Road Test: 2020 Mazda6 Signature

Midsize Sedan Styling and Performance Standout

For a very long time Mazda lived and breathed Zoom Zoom. Now they want us to Feel Alive. Every time we get behind the wheel of a MX-5 Miata, it is impossible to forget Mazda’s former slogan, as nothing better can describe driving a Miata. As we began a week in the 2020 Mazda6 Signature, we realized the new slogan matches this very nice sedan, while the brand’s performance heritage continues.

Driving Experience: Powertrain

Mazda tells us the 2020 Mazda6 Signature has “Superb driving dynamics balanced with sophisticated styling.” Let’s deal with that first accolade.

Powered by a smooth and responsive 2.5-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the performance numbers are 310 pound-feet of torque (lb.-ft.) and then either 250 horsepower (hp) using 93-octane gas or, if on a budget, that number drops to 227 hp when using 87-octane. We saved some coin and ran regular and were not at all disappointed in the performance.

Clean Fleet Report’s Mazda6 Signature was equipped with the only transmission available, a six-speed automatic, with paddle shifters and a Sport mode. The EPA rates the Mazda6 2.5T at 23 mpg city/31 highway/26 combined. In 446 miles of 75-percent highway/25-percent city driving, Clean Fleet Report averaged 29.5 mpg. However, with the radar cruise control set to 65 mph, on all freeway runs of 92 and 88 miles, we averaged 31.1 mpg and 35 mpg, respectively. We would like to see these numbers closer to 40 mpg, but were not disappointed with the efficiency. Mazda achieved these numbers through its SkyActiv-G engine and vehicle design philosophy, a slick-shift replicating automatic transmission, and a coefficient of drag (C_d) of 0.285. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience. Your numbers may differ.

The base engine, in the Mazda6 Sport and Touring trim lines, is a 2.5-liter non-turbo with 187 hp and 186 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine gets 26 mpg city/35 highway/29 combined.

Driving Experience: On the Road

Out on the road the Mazda6 will make driving enthusiasts smile. The sporty, confident nature of the front-wheel drive handling comes from the MacPherson strut, multi-link independent suspension and the rack-and-pinion, electric power-assisted steering. Clean Fleet Report’s Signature model, weighing in at 3,582 pounds, was equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels and shod with P225/45 all-season tires. Replace these with summer tires, and the grip + handling would improve to an even higher level.

With this combination the ride is a bit stiffer than other midsize sedans, but such is the trade-off for an above average handling car that can seat five passengers. As noted, enthusiasts will appreciate the cornering ability of the Mazda6, which in large part is due to Mazda’s G-Vectoring control system. Mazda prides itself on being a company staffed with driving enthusiasts that put their heart into design and technology, and says G-Vectoring achieves “the pursuit of Jinba-Ittai, the feeling of unity between driver and vehicle.” Starting with the accelerator pedal being hinged to the floor as opposed to suspended, the ability to get on-and-off the gas is nicely sensitive to the touch. The driving dynamics for G-Vectoring basically help the front tires get into a corner more smoothly. Rather than walk through the details of G-Vectoring, let’s let Mazda do it here.

Stops were solid and predictable with a power-assisted braking system consisting of vented front and solid rear discs, anti-lock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution. The latter adjusts brake proportioning to compensate for added weight from passengers or cargo, and even adjusts as fuel is consumed. This is invisible and instant to the driver and passengers, making for a comfortable and controlled ride.

Driving Experience: Exterior

The Mazda6 received subtle but tasteful changes for 2018, with the chiseled exterior catching your eye from every angle. Clean Fleet Report’s Mazda6 Signature was painted in Machine Gray Metallic, which enhanced the distinctive design that as Mazda says “is an aspirational trim level that exemplifies Mazda designers’ abilities to create an uncompromised blend of premium styling.”

Starting with slim LED headlights and a deep-set grille, the sculpted front fenders lead to a roofline that softly arches at the B-pillar, then gently slopes to a short deck lid that has an integrated spoiler. The rear is finished-off with LED taillights, a chrome eyebrow framing the trunk lid and twin bright exhaust tips. The strategic use of chrome enhances the design, and is never busy or too much. Overall, a very stylish design that will hold-up well over its lifetime.

Driving Experience: Interior

The 2020 Mazda6 interior was redone in 2018 and includes redesigned seats and dash. Clean Fleet Report drove the top-of-the-line Mazda6 Signature. The Parchment-color Nappa leather seats, with high-density vibration-absorbing urethane foam, provided comfort and support. The front seats are heated and ventilated, with the driver getting eight-way power adjustable (with lumbar) and two-memory settings, while the passenger received a six-way power adjustable seat.

Designed with driver viewing in mind, the freestanding 8.0-inch color touchscreen ascends from the dashboard, providing data from the Mazda Connect and Connected Services, including navigation. It also is where the 360º cameras for rear, front and overhead views are found. The large, round gauges are black with white lettering for easy viewing.

The Mazda Active Driving Display includes the head-up display (HUD), which is projected onto the windshield directly in front of the driver. Being able to keep your vision straight ahead is a major safety factor as it minimizes distractions. The HUD shows driving speed, the speed limit, a red box if you exceed the posted speed, and street signs, such as “Stop” and “Do Not Enter” as well as lane departure and brake warnings. The HUD is very helpful and useful, and should be standard equipment on all cars. A big pat on the back to Mazda’s engineers.

Clean Fleet Report’s Mazda6 Signature came equipped with a power moonroof and tasteful ultrasuede and Sen wood inserts on the dash and doors. The heated 60/40 rear seat can accommodate three adults, but with the center armrest folded down two would be more acclimated to a long journey. The rear, dual-zone climate control and air vents are a nice touch.

The excellent 11-speaker Bose sound system with AM/FM/HD radio, provided audio through two USB inputs, SiriusXM (three-month free subscription), Aha, Pandora, Stitcher, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system on our Mazda6 frustratingly loaded too slowly, and then required making selections before getting to the radio. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has mounted controls for Bluetooth that offers hands-free telephone and voice control.

To manage the radio, Mazda has a wheel on the center console for changing channels and a smaller one for volume control. We found the wheel cumbersome to use. It required multiple steps to control a single function, diverting the driver’s eyes from the road. Maybe in time it becomes a seamless, by-touch operation, but after a week and nearly 450 miles, we did not get the hang of the system and found it to be overly complicated. We know Mazda engineers can do better, as Clean Fleet Report reviews cars, crossover SUVs and trucks from multiple manufacturers, most of which have easier systems to use.

Convenience comes your way with power automatic keyless door locks, push-button start/stop, power windows with one-touch up and down, rearview camera, auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink, tilt and telescopic steering column, rain-sensing windshield wipers that have a deicer, folding power and heated side mirrors with turn indicators and an electronic parking brake.

Safety

The 2020 Mazda6 Signature comes with an extensive list of standard and optional safety features including front and side airbags, dynamic stability and traction control, hill launch assist, a tire pressure monitoring system, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert.

In crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the 2020 Mazda6 received five stars (its highest rating) for overall crash protection, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Mazda6 its highest rating of Top Safety Pick.

Pricing and Warranties

Clean Fleet Report’s 2020 Mazda 6 Signature had a base price of $35,300. With $400 in optional equipment and the $920 delivery charge, the MSRP came to $36,620.

The 2020 Mazda6 comes with these warranties:

• New Vehicle – Three years/36,000 miles
• Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
• Roadside Assistance – Three years/36,000 miles

Observations: 2020 Mazda6 Signature

Staying true to its racing heritage, Mazda has created the best-handling five-passenger sedan that isn’t considered a “sports sedan.” The Mazda6 Signature has a sleek, chiseled design that has evolved into a true driver’s car. The handsome design was ahead of the midsize sedan curve in 2018 and holds up very well.

The 2020 Mazda6 is available in five trims, with these base prices including the $920 destination fee.

Sport                              $24,920

Touring                           $27,520

Grand Touring                $30,620

Grand Touring Reserve  $33,120

Signature                       $36,220

When at your local Mazda dealer, make sure to request a lengthy test drive that will include high-speed highway onramps and maybe even a few challenging corners on mountain or country roads. The Mazda6 Signature wants to be driven, and the usual one-mile loop around the dealership isn’t going to give this car the justice it deserves.

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Whatever you buy, Happy Driving!

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Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.