Evoking the same sporty feel, the 6’s new interior benefits from improved materials and workmanship that are well beyond its class.  The most noticeable change is the center console.  Gone is the low-budget faux aluminum in favor of a sturdier, brushed gray metallic tone.  The controls are now rubberized, giving unparalleled tactile feel and precision.  The seating material is now leather, and so is the steering wheel and shifter handle.  The gauges have improved legibility and are now surrounded by a tasteful metallic surround.  As with before, the 6’s interior is extremely driver centered, almost like a fighter cockpit, but the bigger story here is the added creature comforts.

The previous standard issue features on the 6 such as the power moon roof and steering wheel mounted controls remain, but headlining the change is an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with 3-setting memory.  Coupling it with a telescoping steering wheel, the 6 has the best driving position of any sedan thus far.  The climate control is now fully automatic and audio system benefits from a 6-disc in-dash system.

With such stellar performance on tap, Mazda engineers have gifted the 6 with an array of active and passive safety equipment.  The 6 has the most solid braking in its class, and it’s no surprise as it has huge 11-inch disc brakes front and aft with the ubiquitous ABS and EBD.  The Mazda6 also has six airbags as standard. Night time driving has been greatly improved with auto on/off HID headlamps and front fog lamps as standard.  The wipers are now equipped with rain sensors too.  The most impressive feature though is the Traction Control System (TCS).  Curbing wheel spin on tricky surfaces, it enables the driver to push the 6 to its limit without interfering in the fun.  It also gives the 6 idiot-proof handling no matter the condition.

As a product reborn, the Mazda6 plugs all the gaps that plagued the model launched a year and a half ago.  Though it left enthusiasts hanging before, the 2005 Mazda6’s newfound performance, unmatched handling, athletic stance and improved features is more than enough to make up for lost ground.  In genuine Mazda tradition, the 6 is a cohesive product that evokes the company’s uncompromising pursuit of everything zoom-zoom.
New cabin still retains driver-centeredness.  Fat, three-spoke steering wheel a joy to hold.
Revised center console does away with awful faux aluminum.  New knobs give excellent feel and texture.  Ignition key is "switch blade" type, similar to Volvos.

Gated 5-speed automatic has manual override function dubbed Activematic.  On uphill climbs, best leave it to full auto though.

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