2008 Mazda MAZDA6 Review: Interior

The interior is designed to be comfortable for front and rear passengers in the 95th percentile of all body shapes. The rear seats are quite accommodating, whether in the sedan or hatchback. There's more than 96 cubic feet of passenger space inside the Mazda6 sedan, according to the EPA measuring system, and only a fraction less in the hatchback; and that translates to plenty of room for four. You can squeeze in five in a pinch.

The interior design is complemented by carbon fiber, titanium and body-color finishes. Grand Touring models feature electroluminescent gauges that are illuminated in red light, but are conventional white-on-black during the day, with nice, large and pleasing graphics. Switchgear is labeled well, legible during the day and illuminated in red at night. The heating/air conditioning system is easily controlled by three big knobs. The Bose radio does not look upscale, however, with shiny black buttons that are flush-mounted and similar in appearance. The seat heater switches are tucked away on the center console. Lots of open and covered storage is available, and the seat pockets and door pockets are huge. Cup holders are provided in the front and rear center consoles as well as in the door pockets.