The humble wagon is a dying breed on Australian roads where SUVs outsell traditional passenger
cars by 2:1. But we reckon, the trustee station wagon still has so much to offer,
and this is one of the best. Let me convince you.
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Sedans and Wagons are fighting an uphill battle as Aussie buyers are lured by the space and
versatility of an SUV. We get it. But the Mazda 6 GT SP wagon may make you think twice about the
benefits of wagon life before you go buy an SUV. Priced from $34,590 and topping out at $51,390,
the Mazda 6 range consists of eight variants that offer Sedan and wagon body styles. The Mazda 6 GT
SP wagon on test sits towards the top of the range, priced from $47,990 plus on-road costs.
The reasons the wagon has been a family favourite for decades has not changed.
In fact, if anything, it's improved as evidenced by Mazda's flagship wagon, its answer to the
likes of BMW's 3-Series Touring. The Mazda 6 is well proportioned, set off by 19-inch alloys,
chrome accents, roof rails, LEDs front and rear as well as LED daytime running lights.
Entry-level sport and touring are powered by a 2.5-litre, naturally aspirated petrol
engine while the GT SP and Atenza add a turbocharged unit. There's no diesel on offer.
All Mazda 6 are matched to a six-speed automatic gearbox that send power to front wheels.
A zero to 100 kilometer per hour time of seven seconds isn't bad either. This is really nice.
It's certainly got a premium feel to it. Soft surfaces and quality materials throughout
make the cabin a really nice and comfortable place to be.
There's also electric adjust heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and the
layout is great, ergonomically excellent. There's good storage, and it's a well-thought-out design.
There's an electric park brake, paddle shifters, idle stop technology, and a push button start.
Mazda's tech user interface continues to be one of the best out there. It's
both simple and intuitive. Better still, you can use the rotary dial or the touchscreen,
big thumbs up. The 8.0-inch touchscreen sits proud of the dash and features AM/FM,
digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, Bluetooth and voice control,
and an 11-speaker Bose sound system. Driver Assist and safety technology is
extensive on top of those ones listed. It also gets front and rear parking sensors,
head up display, high beam control and autonomous emergency braking
that also includes forward collision warning and traffic sign recognition. And let's not forget
oddments storage, you've got two cup holders here in a sensible position, a littered armrest with
your charge points and a 12-volt outlet and some extra storage here. Overall, it's pretty good.
The second row is really comfortable, and it's got great headroom and legroom. It's generous
for two passengers and not bad for three. There's a nice big armrest with two cup holders. You'll
find the button for your seat warmer here as well as two USB outlets. There are two directional air
vents and seat back pockets. The boot is large. It has two sturdy bag hooks, tie-down points,
a 12-volt outlet, a light, but there's no electric tailgate. An integrated cargo cover that lifts
with the tailgate is great, and you've also got a divider net for added safety. 60/40 split fold
seats increase the load space and versatility. Now it's time to find out how it drives.
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I'm really enjoying my time behind the wheel. If I had to sum it up in one word,
I would say, effortless. I'd happily take a really long road trip in this car.
The 2.5-litre, turbocharged unit is a great match for this vehicle. It's quick off the mark and
skips through the gears effortlessly, whether left to its own devices or using the paddle shifts.
Sport mode improves feel at the wheel and engine response.
To that point, overall ride comfort is a highlight of the Mazda 6. The suspension feels fit for
purpose, not too hard, not too soft. It rides over bumps with ease and the cabin is incredibly quiet.
It won't sting you at the bowser either. The Mazda 6 delivers high levels of comfort without
sacrificing behind-the-wheel engagement. It is a great steer. Outward vision is really good, but
it never hurts to have a reversing camera, and the one in the Mazda 6 is really good, crystal clear.
ront and rear sensors are an added help. The Mazda 6 wagon boasts the
space and versatility that people my age grew up with in a family car and then some.
Class-leading refinement, drivability, and user friendliness, quality fit and finish, great safety
tech, room for five people and all of their gear, it ticks a lot of boxes. It's no SUV, but don't
try and tell me you're not a little more inclined to put the Mazda 6 wagon on your shopping list.