Drivetime: "Yo Vinnie! Whaddya Drivin' This Week?" 2014 Mazda 6 Grand Touring
"Yo Vinnie! Waddya Drivin' This Week?" is a first look/first impression of the review vehicle I am driving this week for a future "Drivetime Road Test" auto review.
This week it's seven days in a Mazda which always makes me happy. This deep red beauty is the new Mazda 6 Grand Touring.
Mazda has completely redesigned the 6 and as it sits there in the parking space I can't seem to get my eyes off of it. Bulging fenders, flowing lines into doors, well thought out roof lines and athletic stances all make the 6 not only unique but a stop and look at it car.
Inside, a simple and comfortable interior. Seats are bolstered, gauges are easy to read and there is a lot of safety equipment like radar cruise control, blind spot warning systems and my favorite rear view camera with cross traffic warning.
On the long road trip I am on it is a pleasure to drive. The inline 4 with Skyactiv Technology that produces 148 horses has some punch to it without being overwhelming. The six-speed automatic is crisp and invites you to get to know it via paddle shifters. It is very responsive.
On the highway the Mazda 6 shines with a taut ride that is firm but not bouncy. The sports car pedigree really comes through here. Take it off the interstate though and get into it on the back roads and eight hours of driving become a pleasure instead of a chore. Slipping through curves the 6 asks you to push it a bit more and when you do it rewards you with the car driver connection that comes in cars costing a lot more.
Sticker price is $31,490 pretty well loaded. 30 mpg combined EPA rating and so far it's not far off.
The Mazda 6 has a lot going for it. So far I am really enjoying driving this mid-size sedan and even better admiring its spectacular lines. Art meets car. Mazda got this one right.
Listen for my full review on a future edition of Drivetime.
For more information on the Mazda 6: http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsMain&vehicleCode=M6G
Yo Vinnie, whaddya driving this week? Follow Drivetime on Twitter @dttweet and on Facebook at Facebook.com/DriveTimeRadioandTV
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Get more reviews, news about cars and the people who drive them, interviews and tips on how to get more out of your driving experience all on Drivetime with Vinnie Richichi and Rob Pratte Saturday mornings 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA. Also listen to Vinnie on The Vinnie and Cook Show Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sportsradio 93-7 The Fan.
