2009 Mazda6 S Grand Touring Long Term Arrival

The previous-generation Mazda6 was always a popular player around these parts. It won a midsize sport-sedan comparo when introduced. The Long-Term 2002 test unit we lived with performed flawlessly during its year in our garage. But by the time it had run its course at the end of the 2008 model year, others had moved on. Top-selling entries like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were roomier and more sophisticated, and had better infotainment offerings. So the zoom-zoom folks got busy and reinvented the Mazda6 for 2009. It's now more in line with other marketplace offerings in terms of size and, as is typical for Mazda, offers more expressive design and tips its hand more toward the performance side of the coin. All good reasons for a yearlong look.

Base models are powered by a 170-horse, 2.5-liter inline-four, which is class-competitive with those from Honda and Toyota. We stepped up to the Mazda6 S Grand Touring, which combines the new 3.7-liter, 272-horse V-6 with all manner of sport and luxury accoutrements.

This engine also cranks with the category leaders, and is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission. The S Grand Touring variant is a comprehensively equipped machine, including 18-inch rolling stock, leather seats (heated in front), dual zone HVAC, front and rear anti-roll bars, sport tuned shocks, steering wheel controls, cruise, and Bluetooth audio. There were few options to add: navigation (at a still pricey $2000) and the Bose audio/power moonroof combo at $1760. Ours also has a blind-spot monitoring system. Most find it a great stress reliever, but a few think it's distracting (it has an off button for the latter). Everyone is impressed with the car's detailing; nice lighting clusters, well-finished dual exhaust outlets, crisp gauge faces, and so forth. There's also a lot more room in back than in the previous model.

Our Sangria Red over black example has clocked just over 3000 miles with no mechanical or service issues to date. Truck Trend Online editor Melissa Spiering summarizes it accordingly:

"Love-love-love the power and the whine of the engine when accelerating on the highway. The ride is a little jarring (compared with the Cadillac CTS I was just in for over a week), but that's what you get for the sportiness of the suspension. Everything about the performance and handling just feels right. It all works together nicely and is fun to drive." So far, so good. We'll keep you posted.