2009 Mazda MAZDA6

It's now more in line with other marketplace offerings in terms of size and, as is typical for Mazda, offers more expressive design and tips its hand more toward the performance side of the coin.

As we've already told you, Mazda has given its new 2009 Mazda6 more power, room, and style. All that can be yours for half a grand less than the outgoing model.

The engineers working on the second-generation Mazda6 had a clear goal: keep the sporty handling, but give the new sedan a big dose of power, room, and quality. And, boy, did they ever.

The front seats are too wide to offer serious lateral support, but the 2009 Mazda6 feels a full size smaller than it is once you're moving.

The 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 has moved up. All-new, redesigned and re-engineered for 2009, the Mazda6 has moved up in size, in features, and in power. All this without serious damage to price, fuel economy, or driving dynamics.

The 2009 Mazda 6, or Mazda6 as Mazda calls it, now delivers plenty of room for four or five adults along with a big trunk that holds as much as some SUVs can fit under their luggage covers. For the first time in Mazda6 history, this one has been designed expressly for the North American market and is considerably bigger than the overseas version.

The 2009 Mazda6 i is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that gets an EPA-estimated 21/30 miles per gallon City/Highway with the five-speed automatic transmission. It's also available with a five-speed automatic. The Mazda6 s is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 with an EPA-rated 17/25 mpg and comes exclusively with a six-speed automatic.

The Mazda 6 cabin uses contemporary materials, with metallic-finish surfaces rather than phony wood trim. The exception is the console trim that slashes across the passenger's dash which, on some models, appears a cross between silver-veined black granite and ash-black burnt wood with wide rings in it.

The closest competitors in the grip and ride components would be the Malibu V6 for ride, Altima V6 for fun, four-cylinder Accord for fun, and Camry for commuting comfort. The 2009 MAZDA6 leans toward the fun end of the spectrum yet does so without the busy-ness or bounciness the Accord sometimes brings.

The 2009 Mazda 6 is all-new, bigger, roomier, more refined.