Though only trace amounts of DNA are shared between the two, the Mazda6's root can be traced back as far as the 1979 release of the Mazda 626. In 2003, Mazda chose to drop the "26" from the 626's name and move the remaining "6" right next to its own name, creating the all-new Mazda6. With the Mazda6 set for a complete redesign in 2014, the 2013 model year is essentially a carryover, sans a few minor changes, which include: adding larger rims and deleting the s Touring Plus trim level.
Introduction
The 2013 Mazda6 carries into the 2013 model year with five trim levels, including: i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, i Grand Touring and s Grand Touring. The i Sport starts things off as the base model, featuring only the basic amenities and a $20,725 MSRP. The i Touring model comes in next, boasting a mild drivetrain upgrade and a few basic exterior changes. Next in the Mazda6 lineup is the i Touring Plus trim, which adds in larger rims and a few exterior feature, starts off at $25,170. The fourth trim level, the i Grand Touring, comes in at $27,750 and sees some extra interior trimmings. The pinnacle of the Mazda6 lineup, the s Grand Touring comes in at $29,990 and sees an exclusive drivetrain and a number of comfort and convenience additions to the interior and exterior.
In the mid-size sedan market the Mazda6 has a large number of competitors to fend off. One of its key competitors is the newly redesigned 2013 Honda Accord Sedan, which boasts two engines a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V-6. Nissan gets in on the Mazda6-challenging fun with its redesigned 2013 Altima, which bases out with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and caps off with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The U.S. gets in on the competition with its redesigned 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and its trio of engines: 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 2.4-liter hybrid four-cylinder and its 259-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.
See our picks for best sedans in the CarsDirect 2012 Sedan Buying Guide.
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Which Style To Buy?
2013 Mazda Mazda6 i Grand Touring
Recommended for: Buyers looking for all of the options of the s Grand Touring with the fuel economy of the four-cylinder engine
The Mazda6 i Grand Touring takes what is on the i Touring Plus and adds in some high-end features. Keeping the passenger’s entertained is a 265-watt Bose Centerpoint stereo system with 10 speakers and AudioPilot. The i Grand Touring eliminates the manual air conditioning and replaces it with a two-zone automatic climate control system. Also included in the cabin are leather seats with heaters built into the two front ones and a Welcome” lighting system that illuminates the entire cabin as you enter the car. The final addition to the i Grand Touring trim is a multi-information display with a 4.3-inch color screen in place of the standard audio system that displays the audio, Bluetooth and climate control information, as well as the image from the standard back-up camera.
2013 Mazda Mazda6 i Sport
Most PopularRecommended for: New families looking for a roomy sedan at a low price
The i Sport trim level is the base format of the 2013 Mazda6 and despite its entry-level status, it still comes well equipped. On the outside it comes standard with 16-inch rims and automatic on-and-off headlights. Inside the cabin, the 2013 Mazda6 i Sport features power windows and door locks, with a one-touch-down feature on the river side window. To help keep the cabin comfortable, the i Sport trim level comes with air conditioning and a pollen filter to keep allergens on the outside. To help keep everyone in the Mazda6 i Sport entertained, it features an AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo system with six speakers in total. Connected to the i Sport’s standard 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter engine is a six-speed manual transmission.
2013 Mazda Mazda6 i Touring
Recommended for: Families that want a sportier look without a huge price increase
The 2013 Mazda6 i Touring takes the standard features that the i Sport comes with and adds some extra touches of luxury. It features 17-inch rims wrapped with 215/55R17 tires in place of the standard 16-inch wheels. Another add on to the i Touring’s exterior is a pair of fog lamps to help its driver see in non0ideal conditions. Inside the i Touring, Mazda added in Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, premium interior trim, and a leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob. Adding to the enjoyment of any commute, the i Touring includes a six-disc CD changer to the standard six-speaker stereo system. The i Touring trim uses a five-speed manual connected to the standard 2.5-liter engine.
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Best Alternatives
2013 Honda Accord
Superior fuel economy, but more expensive across the board
2013 Nissan Altima
Superior fuel economy, but four-cylinder engine is noisy
2013 Chevrolet Malibu
Huge horsepower and mpg on the top end, but expensive in the base format
2013 Kia Optima
Base model is packed with features, but no manual transmission option
