2017 MAZDA MAZDA6 VIDEO REVIEW

2017 MAZDA MAZDA6 VIDEO REVIEW BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

As a small automaker, Mazda differentiates itself by appealing to the driver…tuning their vehicles for a heightened sense of fun from behind the wheel. To further that initiative, the 2017 Mazda6 debuts a new technology they’re calling G-Vectoring Control – a software control system designed to make you a better driver.

Mazda defines SKYACTIV as a suite of component and engineering technologies intended to cut vehicle weight and improve engine efficiency for outstanding environmental and safety performance, without sacrificing the brand’s renowned driving pleasure. A new addition to this suite is called SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS designed to take driving quality even further and G-Vectoring Control is a key element. It’ll be introduced across Mazda’s entire model range starting with this MAZDA6. Think of it this way: Gs are the unit of measure for lateral and longitudinal acceleration, the forces you experience when braking, turning and accelerating. G-Vectoring Control or GVC if you will varies engine torque to smooth out these changes in acceleration forces, reducing torso sway and making for a more comfortable ride. Mazda says GVC significantly improves handling and stability on wet, snowy and unpaved roads, optimizing the load on each tire, reducing the need for steering corrections and bringing the movements of the car more in line with the driver’s intentions. And because it’s a software program, it adds no weight to the vehicle.

By adjusting torque in response to steering wheel action, GVC uses the engine itself to enhance chassis performance. For example, let’s say you being to turn the wheel heading into a curve.  GVC automatically generates deceleration thereby shifting load to the front wheels, increasing tire grip and enhancing responsiveness.  Now it’s virtually imperceptible to the driver and it’s engineered to work in all situations, helping to maintain the intended line on a windy road and building a stronger bond between car and driver overall.  The MAZDA6 feels great; precise, tight and connected.  But without concurrently driving a non-GVC model, I’m not sure I can tangibly sense the results.

As my week with the MAZDA6 progressed, I started to notice the GVC effect a little more. Using the engine as opposed to the transmission to accomplish this added feeling of composure is a unique approach and it evolves the SKYACTIV goal.

Inside, enhanced sound insulation and a host of technical updates keep the Mazda6 feeling fresh.

After a significant refresh last year, the 2017 MAZDA6 continues to advance in more subtle ways with the adoption of a new steering wheel first introduced in the CX-9, an upgraded heads-up display to full-color with better clarity and Traffic Sign Recognition, likewise for the multi-information display, the memory feature now incorporates the settings for the heads-up display, and the Smart Brake Support collision avoidance feature now operates over a wider range of speed, up to 99mph.

One less desirable change is a restated fuel economy rating of 29mpg in combined driving, down from 30. And for the second time in a row in a MAZDA6, my weekly average missed the EPA estimates by a long shot. The powertrain combining a 184-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and 6-speed automatic is energetic enough but I still wish there was a higher output option including one with more desirable sounds.  But there’s no doubting that the MAZDA6 is super fun to drive.

All told, I came away from this week with a greater appreciation for this car. First off, this $300 Soul Red paint is worth every penny…the best rosy hue you’ll find. And then there’s this stunning KODO design…an indisputable winner.  At night, the super bright LED lighting shines on this beautiful parchment leather interior.  It’s a great cabin with a high-quality feel and above adequate spaciousness.  This Grand Touring trim is also chockfull of high-end safety tech and convenience features making it a real pleasure to drive.  But as I’ve mentioned before, this infotainment system is not one of my favorites and it lacks smartphone projection.