The 2018 Mazda 6 could surely use its new 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. Despite that bonus, the car isn’t perfect.
On the whole, the 2018 Mazda 6 is a thoroughly likable car. It looks great, it handles well, and now it has some more go thanks to a 250 horsepower, 310 lb-ft torque turbocharged engine. Coupled to a six-speed transmission, that torquey engine makes Mazda’s midsize sedan feel much lighter on its feet. When you have looks to match the oomph as well, it’s tough to really put a foot wrong. So does it? No car is perfect, so is the 2018 Mazda 6 hobbled by any major flaws? In this video, we recount what is good, bad and weird about this updated model.
Let’s start with the good. Now with an updated exterior, the 2018 Mazda 6 looks different, yet it retains its familiar shape. Mazda’s Kodo – or “Soul of Motion” – design language wasn’t hard on the eyes to begin with. To quote a certain TFLcar editor and presenter: “It’s got curves”. In the sedan market especially, looks count for a lot, as the Mazda 6 faces stiff competition. Despite depressed sales figures, every manufacturer still has their hat in the midsize sedan ring, for now. There’s the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, and many more that the Mazda squares off against.
That 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is also a big boost. While the Mazda 6 always looked great, one thing it’s been crying out for is more power. Now, it can go toe-to-toe with the turbocharged offerings from its mainstream rivals.
Want to find out what’s bad and just plain weird about the 2018 Mazda 6? Check out the video above! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow to see more news, views, and real-world reviews published throughout the week. If you enjoy our content, please consider supporting TFL on Patreon.