Get Behind the Wheel: Driving the Mazda 6

VROOM VROOM. That is definitely how I felt the moment I slid behind the wheel of the 2016 Mazda 6. This is no "mom car." And I don't mean that in a negative way, but as moms, much of our "job" involves carting kids around and our vehicle needs to help us out with that. While the Mazda 6 is definitely up for the task, it felt much more like a sporty, speedy fun ride.

I admit that I got a little thrill when the Drive Shop team dropped this beauty off for us to test out for a week. I was working from home and it was a sunny day. The car was shiny and still had that great "new car" smell. I couldn't wait to take it for a spin. Being the true Type-A that I am, I listened attentively to the Drive Shop team member as he explained the basics. Once he left, I pulled out the Quick Start guide to familiarize myself with the console and the controls.

The Mazda 6 is pretty user intuitive, and full of bells and whistles that make driving more fun and safer. My favorite safety feature was the "Blind Spot Warning". When there is a car in your blind spot, a small icon appears on your side mirror (corresponding to the side of the car with the other vehicle) this tells you it is NOT okay to move over. Once the icon disappears, you are clear to put on your turn signal and change lanes.

I am old school and still use many of the techniques I learned in the mid-80s during my defensive driving classes. I do a mirror sweep as I drive, glancing in my left side, rear-view and right side mirrors on a rotating basis.  When changing lanes or reversing, I don't rely on my mirrors or back up cameras, but turn my head to look all around and check. The Mazda 6's safety features make all of these techniques even easier to use, for an amazing feeling of safety and control.

The Mazda 6 uses SKYACTIV Technology to make driving better. Every aspect of the vehicle is engineered to maximize driving dynamics and efficiency: from body construction and engine technology, to the chassis and transmission. We drove more than 300 miles the week that we had the car and never had to stop for gas. According to the Mazda website, SKYACTIV^® engines can compress the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders to an extraordinary degree. Squeezing far more energy from every drop of fuel. For me, as a driver, it means my money lasts longer and goes further, and these days that's a very good thing. The SKYACTIV Drive 6-speed automatic, shifts quickly and smoothly. We put the car in sport mode for a long car ride to NJ and it was smooth sailing.

The Mazda 6 fits 5, and I did bring three teenage boys and one 9 year old home from school comfortably. The middle seat belt in the back is easy to operate. The boys assured me they had plenty of legroom, and we threw all their backpacks in the roomy trunk. In fact, I am so annoyed with myself that I didn't get a picture of the trunk - it was HUGE! We could easily pack for a weekend trip for four and bring all the necessities plus a few extras.

Not only was the seating spacious, but it was supremely comfortable as well. The Parchment Leather interior felt and looked so luxurious. I would never dream of having that in my everyday car with the kids, but for a week, we managed to keep it spotless! Our current car has black leather interior, and I could really tell the difference in the heat held in the car. A girl can dream - right? You can get a closer look inside from my Facebook Live video.

Overall we had a fabulous time with the Mazda 6. We rode in comfort and style. The Mazda was super fun to drive, with a great sunroof and a fantastic stereo system. I managed to fit in a few rides without the kids, sunroof and windows open and great songs on the radio.

Have you tried a Mazda lately? Thanks to DriveShop and Mazda for the opportunity to check out and review the Mazda 6.

catch you soon -