2012 Mazda Mazda6

The 2012 Mazda6 is one of the few stand-out vehicles in the world of midsize sedans. Unlike many other cars in the category, the Mazda6 has a distinct design and features that make it look and feel more like a sports car than a sedan. With plenty of space and an abundance of safety features, though, the Mazda6 makes for a midsize that is perfect for a wide range of consumers.

Styling

At first glance, the 2012 Mazda6 barely even looks like a midsize sedan. With sleek

The attractive design continues inside the vehicle. The seating is comfortable in both the front and back, and cargo space is plentiful in comparison to other midsize sedans. Much of the interior is trimmed in a rich material that is soft and luxurious to the touch. The instrument panel is logically organized, and even base models include features like exterior temperature display, compass, remote keyless entry, and MP3 capability.

Performance and Power

The 2012 Mazda6 provides a driving experience that is rarely rivaled in the midsize sedan class. Powered by one of two engines, it offers plenty of power and an enjoyable driving experience whether driving around town, taking a road trip, or exploring the back roads. The 2.5 liter four cylinder engine produces 167 foot pounds of torque and 170 horsepower and is available with either a five speed automatic transmission or a six speed manual. The 3.7 liter V6 provides 269 foot pounds of torque and 272 horsepower. The V6 model is only available with a six speed automatic transmission.

The 2012 Mazda6 comes in six trim levels. Those with an "i" prefix including the i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, i Grand Touring come equipped with the four cylinder engine while "s" models such as the s Touring Plus and s Grand Touring come with the V6. In addition to the more powerful engine, higher end models also include other luxury features such as Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, rear seat LCD screen, and a voice activated navigation system.

Safety

All models of the 2012 Mazda6 are loaded with plenty of safety features. Standard safety features include frontal, side impact, overhead, and side

Anti-whiplash head restraints react in the event of a rear end collision to reduce the likelihood of neck injury while seat belt pretensioners automatically adjust to put the passenger in the best seating position during a collision. Stability control automatically knows when the limits of the vehicle have been exceeded and automatically reduces engine power or applies the brakes to prevent the loss of control.

Higher end models include additional safety features including blind spot sensors and parking assistance.