the works for eight years, and it debuts in both the 2017 Mazda6 and Mazda3 to improve the car's manners when things get twisty. It works by reading throttle input and steering angle, and determining when to improve stability by slightly reducing engine torque to a given wheel. This shifts the load being levied on the front axle, and helps the Mazda6 hit its mark whenever asked. Impressive stuff, and perhaps a touch difficult to understand and therefore sell.

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4) Skyactiv Technology

Less difficult to understand, but just as important to the brand, is Mazda Skyactiv technology. This idea has spearheaded the design, engine development, fuel efficiency, aerodynamics, and every other facet of Mazdas since the 2012 CX-5. GVC, for instance, falls under the newly created Skyactiv-Vehicle Dynamics division. In the Mazda6 specifically, the chassis rigidity and 3100-lb. curb weight meld deftly with Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission and Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The idea is that every aspect of the car works as one. This helps makes the Mazda6 a fuel economy star. Although figures won’t be released for the 2017 Mazda6 until its September on-sale date, the Skyactiv will likely help it stay near its predecessor’s 26/38 MPG rating, even with the tougher EPA fuel economy tests for 2017.

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5) It's loaded with tech and controls.

The improved interior of the 2017 Mazda6 takes many shapes and forms. As mentioned, the steering wheel is a big addition, and it doesn’t stop there—for 2017, the Mazda6 offers a heated steering wheel option for the first time. There are also rear seat heaters that make their Mazda6 debut in the Grand Touring trim’s Premium package, and an overhead console with LED downlights to brighten things up at night, adding an air of elegance to a car that hasn’t had it until now. Last year, Mazda added a 7-inch Mazda Connect touchscreen with a nifty dial selector. In short, the 2017 Mazda6 has a more-connected feel than ever before.

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6) It has i-Activesense safety.

The technology theme carries over into safety equipment, led by i-Activesense that debuted in 2015 and encompasses everything from better awareness and driver warnings to automatic emergency braking. One of the biggest additions to the 2017 Mazda6 is a new camera that can detect pedestrians ahead, and activate Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) to slow and stop the car if necessary. The already existing Smart Brake Support (SBS) has also been enhanced so that it’s now operable from 9 mph all the way up to 99 mph. The improved camera also contributes to Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSRS), which reads street signs and relays them back to the driver. Nifty tech with practical applications—this is Mazda's M.O. and it’s readily apparent in the new 2017 Mazda6.

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7) Active Driving Display

Another upgrade to the 2017 Mazda6 that may not be noticeable right away is the Active Driving Display. This digital information setup in the instrument cluster now comes in full color, which brings a brighter and crisper picture back to the driver. The 4.6-inch thin-film-transistor (TFT) display on the right side of the gauges in Grand Touring models brings the improved technology of the 2017 Mazda6 to the forefront. Another clever addition is a memory function that can save the brightness and contrast level preferences for multiple drivers—just like seat adjustments. With greater capability and improved safety technology, the 2017 Mazda6 also keeps the driver as informed as possible.

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8) Who are Mazda's competitors?

Improved though it may be, the 2017 Mazda6 steps into the affordable midsize sedan segment that might better be described as a shark tank. In addition to the Accord and Malibu, customers can also choose a more affordable route with the Hyundai Sonata or the more efficient Nissan Altima. And then, of course, there’s always the Toyota Camry. So the Mazda6 has a tough mountain to climb and is attempting to do so by appealing to enthusiasts (not many other sedans offer a manual transmission) and their passion for driving excitement. That's a small market, but the 2017 Mazda6 has made some big steps in the right direction.

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9) Is Sportiness Enough?

The problem facing the 2017 Mazda6 is the same one affecting the entire Mazda brand: Sportiness alone doesn’t necessarily sell cars. Mazda's US sales are down 6.9 percent for the year through July, and Mazda 6 sales are down even more. Mazda has predicted reduced profits in 2017, due in part to the economic slowdown in China and the company's involvement with the Takata airbag recall. Sales will improve with the new Mazda3 and Mazda6, as well as the all-new CX-9. Plus, Mazda doesn’t need the huge numbers that others do. In fact, FY 2016 saw Mazda's operating income actually increase by 11.8 percent.

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10) (Company) size doesn't matter.

Mazda executives repeat the mantra “We’re okay with being small” so often you’d think it was emblazoned across their boardrooms. Maybe they’re right, though. Mazda is beholden to no one but its customers, and while sales aren’t scaring any competitors, there is still a market for cars built to tap into passion and driving excitement. Mazda has focused on sharper efficiency rather than expensive electric technology, and the company has stellar fuel economy ratings to show for it. Staying small allows Mazda to stand on a pedestal; one of independence, autonomy, and enthusiast ideals—one that wasn't possible during the partnership with Ford. Mazda builds the cars it wants to build, and the new 2017 Mazda6 certainly fits the mold.

Photo by Mazda