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2014 Mazda 6

In the past, the Mazda 6 has never been a dominant player in its segment. Mazda is always seeking to change that, and with the 2014 redesign, Mazda doesn't stray on its quest to pumping up its sales dramatically. 

 Though the side windows are shaped similarly to the outgoing generation, the new 6 is significantly more angry-looking than before. The aggressive shapes translate to a .26 drag coefficient, meaning air resistance is minimal. For reference, the Prius has a .25 drag coefficient while a Camry has a .28 drag coefficient. Plus, the new 6 is a lot sexier than a Prius. 

 The car itself should be sportier as well. 220 to 375 pounds have to dropped on the new 6, depending on trim level. A Mazda 6 with all the goodies is said to only weigh 3109 pounds, less then a Chevrolet Cruze. Combined with new SkyActiv four-cylinder engines, gas mileage shouldn't disappoint. Other markets get a 2-liter four-cylinder with horsepower in the 150s, but our market wil most likely be gifted with the 189-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder. 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions will be offered, keeping in touch with Mazda's fun-to-drive image. Fun-to-drive doesn't mean unrefined, and Mazda has also focused on reducing harsh vibrations and overall noise. An engine start-stop system and a braking-energy recuperation system further enhance fuel economy. There won't be a high-horsepower Mazda 6, but there is a Toyota-licensed hybrid 6 coming. 

 The interior design isn't as exciting as the exterior or engineering. The dashboard strongly resembles the CX-5's, meaning it isn't as stylish as it is functional. The interior as a whole sends off a premium aura, but that poorly-intergrated stereo/navigation system is just a drag. The new 6 shouldn't stray far in terms of interior volume compared to the roomy outgoing U.S. Mazda 6. 

 In Russia, where the new Mazda 6 is debuting, it can be optioned up with adaptive cruise control, rear vehicle observation system, and similar safety gimmicks. The 2014 Mazda 6 will be loaded off on American land from Japan in early 2013. 

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