After our driving experiences with both the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, it’s time to explore another significant competitor in this category: the 2019 Mazda 6. Let’s dive deeper into its features and discover what’s new in this model.

Exterior Design

The Mazda 6 retains its overall shape compared to the previous model, receiving only minor updates. The car features a new front grille design, showcasing the Mazda logo behind a glass panel that sits above the adaptive cruise control radar. Additionally, a chrome strip now connects below the headlights, enhancing the vehicle's presence. The fully loaded version we have today includes all-LED headlights with daytime running lights.

In a successful attempt to add a touch of luxury, Mazda designers replaced the fog lights with two horizontal chrome lines at the lower front, increasing the perceived width of the car. Genuine air intakes below aid in cooling the brakes and improving the vehicle's aerodynamics. The Mazda 6 also features new, beautifully designed 19-inch wheels.

At the rear, changes are minimal, including a chrome strip that now connects the taillights at the center instead of the top, and a reduction in the thickness of the black panel at the bottom. As with any fully loaded Mazda, we also get two genuine exhaust outlets.

While both the Camry and Accord have received entirely new designs, I believe the Mazda 6 remains one of the most attractive cars in this segment. Mazda continues to excel as one of the successful Japanese manufacturers when it comes to unified design language across its entire range of vehicles.

Interior Design and Technological Features

The Mazda 6 features an updated interior design that is more organized, with clean lines that add elegance and define two distinct areas in the cabin: the upper section in black and the lower section in light white. In front of you lies either a touchscreen or buttons to control the climate system, similar to offerings found in Audi vehicles. Below these controls, Mazda has included a CD player for those seeking the best sound quality, especially with the Bose speakers that come with this version.

Mazda outshines both the Camry and Accord in the quality of materials used inside the cabin, featuring stitched leather and soft materials on the dashboard and center console. The plastic quality on all buttons is high-grade, with lightweight plastics placed away from the driver and passenger, found only at the bottom.

Although the Mazda 6 may lag behind its competitors in terms of available features, it still offers an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. As with all Mazdas, the touchscreen functionality is disabled while driving, making way for the dial and buttons located on the center console. Unfortunately, we do not have Apple CarPlay support in our region, which is available in Mazda 6 vehicles in the United States.

The vehicle also comes equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring shown on the HUD screen instead of mirrors. The HUD provides all necessary information while driving. Additionally, the Mazda 6 features a 360-degree camera system and sensors at both the front and rear.

The instrument cluster includes a circular display for various information, adjustable via buttons on the steering wheel, along with an electric rear sunshade and a small sunroof.

The rear seats offer comfort with ample space for passengers’ heads and legs, featuring air conditioning vents and dual USB charging ports in the armrest. However, when compared to the Accord and Camry, the rear space is noticeably smaller.

The Mazda 6 boasts a trunk capacity of 481 liters, which surpasses both the Camry and Accord, and can be expanded by folding down the rear seats.

Driving Experience

Following the "Jinba Ittai" philosophy in their car manufacturing, which translates to the bond between horse and rider, Mazda focuses on the connection between the car and its driver. This philosophy emphasizes the level of interaction provided by Mazda vehicles, and the 2019 Mazda 6 is no exception.

The Mazda 6 features a highly responsive steering system, with a suspension setup that is stiffer than typically expected in a family sedan. The car's exceptional chassis delivers a thrilling driving experience, especially in corners, making it feel like a sports sedan disguised as a family vehicle.

However, like all Mazda vehicles we've tested, there is a sense that the car could benefit from a more powerful engine. The 2019 Mazda 6 is offered in the UAE with a single engine option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, producing 182 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. These figures are higher than those of the Camry, but lower than those of the Accord.

The car is not slow, and the engine is adequate for this class of vehicle. However, both the Accord and Camry offer more powerful engine options, such as the Toyota's 3.5-liter V6 and Honda's 2-liter VTEC turbo engine, which delivers 100 more horsepower than the Mazda 6. We hope to see a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine in the Mazda 6, currently available in the US market, which produces 250 horsepower, or perhaps a MazdaSpeed version of the Mazda 6, which previously offered a 2.3-liter turbo engine with 273 horsepower in 2007.

In terms of fuel efficiency, thanks to Mazda's "Skyactiv" technology, the vehicle outperforms the Camry with a consumption rate of 14.8 km/liter. However, compared to the Accord's 1.5-liter VTEC turbo engine, it falls short, with an efficiency of 18.4 km/liter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our experience with the 2019 Mazda 6 suggests that this latest update does not surpass the completely new offerings from competitors. Both the Camry and Accord have introduced features that are not found in the Mazda 6. However, let's not forget that the Mazda 6 boasts a stunning design, enjoyable driving experience, and high specifications, which have prompted the Accord and Camry to elevate their game. Overall, the 2019 Mazda 6 remains a very good option in this segment, especially with a starting price ranging from AED 80,000 to AED 115,000 for the fully loaded version in the UAE market.