The 2021 Mazda6

 A large sedan, and direct competitor in the market.

The Mazda6 has been in Canada since 2013 and hasn’t experienced many changes. Aside from the obvious exterior design changes, under the sheet metal the Mazda6 has stayed mostly the same. And that’s ok. Because as the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

For 2021, Mazda has made sure to include sufficient power in all ranges of the Mazda6. Starting with the GS and GS-L, the Mazda6 will be powered by a 2.5L Skyactiv-G engine making 187hp and 186 lb.-ft of torque and will also be capable of cylinder deactivation. Between 40-80km/h the two outer cylinders shut down to decrease fuel consumption, a nice touch by Mazda. The 2.5L Skyactiv-G will be capable of attaining 9L/100km in the city and 6,7L/100km on the highways.

2021 Mazda6

For the higher-end models including the GT, Kuro and Signature edition, the Mazda6 will get an increase in power to 250hp and 320 lb.-ft of torque when using the correct fuel (super and not regular). Should you so choose to put regular into your fuel tank, the power will be reduced to a mere 227hp and you will lose 10 lb.-ft of torque. In reality, that is still more than enough power for the common motorist. To gain the additional power these models are powered by the 2.5L Skyactiv-G but with a turbo.

2021 Mazda6 Kuro Edition

Attached to both engine models is the same 6-speed automatic. Mazda chose to stay with a 6-speed instead of updating with the times to what most manufacturers are using; a 7 or 8-speed transmission. The Mazda6 will also only be available in front wheel drive. A shame as you will be able to have the smaller Mazda3 in AWD for 2021.

On the interior, the Mazda6 has all the amenities that you have come to expect in 2021. We have an 8” infotainment display that is controlled by a knob on the centre console, along with that you get buttons to control heating and cooling. The media system also includes Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto. Otherwise, Mazda has done a fantastic job curating an interior that can easily compete with its German counterparts.

2021 Mazda6 Kuro Edition

Also new for 2021 is the introduction of the Kuro in the Mazda6 lineup. This new package will be at the same trim level as the GT and Signature models thus having the 2.5-Turbo engine option. The Kuro will have two exterior paint options including; Polymetal Grey or Jet Black and will include gloss black mirrors, with 19” black metallic wheels. As for the interior, it will have Garnet Red leather seats, red stitching across the dash, and black hairline accents on the dash and door panels.

2021 Mazda6 Kuro Edition

The new Mazda6 though mostly unchanged is still one of the most underrated sedans on the market today. Unfortunately, due to the unavailability of AWD, and the simplistic design, the Mazda6 just doesn’t standout like other models in the same category. To make the Mazda6 competitive in today’s market, I feel, as though we would need to see an AWD transmission option, and more exterior design options. 

2021 Mazda6 specs:

Power/Motor

• GS, GS-L: 187hp / 186 lb.-ft 
• GT, Kuro, Signature: 250hp / 320 lb.-ft (supreme fuel) 227hp / 310 lb.-ft (regular fuel)
• GS, GS-L: 2.5l Skyactiv-G
• GT, Kuro, Signature: 2.5l Skyactiv-G Turbo

Fuel Consumption:

• GS, GS-L: 9l/100km city, 6.7l/100km highway
• GT, Kuro, Signature: 10l/100km city, 7.5l/100km highway

Size/Weight:

• 4,865mm long
• 2.091mm wide
• 1,450mm tall
• 3,400lbs

Features/Options:

• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Multiple paint color options
• Interior color options
• 19-inch wheels

Price (CAD):

• GS - $27,550
• GS-L - $31,650
• GT - $34,950
• Kuro - $37,950
• Signature - $39,500