2021 Mazda 6 Signature 2.5T: A genuine rider in unison with steed premium volume family sedan will be taking a hiatus after this year.
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).
2021 Mazda 6 Signature 2.5 TDriving Hits:
227 to 250 horsepower = +39 bump (62 hp with minimum 91 AKI octane unleaded gasoline)
320 pound-feet = +129 pound-feet torque = 71% > standard atmospheric aspirated 2.5L Skyactiv G engine 2021 Mazda 6 Signature 2.5T: turbocharged twin-cam 2.5L engine churns out 250 hp / 320 lb-ft torque on super unleaded, still returning 26 combined MPG
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 2021 Mazda 6 Signature 2.5T: Compliant sprung fully independent suspension w/ taut damping allows 19″ Falken Ziex tires on alloy wheels to deliver a smooth but responsive ride.
Assembly with tight tolerances and premium materials knocks on door 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
2021 Mazda 6 Signature 2.5T: Cloaked in passionate Soul Crystal Red, the sensuous yet muscular profile basks in Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan lakefront.
Large wheel arches accommodates up to 19″ wheels
Accommodates 5 adults generously & 16 cubic feet of stuff in the trunk
2021 Mazda 6 Signature 2.5T: 2nd Row seating
2021 Mazda 6 Signature 2.5T: Nicely carpeted trunk for extra sound insulation
Exquisite build, materials and control details levels
√ 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 2021 Mazda 6 Signature 2.5T: Android Auto (and Apple Car Play) smart phone projection included
Android Auto, AppleCar Play 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
What It Has Not (or Not Preferred):
It’s not an SUV (apparently a no-no for most contemporary Americans)
Front seats short in cushion depth and low in torso bolstering
Row 2 entry snags heads of taller adults
Front center armrest distant from console shift lever
Infotainment display is last generation Mazda
Infotainment display buggy
Infotainment display loses touch control capability
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
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 2021 Mazda 6 Signature 2.5T: Navigation, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, and road sign recognition all in the Heads Up Display
2021 Mazda 6 Signature 2.5T: Nicely carpeted trunk for extra sound insulation
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WHAT:2018 Mazda6 Signature 2.5T flagship mid-size family sport sedan. Update of mid-cycle refresh of GJ1 3rd generation.
Standard Power: transverse 2.5L DOHC 16V DI variable nozzle turbocharged gas I-4 = 250 hp/ 310 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm+ 6-speed torque converter planetary automatic transaxle.
Note: Using 87 RON octane unleaded = net horsepower drops to 227.
WHAT (A) STYLING (DIFFERENCE): Update brings subtle tweaks what was already arguably the most sensual fastback profiled volume mid-size sedan = KODO +1;
Pentagonal grille goes from horizontal slats to dim mirror-finish hexagonal lattice; Chrome band extends under LED headlamps housings which now incorporate fog lights and bolder white DRLs;
Rear trunk lid chrome band bisects wrap around LED tail lamps; Entire bumper cover matches body color with a mini simulated diffuser at the bottom center; Dual chrome exhaust tips are now beveled and more flared;
WHY:The most driving focused of volume mid-size sedans needed forced induction to compete;
