Mazda adds two stablemates to the already popular Mazda 6 lineup. The Mazda 6 four-door sedan is a vehicle that has gained quick acceptance from the press and buyers alike. Now there are two more body styles to choose from.
There isn’t a doubt in my mind that these two additions will successfully bring new customers into the Mazda fold. They are both quite capable in providing ride comfort, versatility and practicality. And while they may not be thought of as performance vehicles, they do lend a certain entertainment to the drive.
The five-door offers hatchback versatility without the stigma of previous small, uncomfortable five-door economy cars. In fact, Mazda has added a number of really cool features that make these cars easier to live with.
Don’t ask why, but one of these features had me intrigued. I continued to ask myself the question; why didn’t someone come up with this a long time ago? Most folding rear seats have an inconveniently placed latch system on the seat back. Not only are they usually difficult to reach, they are nearly impossible to operate. Most human wrists do not bend at such angles. With both of these Mazda models this isn’t a concern. The latch located on the seat back is easy to reach and moves easily.
The other surprise is that Mazda designers have added dual latches in the cargo area so if you are loading cargo you can easily release the seats. And seats effortlessly and immediately flip forward, providing a near-level floor.
The Sport Wagon also has an available cargo cover to keep your cargo hidden from prying eyes. Combined with the cover is a net that extends up to the roof to keep Rover from roaming throughout the vehicle. This whole device is removable and can be repositioned just behind the front seats, so Rover has more room to roam, but is still contained.
Of note, is the availability of a very nice five-speed manual transmission. In a day when many manufacturers are discontinuing manual gearboxes, Mazda is one of the few that still offer one coupled with a V-6 engine. This decision adds to the sporty driving mentality over at Mazda, which continues to be true to the “zoom-zoom” philosophy.
I tend to wish for more power in most family-orientated vehicles I drive. The five-door sedan gives the choice of either the standard inline, four-cylinder, or the V-6 engine. The four produces 160 horsepower and 155 foot-pounds. of torque. The V-6, the only engine available in the Sport Wagon, produces 220 horsepower and 192 foot-pounds of torque.
The inline engine is adequate for running around town and the normal drive, but I prefer the V-6 with the five-speed manual attached. During testing on a closed course that incorporated tight turns and a high-speed slalom, the Sport Wagon seemed to hold the turns better. Even though it is just over 50 pounds heavier, it felt much more stable at speed.
The passenger compartment is well laid out and appointed with attractive trim. It is inviting and useful, with switches, controls and gauges easy to see or use. The rear seat in the five-door has limited head room for anyone over 6 foot 2 inches, but because of its design this is understandable.
With the minivan losing its favor with soccer moms and their families, the growth of the sport wagon market seems to be the sure bet. It is rare to find a parent who isn’t a little bashful about being seen in a minivan. Oh sure, minivans are practical and useful, but the image they convey is far and away too traumatic for some.
Instead of offering just a wagon, Mazda has given us a choice in our alternatives, the five-door or the wagon. Now it is up to you.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.