2021 Mazda 6 Signature 2.5T - Re-Driven - Final Drive in Unity With Soulful Sedan

THE FAMILY SEDAN WITH SOUL:  In the quest for a near luxury family sedan, honed with driving enthusiasm in mind, and priced for those demonstrating good fiscal sense, there is but the Mazda 6 or as some say Mazda6. In fact many have observed that the introduction of the 2.5L turbocharged Signature trim knocked on the door of entry Audis, BMW's, and Benzes.

UNDER-APPRECIATED, HOPEFULLY TO RETURN: Literally within days after Roadblazing.com had an encore stab at a 2021 Mazda 6 Signature 2.5 Turbo, Mazda U.S.A. announced the current model year's production would be it's last for Americans. Clearly, even among takers of automotive "Jinba Ittai," the culprit is the current overwhelming preference for unity with crossover steeds such as the brand's popular CX-9, CX-5 and CX-30. Stirred with driving passion by the emotional Soul Red hue of the supplied test 2021 Mazda 6 Signature, musings persist that this machine "Deserves to Be Back" (in the guise of an anticipated rear / all-wheel drive longitudinally powered version).

2018 Mazda6 Signature 2.5T - Bottom Line Review

(Contributing Editor: Peter Stamatis) Back in 2014, sister site “Drive...He Said” heaped restrained praise: “There, we said it. In spite of the [meh] interior styling, [flimsy trim and spartan appointments], we cannot immediately think of another family sedan for $21,000 out the door that wants to shred the

RoadBlazingGeorge Straton

2021 Mazda 6 Signature 2.5 T Driving Hits:

• 227 to 250 horsepower = +39 hp bump (62 hp with minimum 91 AKI octane unleaded gasoline) vs. atmospheric 2.5L Skyactiv G
• 320 pound-feet = +129 pound-feet torque = 71% > standard atmospheric 2.5L Skyactiv G engine
• 6-speed automatic torque converter planetary transaxle, while low on gear ring count to the competition, betters most on quick down-shifts for throttle braking capability
• More energetic acceleration above 85 miles per hour @ 3500 rpm to redline vs. non-turbo Mazda6 Touring 2.5L
• 27 combined miles per gallon, 508 miles highway range in near luxury front drive family sedan.
• ABS torque vectoring and G-Vectoring standard
• Fully independent suspension delivers compliant springing with taut damping
• Falken Ziex tires fitted to 19" smoked alloy wheels make for a refined ride
• Assembly with tight tolerances and premium materials knocks on doors of entry luxury sedans

2021 Mazda 6 Signature 2.5T Driving Misses:

• Falken tires trade out on outright dry grip
• G-Vectoring does cut back on power in fast corners
• Lacks an all-wheel drive option
• -15% Combined fuel economy vs. naturally aspirated Mazda6 Touring 2.5L
• Some flinty powerplant noises at idle

What It Has Got:

• Pricing: from $25,470 (incl. destination) for a 6-speed manual 2021 Mazda 6 2.5L Sport
  • As tested top 2021 Mazda 6 Signature 2.5T trim priced at $37,390
• Sensuous, gently flowing sinewy Mazda 6 sedan Kodo styling profile
• Large wheel arches accommodates up to 19" wheels

• Accommodates 5 adults generously & 16 cubic feet of stuff in the trunk
• Sporty driving body cradling front bucket seats, accurate pedal placement, optimal steering wheel sizing and stalk placement, good forward and side visibility
• Exquisite build, materials and control details levels

• Comprehensive standard feature set
  • √ Keyless entry, push button ignition; √ 2-zone automatic climate control;
  • √ LED headlights & taillights, delay windshield wipers
  • √ Auto dimming rear view mirror, √ Reverse power tilting side mirrors
  • √ 7.0" TFT variable triple dial gauge cluster; √ 8.0" MazdaConnect media display w/ remote dial Command controller
• Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink phone projection
• Excellent safety features & ratings
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus
• Driver assist tech (standard)
  • Pedestrian & vehicle collision avoidance braking, blind spot & rear cross traffic warning, lane keep assist, fully adaptive cruise control
• 3 year / 36,000 miles bumper to bumper, 4 year / 50,000 miles powertrain warranties

Standout Feature(s) on 2021 MAZDA 6 SIGNATURE 2.5T :

• Unique wire mesh grille, lower front fascia chrome accents, trunk lid spoiler
• Heads Up Display w/ traffic sign recognition
• Native infotainment navigation map w/ TravelLink subscription
• Additional autonomous driver assistance
  • Traffic jam assist enhanced lane control steering assist, slow speed pedestrian & rear traffic collision avoidance braking; rear side traffic braking 
  • 360° surround view cameras, Adaptive front LED headlights

• Semi-aniline Nappa leather seating, body cradling heated & ventilated power front, w/ driver's 2 position memory, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats
• Aluminum trim & bezels, microsuede middle dash accents, 10.25" TFT variable gauge cluster, unique 2-zone automatic climate control panel
• Rain sensing windshield wipers; Adaptive steer LED headlamps; Power Moonroof; Reverse power tilting side mirrors.
• Comfort access & push button ignition

What It Has Not (or Not Preferred):

• Row 2 entry snags heads of taller adults
• Front center armrest distant from console shift lever
• Infotainment display is last generation Mazda
• Infotainment loses touch control capability and gets buggy
• Dim climate control display & sunwashed steering wheel spoke switches
• Android Auto phone projection requires "parking brake" activation to initially initialize
• Traffic Jam Assist autonomous steering only works to 40 mph
• Volume brand warranty duration, scheduled maintenance not included